Eastern fox squirrel (Fox squirrel) – Sciurus niger

The fox squirrel is the largest squirrel species native to North America.  Fox squirrels thrive in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands and pine forests, woodlands, transition zones between forests and prairie, forest and agricultural land. It is also found in riparian forests, and the outskirts of towns and parks. Masts and seeds of trees are the primary year-round nutrition of this species. Food also includes tree buds, catkins and flowers (in winter and spring), fruit, berries, insects and cereal crops. In addition, the species is known to feed on animal matter such as birds and their eggs, and dead fish. Even instances of cannibalism have been reported.

Females become sexually mature as early as 8 months of age, but usually produce their first litter when they are more than a year old. They normally produce two litters a year, with the litter size varying from two to five. Litter size varies greatly from year to year. At birth, the young are blind and without fur. They are weaned at the age of 2 to 3 months. Juvenile dispersion peaks in the autumn.

Activity varies between seasons: From spring to autumn, the species is active both immediately after sunset and shortly before sunrise (two activity peaks). In winter, it is active only before and after noon (one peak of activity). Females and males live in their own territories. The most important factor in terms of local density is adult females, which often actively defend the core area of their territory. Other parts of the territory overlap with other individuals.