Fall 2003

Every conservationist should know the biology of the animal he or she is managing or pursuing. By knowing this, one should gain not only more appreciation for the species but also understand what is needed for better management of the species (i.e. habitat, seasons, bag limits and other issues).

From mid-October until deer season in late-November, the squirrel is the ruler of Mississippi's forests. The two types of squirrels in the state are the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (Scirrus niger). The gray squirrel, or cat squirrel as it is sometimes called for it's cat-like cry, weighs about a pound and is usually 15-20 inches in length. The unique development of the tail in the gray squirrel allows the animal to direct its flight as it searches for food. It also serves as a parachute and a signaling device in times of danger. Usually four to six gray squirrels are born in a litter. The gray squirrel prefers mature bottomland hardwoods such as oak, hickory, beech, and other mast-producing trees.

The other squirrel, the fox squirrel, weighs up to three pounds and reaches a length of about 19 to 25 inches. Its color is reddish-yellow with alternate bands of black and orange on the tail. However, it is the fox squirrel that has a black color phase that is found in parts of the Delta. Fox squirrels are late risers. This is one way they are unlike grays, who rise at daylight. The fox squirrel doesn't get up until about the second hour of daylight, but they sometimes feed until noon. Two to five squirrels are born in each litter (two litters per year) of the fox squirrel.

This article was written by James L. Cummins, Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation.