I see Fox Squirrels off and on as we drive through some of the SC wildlife management areas but rarely for long enough to take a picture. Twice recently I’ve had better luck.
They do have a bit of curiosity and sometimes peak back at what startled them from their squirrel activities.
While waiting for the Prothonotary Warbler on Knee to emerge from its nest cavity I heard an odd scraping noise. This squirrel was peeling bark off a tree.
He kept pulling and stuffing it in his mouth. The strands seemed very pliable, good material to welcome baby squirrels.
Hey, I’m beeing watched!
Then he balled it all up in his mouth and scooted around the other side of the tree where I lost sight of him.
About twice the size of a grey squirrel, the Fox Squirrel can be found scattered around the coastal areas of South Carolina. This was the first time I got a really good look at one and some pictures other than a fleeing butt end.
He jumped from the ground to the side of the tree just like a common grey squirrel would. I was ready for him to go up the tree, but instead he just sprung off into space and zipped away.
The body of the Fox Squirrel can be grey, black or brown. All of the color variations share the black face mask and white nose and ear tips.
After picking this treasure directly off the tree with a resounding “snap” the squirrel settled in and delicately ate it. He slowly turned and savored the nut/seed showing off some pretty serious claws.
It was surprising to see him so still for so long as most squirrels I see are running and jumping around in a chaotic way. What nature photographer hasn’t had a fright when a squirrel suddenly careened across their path?
