Southeastern Fox Squirrel

Distribution

The Southeastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger niger) is one of four subspecies of Fox Squirrel occurring in Virginia. It is most often found in the southeast portion of the state, but has been occasionally spotted in other locations.

Identifying Characteristics

Photo by ©Donna Raadt

• The largest squirrel in Virginia
• 3 possible color phases: gray, tan, and black
• White ears and white nose
• Black on top of the head

Habitat

The Southeastern Fox Squirrel requires mature pine and mixed pine forests. They prefer longleaf pines, and will typically choose a large, lone tree with a cavity for nesting. Ground cover is typically grassy with a sparse understory, and relatively low plant diversity.

An expansive pine stand on Big Woods Wildlife Management Area. Photo by ©Ashlei Selden – DWR

Diet

The Southeastern Fox Squirrel consumes herbaceous and woody plant parts such as pine cones, fruits, sap, roots, and tubers. They have also been known to opportunistically eat bird eggs, nestlings, and even adult birds. Like other squirrels, the Southeastern Fox Squirrel stores food such as acorns in ground caches within their home range. Due to their large size, they are less agile in tree tops than other squirrel species, and tend to forage on the ground.

Reproduction

Nesting activity can occur in the Summer and Fall, most often taking place in May, June, September and October. Females can have one or two litters, each consisting of one to six young. Leaf nests are preferred in the summer, while tree cavities are more often used in the fall going into winter.