Description
Eastern fox squirrels come in three distinct regional colour variations: in most areas, their upper body is brown-grey to brown-yellow with a typical brownish-orange underside; in eastern regions, like the Appalachians, there are more strikingly patterned dark brown and black squirrels with white bands on the face and tail. There are rural areas in the South where everyone is dressed in a black coat. Squirrels have evolved abdominal muscles, extensors of the fingers and forearms, and other muscles that help them climb. Fox squirrels possess great hearing, smell, and vision senses.
Habitat
This species’ native range include parts of southern Canada, the eastern United States, and northern Mexico. In the meanwhile, there are introduced populations of the Eastern fox squirrel in Canada’s British Columbia and Ontario as well as in the western US states of California and Washington. These squirrels enjoy wide woodlands with a scattered distribution of trees for cover. They particularly enjoy residing in this habitat’s oak, hickories, walnut, and pine trees. Additionally, they can be found in prairie-adjacent timbered fencerows and hedgerows. Eastern fox squirrels can occasionally be seen in urban settings, where this type of habitat is also present.
Behavior
Fox squirrels prefer to spend the most of their time on the ground, where they can play and eat. They enjoy hopping over treetops and are skilled climbers. Feeding, gathering, and food storage are among their daily priorities. Diurnal indicates that these squirrels are up during the day and asleep at night. They are largely extraterritorial as well.
Although fox squirrels are solitary animals, couples are frequently observed sharing a single nest on a tree. Along with other members of their species, they share a feeding area. Fox squirrels are quite gregarious and graceful in social situations by nature, and one of their favourite games is chasing other squirrels across large distances on the ground and through trees.
As Pet
Many people keep fox squirrels as pets. It is crucial to give them with a habitat system that is natural-looking and reminds them of their original surroundings while keeping them as pets. It is important to provide each squirrel their own room so they can expand and mature. A tall mesh cage that is 4x6x6 feet in size is suitable for housing your squirrel within a cage for the majority of the time. You can modify the cage by including shelves and ladders; they can provide your pet with entertainment and stimulation.
Twigs, tree branches and leaves should also be used to line the cage; these materials can be used as toys and can also aid the animal in creating its own nest. Water and food should be given to the nest. To further occupy your pet, you can add ferret pouches and rabbit toys to the cage. Ideally, the cage should be positioned on a higher platform because these animals prefer to spend most of their time up high.
A healthy diet for the squirrel should consist of acorns, nuts, figs, fruits, berries, and seeds. Calcium powder should be added to their diet as a supplement. Additionally, you ought to give your cat things that will keep his teeth healthy. The squirrel has a wide variety of materials at its disposal, including roots, cuttlebone, tree bark, pumice stone, twigs, and pine cones that have been sterilized.
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