Fox Squirrel
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Sciurus
Species: S. niger
General Characteristics: In contrast with the gray squirrel, the fox squirrel is brawny, less nervous and adjusts well to small woodlots in farmland. Upper body parts are a grizzled black-brown-orange combination. The fox squirrel has brown under parts. Those found below the Mason-Dixon Line may be black above, white below and have white ears and noses, but this color phase is not found in Indiana. Although fox squirrels are often seen on the ground, they climb well and are seldom found far from trees. They arise and feed later than other squirrels and are more active throughout the day. Their barking and squalls often betray their presence, as these sounds carry a great distance.
Special Adaptations: Squirrels don’t hibernate, so they must depend upon buried acorns and nuts for winter fare. Many acorns buried in the fall are never found and later sprout to become trees. Sticky seeds and burrs lodge in the squirrels plume-like tail and are transported to new areas. Through planting and dispersal of seeds, our bushy-tailed friend serves as a forester and plant distributor of great importance.
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