Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) weighs from one to three pounds, and exhibit color variations which range from a buff color to gray, and in some instances black. The under parts are usually lighter, and typical specimens have white noses and ears with black faces and feet.
Of the four subspecies found in Florida, two are listed as protected species. Sherman's Fox Squirrel, Sciurus niger shermani, a species of special concern, is found in the open piney woods of central and Northeastern Florida. The Big Cypress Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia, a threatened species is found from the Everglades region, in Lee county, to the southern part of Dade county. The state’s two other subspecies, the southeastern fox squirrel and Bachman’s fox squirrel, reside in northwest Florida. Fox Squirrels are protected from hunting throughout the state.
Fox squirrels are much less numerous than gray squirrels, but can sometimes be observed foraging for food in pastures or openings adjacent to forested areas. They spend more time on the ground than in trees and often attempt to escape enemies by running rather than climbing. They are larger than Gray Squirrels, and the Fox Squirrel has 20 teeth where the Gray Squirrel has 22 teeth.
Fox squirrels spend more time on the ground than gray squirrels and are slower moving. They forage for acorns, nuts, fruits, insects, mushrooms, buds and tubers, so they require habitats with an open understory. These include open pine flatwoods, sandhills, mixed pine-hardwood areas and rangeland interspersed with trees. In Florida, the fox squirrel may also be found in cypress stands and occasionally mangrove swamps.
Fox squirrels have both a summer and winter coat, and therefore molt twice each year. The spring molt begins in March and may last for weeks, left, whereas the autumn molt begins in September. But the tail only molts once each year during the summer.
Fox squirrels usually have 2 breeding seasons and litters a year. Breeding season peaks in January-February and again in May-June. 3 to 4 young are born naked, blind, helpless, and weigh between 13-18g. Eyes open at week 5. They remain in the nest 7 to 8 weeks.
