08/31/2026
Southwest Virginia Sportsmen
“Working to enhance wildlife habitat in the heart of Virginia’s coal country.”
Weighing about 3 pounds and measuring 26 inches or more (including the tail), the fox squirrel is the largest of Virginia’s four species of tree squirrels, which includes the Eastern gray, American red, and Southern flying squirrel. The range of the Eastern fox squirrel is primarily west of the Blue Ridge, although scattered populations continue to increase in the Piedmont Region. The Delmarva fox squirrel, the once endangered subspecies, ranges exclusively along the Delmarva Peninsula - including Virginia’s Assateague Island.
Quality fox squirrel habitat includes small blocks of mature, mixed hardwood and pine forestlands bordered by open fields. These medium-sized rodents can often be observed crossing fields en route to adjacent woodlots. Seldom are they found in large expanses of hardwoods with thick understories. While fox squirrels construct and use leafy dreys they prefer tree cavities during wet, cold periods.
Regarding food sources fox squirrels consume hard mast, including walnuts, hickory nuts, and the acorns of various species of oaks. In addition they eat seasonally available soft mast, like dogwood berries, mulberries, and serviceberries. During early spring they seek out tender tree buds to satisfy their need for sodium. Mushrooms are part of the fox squirrel’s diet, too. Insects are occasionally ingested - especially cicadas that hatch in profusion.
Like their smaller, gray relatives, during autumn fox squirrels bury acorns and other nuts randomly in order to have an adequate food source come winter. Nuts not found and consumed eventually germinate and grow into seedlings. It’s all part of nature’s reforestation plan!
Have a great day outdoors!
Mike Roberts
