Fauna
Mammal

Eastern Fox Squirrel

Sciurus niger

Also known as Fox Squirrel, Bryant's Fox Squirrel, Stump-Eared Squirrel

Eastern fox squirrels are the largest native tree squirrels in North America, easily recognized by their rich rusty-orange bellies and impressive leafy nests high in the canopy. They spend significantly more time foraging on the forest floor than their grey relatives, burying thousands of acorns and nuts each autumn that help regenerate hardwood forests. Their chittering and sharp barking calls alert the surrounding woodland to approaching predators like hawks and coyotes.

DiurnalMammalForest Dweller
Eastern Fox Squirrel reference1 / 7
"Fox Squirrel, San Jose CA" by Franco Folini is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAcorns, Hickory Nuts, Fungi
Predators
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Coyote
  • Bobcat
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, hunting
HabitatsOpen hardwood forests, oak-hickory stands, forest edges, suburban parks
Life span6–12 years in the wild
Classification
  1. OrderRodentia
  2. FamilySciuridae
  3. GenusSciurus
  4. SpeciesSciurus niger
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May bite if cornered, trapped, or hand-fed; observe peacefully from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observe ground activity: Watch for their distinctive slow, bounding gait while they forage for fallen nuts.
  • Avoid hand-feeding: Feeding by hand encourages aggressive habituation and risks sharp defensive bites.
  • Look for leaf dreys: Scan high tree forks in autumn to spot their bulky, spherical nests made of twigs and leaves.
Related species
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Urban Dwellers

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