Fox squirrels are a very charismatic species and Spring Island is fortunate to have a large, healthy population. The species was once widely distributed across the eastern US but fox squirrels are less common now due to habitat loss in many places. Size alone is all that is needed to differentiate between an adult fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and the common gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Fox squirrels can weigh more than three pounds. They exhibit a variety of color morphs from immaculate black bodies to solid gray coloration with varying amounts of white and black on the head and tail. Most Spring Island specimens are gray and white but solid black specimens are not rare.

Fox Squirrels on Coastal Kingdom

Fox squirrels can be found in live oak forests, pine savannas, yards and on the golf course. They may occupy a home range of 30 acres or more and feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, bird eggs and insects. They spend a great deal of time burying nuts and seeds. They often seem to forget where they hide the nuts and seeds so they are responsible for planting a lot of trees!

Mating behavior can be seen in the winter as male fox squirrels chase the females. These elaborate races involve leaping from tree to tree and racing across the ground at astonishing speed. Two to four kits are born in late February or March in a large leafy nest 30-40′ off the ground. Older females may have two litters in a year. The babies do not open their eyes for almost a month and they stay near the nest for their first 7-8 weeks of life. The females may bear young their first year and live 10 years or more in the wild. Fox squirrel predators include bobcats, coyotes, hawks, owls and rat snakes. Drivers should take care on all roads to avoid hitting them.