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 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 with black faces and feet. They
are noted for their long, bushy tails and for their strong hind legs which
allows them to leap easily from place to place. The skull of the fox squirrel
has 20 teeth: gray squirrels have 22 teeth. The fox squirrel probably
was named after the fox because of its comparatively large size and peculiar
way of running along the ground which gives the appearance of a small
fox.
The fox squirrel may be found throughout Florida in open woods, pine
and cypress stands, and mangrove swamps. 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.
Mating occurs in late winter and midsummer. Females breed when they are
about one year old and produce one litter a year.
Gestation
is approximately 44 days, and litter size may vary from one to five, but
usually two or three. Young are weaned at two to three months.
The diet of the fox squirrel consists primarily of plant material such
as nuts, seeds, fungi, fruit and buds. Pine seed is their favorite. They
have also been known to occasionally eat animal material such as
insects and bird eggs.
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.
More information
Texas information
about fox squirrel
Squirrel almanac
information of the fox squirrel
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