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Eastern Fox Squirrel

Sciurus niger

The Eastern Fox Squirrel is a large, bushy-tailed squirrel found in many areas. They are known for their playful nature and love to climb trees and gather nuts.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Eastern Fox Squirrel is the largest tree squirrel in North America, boasting a stocky body and a long, bushy tail. Its fur color is highly variable, ranging from grizzled gray to reddish-brown, often with a distinctive rust-colored or orange underside.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusSciurus
Eastern Fox Squirrel
furry trait badgesocial trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Eastern Fox Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Eastern Fox Squirrels can live up to 18 years, often outliving many smaller rodents!

Fox squirrels fake burying nuts to trick other animals!

Their bushy tail acts like a parachute to help them glide during long leaps!

Their super strong front teeth never stop growing, so they must chew constantly!

Special abilities

Ability

Memory Master

Eastern Fox Squirrels can remember thousands of buried nut locations because their excellent spatial memory helps them find food later.

Ability

Agile Acrobat

Eastern Fox Squirrels can leap and climb with incredible agility because their strong claws and balanced tail help them navigate trees safely.

Ability

Bushy Balancer

Eastern Fox Squirrels use their large, bushy tail for balance while climbing and as a sunshade, helping them communicate warnings.

Measurements & details

Length
45-70 cm
Weight
0.5-1.3 kg
Lifespan
8-18 years
Top Speed
24 km/h
Litter Size
1-6
Gestation
44-45 days

Diet & Feeding

They love to eat nuts, seeds, and fruits, but also munch on fungi and insects.

Primary Foods

  • Acorns
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Berries
  • Tree buds
  • Fungi

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Fox Squirrel

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch squirrels from a distance and don't try to touch them, as they can be scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eastern Fox Squirrel?

45-70 cm

How much does Eastern Fox Squirrel weigh?

0.5-1.3 kg

How long does Eastern Fox Squirrel live?

8-18 years

How fast can Eastern Fox Squirrel move?

24 km/h

What does Eastern Fox Squirrel eat?

They love to eat nuts, seeds, and fruits, but also munch on fungi and insects.

Where is Eastern Fox Squirrel usually found?

Forests

How does Eastern Fox Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Eastern Fox Squirrel usually have?

1-6

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