Fox and Gray Squirrel Biology

Adult fox squirrels weigh between 1.3 and 2.8 pounds.

Adult gray squirrels weigh between 0.7 and 1.3 pounds.

The fox squirrel has reddish underparts and brown or gray upperparts.

Gray squirrels have yellowish rusty upper parts, especially on the head and legs, with gray-tipped hairs on their arms, neck, and rump.

Fox squirrels have a cinnamon-and-black colored tail, less than half the length of their body.

Gray squirrels have a dull yellow tail base, a black middle section, and white tips on their tails.

Acorns are the main food source for squirrels, making up about 60% of their diet.

Squirrels need about 0.2 pounds of food per day.

The ideal habitat for fox squirrels comprises mature oak-hickory woodlands, broken into small, isolated patches of 5-20 acres, connected by wooded strips serving as squirrel highways. A mixture of pine, elm, beech, pecan, maple, and other food-producing trees enhances the habitat.

Gray squirrels prefer dense hammocks of live oak, willow oak, water oak, white oak, cypress, blackgum, and magnolia, particularly those with a mix of white oak and water oak, magnolia, sweetgum, and holly.

Hollow trees serve as ideal spots for gray squirrels to raise their young and create nurseries. Leaf nests are also used, especially in spring and summer, but tree cavities offer better protection and success for offspring.

Hardwood trees must be at least 40 years old to develop den cavities suitable for squirrels. An area should contain 5-10% mature hardwood trees to support a healthy squirrel population.

Water is essential for squirrel survival, although they can go for weeks without it. They obtain water from succulent foods when surface water is unavailable. Suitable water sources include ponds, creeks, and even hollows in trees.

Fox squirrels have a large home range, typically covering 10 acres, with a potential range of up to 40 acres. The average gray squirrel range is 8 acres, with a maximum of 20 acres.

The best way to manage gray squirrel habitat is to leave it undisturbed. However, planting vines like grape and rattan can restore habitat where vines are absent. Nest boxes can be used to provide den sites in areas lacking hollow trees.

Prescribed burning of hardwoods can increase heart rot and create more cavity trees, but it should only be done if timber value is not a priority, as it can significantly reduce timber value.

Proper grazing practices can minimize competition for resources. Removing livestock, especially in early spring, can reduce competition. Fencing off wooded areas prevents livestock from consuming acorns, fruits, and buds.

Planting corn, peanuts, and grain sorghum near wooded areas provides additional food sources for squirrels. Planting rattan, grape, and honeysuckle in areas lacking vines can improve their habitat.

Fox squirrels are larger than gray squirrels, with adults weighing between 1.3 and 2.8 pounds.

Gray squirrels have a distinctive gray coloration due to gray-tipped hairs on their arms, neck, and rump.

Acorns make up a large portion of a squirrel's diet, about 60% by weight.

Squirrels require roughly 0.2 pounds of food daily to sustain themselves.

Mature hardwood trees, especially oak trees, are crucial for acorn production, ensuring a consistent food source for squirrels.

Squirrels can migrate in large numbers when food becomes scarce. This usually happens when a particular food source, like acorns, is depleted.

Squirrels breed throughout the year, with peak mating periods occurring in July-September and December-February.

Squirrel pups are born blind and helpless, relying on their mothers for care. They open their eyes at 5 weeks and become independent around 12 weeks.

Fox squirrels thrive in mature oak-hickory forests, divided into small, connected patches of 5-20 acres, with a mix of pine, elm, beech, pecan, maple, and other food-producing trees.

Hollow trees are crucial nesting locations for gray squirrels, especially for raising young. Leaf nests are used but less successful.

Water is crucial for squirrels, but they can survive for weeks without it, obtaining it from succulent foods. Ponds, creeks, and water-filled hollows are preferred sources.

Adult fox squirrels typically weigh between 1.3 and 2.8 pounds, while adult gray squirrels weigh between 0.7 and 1.3 pounds.

They require about 0.2 pounds of food per day.

Squirrels require a variety of foods, including acorns, pecan nuts, seeds, and even bones.

Mature hardwood trees, especially oak trees, are crucial for acorn production, ensuring a consistent food source for squirrels. Oak trees must be at least 25 years old before starting acorn production.

Squirrels are born blind and helpless, relying on their mothers for care. They open their eyes at 5 weeks old, start climbing at 7 to 8 weeks, venture to the ground at 10 weeks, and are weaned by 12 weeks.

Planting vines like grape and rattan can restore habitat where vines are absent.

Nest boxes can be used to provide den sites in areas lacking hollow trees.

Planting corn, peanuts, and grain sorghum near wooded areas provides additional food sources for squirrels.