Squirrel

Fox squirrels are found in throughout Texas, most of the eastern and central United States, south into northern Mexico, and north into Canada. Fox squirrels are about 24 inches, including 12 inch tail, between 2 and 2 1/2 pounds with rusty tan body and a well furred tail, dark head and white on
nose and ears, dark forms occur, but white on nose and ears is still evident. Ear tuffs often develop in winter.

Fox squirrels may be found in pine forests as well as forests of hardwoods, and even in urbanized areas.  They usually feed mostly on acorns and at other time other types of vegetation, bird eggs, nestling birds and insects. Feeding generally takes place in early mourning hours when these animals are most active, sometimes foraging on the ground. When on the ground
they have a distinctive loping gait.

Fox squirrels have 2 to 4 young per litter and up to 2 litters per year. Gestation lasts about 45 days. Young are born naked, weighing between 13-18g. The eyes of the young open during week 5 and the mother weans them about the eight week. Sexual maturity is attained at 8 months for females and
10 to 11 months for males.

Generally, fox squirrels are not gregarious, although they come together during the breeding season when females are in estrus. Males have larger home ranges than females. Squirrels threaten one another by an upright stance with their tail over their back, followed by a quick flick of the tail. Scent marking is another form of intra-specific communication used by fox squirrels. Vocalizations are in the form of barks and chatters, distress screams, and high-pitched whines during mating are common. Fox squirrels normally mate with more than one female. Mating chases involve one female and a number of males, with the successful male guarding the female to prevent others from mating with her.

The gray squirrel thrives in both urban and rural settings. Mast bearing hardwood trees are the most important element of squirrel habitat. Mast is any hard fruit such as acorns, beechnuts, and hickory nuts. Other important tree and shrub species provide flowers, buds, fruit, cones and samaras (fruit of the maple tree) in season. Squirrel populations fluctuate with changing yields of mast. When mast is not available, other fruits and berries, flower parts, buds, bark, roots, mushrooms, and animal matter comprise the diet.

Variety in tree species is essential for habitat stability. Den trees are essential to squirrels for winter shelter, escape cover, and rearing of young. Natural den activities begin to appear in 40-50 year old trees. Although leaf nests are also used, the survival rate of young is 40% lower in leaf nests compared to cavities. Frequently squirrels will claim 2 or 3 dens at the same time. Moderate to dense ground cover near den trees is preferred for cover and concealment. On the average, about half of the den cavities identifiable from the ground are suitable for raising young. Optimal habitat has 2 to 3 suitable cavities per acre.

While gray squirrels frequently use open water when available, daily needs can be satisfied from other source es such as dew and succulent plant material. Lack of surface water is not a limiting factor in squirrel habitat. The home range of the gray squirrels vary from 1 to 8 acres and is usually smaller where populations are high. Populations develop social hierarchies or "pecking orders" influenced by age and sex of the animals. Dominant animals usually have larger home ranges.
 
Some of the problems that squirrels may cause are:
Getting into attics and crawl spaces in homes
Chewing on ornamental and potted plants
Eating fruit, nuts and vegetable crops
Digging in yards
Raiding bird feeders and other pet foods.