Editor’s Note: This article was used with permission from Mississippi Outdoors. By Dave Godwin, MDWFP Natural history Two tree squirrel species occur within Mississippi: the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (S. niger).
The grey squirrel is commonly referred to as the “cat squirrel” due to its cat-like call. The fox squirrel is often called the “red squirrel,” which leads to some confusion since there is a true “red squirrel” (Tamiasciurus sp.) found in the northeastern and western states.
The grey squirrel is approximately 8 to 10 inches in length from its head to its hind end, and generally weighs just over 1 pound on average. They are normally greyish in color, although white and black specimens do occur.
Most black squirrels in Mississippi are fox squirrels, although black grey squirrels are relatively common in some local areas of northern states.
The fox squirrel is significantly larger than the grey squirrel, with adults weighing approximately 2 ½ pounds. The body length reach of fox squirrels reach 10 to 15 inches.
Two subspecies of fox squirrels are commonly found in Mississippi. The “hill country fox squirrel” (S. n. bachmani) inhabits upland areas across Mississippi, and is characterized by a black mask and white nose, ears and paws. The “Delta fox squirrel” (S. n. subauratus) is found in the western portion of the state, primarily within the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. The Delta fox squirrel has two common color phases: One is a glossy black phase, and the other is a reddish phase generally lacking the white appendage coloration found on the hill country fox squirrel.
Management
Squirrel habitat management generally involves regulating timber harvest. Usually, a forest management plan that encourages a variety of stand ages and a diversity of tree species will provide adequate squirrel habitat.
The protection of several mast-producing species as well as den trees is important in managing a stand for squirrels. Species that provide quality squirrel foods include oaks, beech, hickory, dogwoods, walnut, mulberry, cherry, persimmon, yellow poplar and wild grapes. Pine seeds also can be a seasonally important food source.
Generally, fire and cattle grazing should be excluded from hardwood stands managed for squirrels, although these practices may be useful in certain situations. Prescribed fire in upland forests can improve habitat quality for the hill country fox squirrel.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service can provide plans needed to construct artificial squirrel nest cavities using wood or old tires. Squirrels do utilize these structures, and in areas with less than two or three natural nest cavities per acre artificial dens might increase carrying capacity for a local area.
For more information
• Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks — www.mdwfp.com/squirrel.
• Wildlife & Fisheries Extension at Mississippi State University http://msucares.com – search under “Wildlife & Fisheries.”
