Buddy Squirrel

Meet Sciurus niger - the Eastern Fox Squirrel - the largest of the tree squirrel family.  The common gray squirrel is slightly smaller. 

At first blush you might guess this to be a Red Squirrel.  However, lacking in this photo is the Red Squirrel's distinctive bright white belly and white rings around the eyes.  The rusty coloring and large bushy tail are reminiscent of a fox - implying this is a Fox Squirrel.  

The bright reddish-orange pelt of this animal and it's loud, scolding call make it an easier visual and audible identification.  Unlike the Eastern Gray Squirrel this species has a wider home range and, as is evidenced by all of the photos, spends more time on the ground foraging. 

In the past six years they've been showing-up with increasing frequency on the trail cameras.  My conclusion is that as our forest has matured, along with acorn production from the oaks, is that the resident population has increased.  

They're active year-round and January and February is their mating season so there's likely more chasing of the ladies happening too.  This time of year their frequent appearances are a consequence of gathering stores for winter.

Fun to observe and without destructive tunneling in our septic mound I'm tickled (so far anyway) to have them around.