Fox Squirrel
Sciurus niger
Also known as: Eastern Fox Squirrel, Bryant's Fox Squirrel
The Fox Squirrel is the largest native tree squirrel in North America. It favors open woodlands and forest edges over dense forest. Like the gray squirrel it readily enters attics and outbuildings, and its larger size means it can cause even more structural damage when gnawing entry holes.
Identification
Size
250-380 mm body; tail adds 200-330 mm
Color
Highly variable - rusty orange, gray-brown, or black depending on region; belly typically orange or yellowish
Key Trait
Largest North American tree squirrel; square-shaped face; orange-tinted belly and tail edges distinguish it from the gray squirrel.
Behavior & Habitat
Diurnal and less agile than gray squirrels, spending more time foraging on the ground. Tends to be solitary. Enters structures through roof-level gaps and can widen small openings quickly with its powerful jaws.
Habitat: Open hardwood forests, forest edges, pecan and walnut orchards, parks, and suburban neighborhoods with mature trees.
Diet: Tree nuts (hickory, walnut, pecan), acorns, corn, fruit, seeds, and occasionally insects and bird eggs.
Signs of Infestation
- Large gnaw marks on eaves, fascia, or wooden trim - noticeably bigger than those left by gray squirrels
- Heavy thumping sounds in the attic during daylight hours
- Piles of nut shells or husks in attic spaces or along rooflines
Risks & Damage
Creates large entry holes in roofing and siding; nesting material can block ventilation.
Chews electrical wiring, creating fire risk.
Damages pecan, walnut, and corn crops in agricultural areas.
Prevention Tips
- 1.Install metal flashing around potential roof-level entry points
- 2.Keep tree canopy trimmed at least 2.5 meters from the structure
- 3.Secure garbage cans and remove fallen fruit or nuts from the yard
Why DIY Treatment Often Falls Short
Fox squirrels are large and powerful gnawers. Lightweight materials like plastic vent covers or thin aluminum screening are quickly defeated. Trapping without sealing entry points leads to rapid re-infestation.
Professional Treatment
Wildlife professionals install one-way exclusion devices and reinforce all entry points with heavy-gauge steel mesh or metal flashing. Contaminated insulation is removed, and sanitizing agents are applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a fox squirrel from a gray squirrel?
Do fox squirrels hibernate?
Can a fox squirrel chew through metal?
Need Help With Fox squirrel?
If you're seeing signs of fox squirrel in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.
At a Glance
- Category
- Wildlife
- Scientific Name
- Sciurus niger
- Size
- 250-380 mm body; tail adds 200-330 mm
- Color
- Highly variable - rusty orange, gray-brown, or black depending on region; belly typically orange or yellowish
- Key Trait
- Largest North American tree squirrel; square-shaped face; orange-tinted belly and tail edges distinguish it from the gray squirrel.
- Regions
- Southeast, Midwest, Great Plains, Mid Atlantic, Gulf Coast, Northeast
- Threat Level
- Moderate
- Risk Types
- structuralelectricalagricultural
- Seasonal Activity
- MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebnonelowmoderatehighpeak