Eastern Fox Squirrels are common throughout their range in Texas.  They are a large tree squirrel with a rusty or reddish underparts, brownish or grayish upperparts, and a bushy tail which is usually less than half of the total length of the animal. 

Fox squirrels are adaptable to a wide variety of forest habitats, but in most areas, open woodlands of mixed trees support the heaviest populations. The best habitat is mature oak-hickory woodlands broken into small, irregularly shaped tracts and connected by strips of woodland that serve as corridors. Fox squirrels primarily feed on acorns and other nuts. Nuts are eaten from the time they start to develop and are buried in the fall in individual caches at the surface of the ground for winter use. The squirrels can relocate these caches by smell.

Reproduction occurs twice a year, around January and May. The average female produces only four offspring each year. At birth, the young are blind, nearly naked, and helpless. They develop rather slowly, beginning to climb about in the nest around 7-8 weeks. Around the age of 3 months, they begin to lead more independent lives.

If you come across a baby squirrel on the ground, leave it where you found it for two to three hours to give the parents a chance to retrieve it. Human touch will not deter the adult squirrels from recovering the young. If a domestic pet brought the animal to you, contact us for assistance.