Small Mammals of North Dakota
Fox Squirrel
Sciurus niger
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The fox squirrel is a fairly common species found throughout most of North Dakota where mature stands of trees are present. It is a little larger than the gray squirrel, about 20 inches in length from nose to tail and weighs on average about 1 1/2 pounds.
The fox squirrel is similar in appearance to the gray squirrel but is more reddish-orange than the gray squirrel. Its back and sides appear to consist of two different colors that combine to make a brownish-gray. The belly and throat are uniformly yellowish-brown and may sometimes appear almost white. The large tail, making up half the squirrel's total length, is very bushy and contains black mixed with reddish-orange. Fox squirrels live in wooded and urban areas and forage on acorns and other large nuts. They also eat corn in agricultural areas and fruits, buds, berries, and seeds. The squirrel can be seen burying nuts in shallow scrapes on the ground for later use.
Most nests are constructed in trees and consist of leaves. Sometimes a hollow cavity within a tree is utilized. There are two peak breeding times but they overlap such that males are in breeding condition from November through July. This means that young may be born in every month from February through September. After a gestation period of about 45 days, a litter of 1-6 young is produced. Young are dependent on the female until 3-4 months old and become sexually mature in about ten months.
Fox squirrel behaviors include the "bark" or "chatter bark" which is accompanied by tail jerking. This indicates the presence of an intruder in the home range, either another squirrel or potential predator. Another common fox squirrel behavior is that of escaping by hiding on the opposite side of a tree trunk from a would-be predator.
In North Dakota, fox squirrels are considered a game species and included in the small game regulations as a huntable species. Other known predators of the fox squirrel include coyotes, red fox, raccoons, long-tailed weasels, and several species of hawks and owls. These small mammals are also enjoyed widely by individuals who feed wildlife in urban areas.
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