In Florida, fox squirrels can be a genuine concern for homeowners. These large, active squirrels are often seen during the day and can cause damage by chewing on wires, digging in lawns, and nesting in attics. Once indoors, they may leave behind droppings and bring in parasites, which can contaminate the area. If not addressed, they can cause ongoing property damage and lead to repeat problems.
Fox Squirrels in Florida
Fox squirrels are found throughout the eastern and central United States and have also been introduced into cities in the western U.S. They spend most of their day in trees foraging for food. These squirrels are omnivores, eating everything from plant matter to insects and birds. Like other tree squirrels, fox squirrels will enter homes, building nests in attics, walls, chimneys, rooflines, and inside garages.
What Do Fox Squirrels Look Like?
The Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) stands out for its size and varied coloration. This rodent can be mostly gray, black, orange, or even a mix of tones. Some have dark backs with lighter bellies, and others show more of a brownish or reddish appearance. Their thick, bushy tails make up nearly half their length.
They’re larger than the common gray squirrel (carolinensis) and have prominent vibrissae (whiskers) that help them navigate. Like all members of the Sciuridae family in the order Rodentia, they have strong teeth that grow continuously and claws built for climbing. Other tree squirrels share similar traits, but none grow quite as large as the fox squirrel.
Signs of a Fox Squirrel Infestation
You might notice noises in the attic during the day, like scratching, scampering, or chewing. These sounds are often the first sign of an unwanted tree squirrel guest. Damage to soffits or siding, chewed vents, and disturbed bird feeders can also point to a fox squirrel problem.
Outdoors, they may leave behind signs like holes dug into turf where acorns or other food items are buried. If you notice shredded insulation, droppings, or debris in corners of the attic, there’s a good chance a squirrel has started nesting. Look for leaf nests in trees near the home, which are often used alongside interior nests.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Fox squirrels prefer open, savannah-like habitats with wide-spaced trees and light ground cover. They need large trees with cavities or holes to build nests and raise their young. Fox squirrels are found in oak-hickory forests, mangrove swamps, and pine forests. Because of this, they do well in urban and suburban settings.
Where Do Fox Squirrels Live?
These squirrels thrive in mixed forests with plenty of open space. They prefer areas where the undergrowth is sparse, and trees like oak or longleaf pine are widely spaced. In Florida, you’ll find them in tree cavities, wooded yards, and even suburban neighborhoods.
Because they’re so adaptable, fox squirrels often move between wooded areas and human environments. They establish home ranges where food and nesting spots are easy to find, and they’re known to maintain more than one nest within that area.
Diet
Fox squirrels eat nuts like acorns, hickory, pecans, seeds, fruit, and fungi, such as fungus from decaying wood. They’ve been known to snack on bird eggs, bulbs, insects, and even flowers when other options run low. Their eating habits lead them into gardens and yards, where they might dig up plants or clean out bird feeders.
They collect and bury food throughout the year, especially in fall. While this helps them get through colder months, it also results in torn-up turf and abandoned food that goes untouched.
Life Cycle
Female fox squirrels can breed from around 10 months old, hitting reproductive maturity before their first year. The pregnancy lasts around six weeks. Most litters include two to four young.
Newborns are altricial, meaning they are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on the mother. They stay in tree cavities or well-constructed leaf nests for several weeks. After two to three months, they’re weaned and start venturing out. Juveniles may remain nearby, forming part of the local home range until they’re ready to claim their own space.
Behaviors
Fox squirrels are most active during daylight and spend a lot of time foraging or sunbathing in trees. Their movements are quick and erratic, which helps them avoid predators. They communicate with tail flicks, vocal sounds, and by leaving scent marks from glands on their face and feet.
They are mostly solitary, but multiple males may pursue one female during mating season. This type of mating system, where both males and females have multiple partners, can lead to competition and loud calls. They’re known to aggressively defend tree cavities and leaf nests used for raising young.
Are Fox Squirrels Dangerous?
Fox squirrels might not bite, but they can still be dangerous. As mammals that can carry parasites and diseases like ringworm and tularemia, and their presence indoors is a concern. They can also spread fungus through droppings or contaminated nesting materials.
Property damage is common, as they chew through wood, wires, insulation, and even plastic piping. Left unchecked, this damage can lead to expensive repairs and increase fire hazards. If they’ve taken up residence, a technician should be called to remove them and help prevent future problems.
How to Get Rid of Fox Squirrels?
DIY methods may offer short-term relief, but they don’t always prevent squirrels from returning. Sealing entry points, removing food sources, and altering the habitat are key steps, but this needs to be handled properly.
Our experienced technicians will inspect for entry routes, check tree cavities, and install deterrents. Trapping or relocating fox squirrels on your own can be dangerous and may be restricted depending on the area. Professional wildlife removal is the most effective solution to protect your property and stop repeat visits.
Fox Squirrel Prevention Tips
Making your yard less inviting will help deter fox squirrels and reduce the chance they’ll move in. These prevention tips can help you protect your property:
- Trim tree branches at least 6–8 feet away from the roof
- Install chimney caps and vent covers
- Store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers
- Clean up fallen nuts and fruits regularly
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders
- Repair broken screens, siding, and soffits
- Avoid feeding squirrels intentionally
If you are careful and alert, pests like these may think twice about taking up residence on your property. However, if you see any signs of activity, experts recommend wildlife control for long-term pest prevention.
Need Help with Nuisance Wildlife? We Can Help!
If you are having an issue with fox squirrels, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal. We use proven humane methods in our pest removal program to ensure customer satisfaction and animal welfare.
Are Fox Squirrels Endangered?
Most fox squirrels are not endangered and are listed as ‘Least Concern’ (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
How Long Do Fox Squirrels Live?
Fox squirrels can live up to 8–12 years in the wild, though most live closer to six due to predators and disease. In captivity, they may live longer with fewer threats.
Do Fox Squirrels Hibernate?
No, fox squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active all year but may reduce activity during harsh weather. They rely on stored food items and tree cavities to shelter during colder months.
How Big Do Fox Squirrels Get?
Adults can reach 17–27 inches in length, including their tails, and weigh between 1.5 to 3 pounds. This makes them larger than the gray squirrel or other tree squirrels.
Are Fox Squirrels Protected in Florida?
Yes, some fox squirrel subspecies, including Shermani, have state-level protections in Florida. Always check with wildlife authorities before attempting removal or relocation.
