A Mammal Brief
Fox Squirrel
By Lindsay Rogers
Sciurus niger
Named for
their large,
bushy tails
– reminiscent
of a red fox's
tail – fox
squirrel are found
across Nebraska in a
variety of habitats.
They prefer open
forested areas, but are
often found in urban areas.
Although fox squirrels are a true tree squirrel, they spend much of their time on the ground searching
for food. At any sign of danger, they will immediately seek refuge in nearby trees. They feed on plant
material such as buds, bark and nuts. They are distinguished from other tree squirrels, such as the
gray squirrel, by their larger size and color. Fox squirrels are typically more rusty colored with orange
underparts while the gray squirrel is more gray with white underparts; both fox and gray squirrels have
black morphs. ■
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8 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2016
