Fox Squirrel
Sciurus niger
S. niger are relatively large tree squirrels with a bushy tail, typically longer than half their body length. Their coloration is highly variable, ranging from predominan…
How to identify
S. niger are relatively large tree squirrels with a bushy tail, typically longer than half their body length. Their coloration is highly variable, ranging from predominantly reddish-brown or tawny to grayish or even black, often with a grizzled appearance. The underside is usually lighter, and some individuals may have a white nose and white patches on the paws. They have large, rounded ears and strong claws adapted for climbing.
Range
S. niger is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, and southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada. They have also been introduced to some western states.
Habitat
S. niger inhabit a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, and pine forests. They are also commonly found in urban and suburban areas with mature trees, such as parks, cemeteries, and residential neighborhoods. They are less arboreal than gray squirrels and spend more time foraging on the ground.
Similar species
S. carolinensis are generally smaller and typically have a more uniform gray coat with a white or light gray underside. Their tail often has a frosted appearance due to white-tipped hairs. S. griseus are larger than gray squirrels but generally smaller than fox squirrels, with a predominantly silver-gray coat and a long, bushy tail fringed with white.
Name and etymology
niger: Latin for black
At a glance
Range
S. niger is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, and southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada. They…
Habitat
S. niger inhabit a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, and pine forests. They are also…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap