Fox Squirrel

You’ve likely seen a fox squirrel (Scirus niger) in parks and green spaces around your home. This species of squirrel was introduced in this area and has slowly started to replace the native western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus). Fox squirrels eat acorns and pine nuts from the same native trees as the western grays, but will also eat human food and non-native plants that western grays won’t. They’re comfortable nesting near humans and aren’t bothered by living in a fragmented habitat, while the mostly arboreal western grays rely on a continuous stretch of mature oaks to provide food and shelter. Protecting stretches of native trees and restoring these habitats will create healthy homes for both of these species.