Identifying Fox Squirrels and Their Damage in Your Yard

Authors

S. Nicole Frey, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jessica Tegt, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

8-31-2020

First Page

1

Last Page

5

Abstract

Native to the eastern United States, fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) were first documented in Utah in 2011. It is unknown how fox squirrels made their way into Utah; however, it is possible they followed riparian corridors (areas along rivers, where trees often grow) through Colorado into Utah and were only detected once their populations grew in number. Since the Utah Natural Heritage Program began tracking them, there have been over 500 observations of this species, predominantly around Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front. Fox squirrels are the largest tree squirrel in the U.S. (17–28 inches, and 17.5–37.5 ounces). This fact sheet reviews diet and habitat and control methods, as fox squirrels can cause damage to personal property.

Recommended Citation

Frey, S. Nicole and Tegt, Jessica, "Identifying Fox Squirrels and Their Damage in Your Yard" (2020). All Current Publications. Paper 2126.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_curall/2126