NC Fox Squirrel Hunting Guide

Also known as: Bryant's fox squirrel, Southern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger niger)

Scientific Name:Sciurus niger niger & Sciurus niger vulpinusClassification:GameAbundance:Locally common (found in blue counties) The largest squirrel in North Carolina and twice the size of the gray squirrel. Variety of fur colors: grayish with patches of black on the head and white patches on the nose, paws, and ear tips. They can also be almost totally black with gray patches or reddish, rust, or grizzled color. Fox squirrels consume pine seeds, acorns, hickory nuts, flowers and buds, fruit, fungi, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Found across the state, in a variety of habitats, but prefer open, mature pine-oak forests. Tree cavity nests are important for raising young and protection from the weather. Nests are in old, large hardwood trees, longleaf pines, or dead standing trees. Fox squirrels are diurnal and active for 8 to 14 hours. The fox squirrel is a game species with a huntingseason and bag limits.

Habitat & Range

Scientific Name:Sciurus niger niger & Sciurus niger vulpinusClassification:GameAbundance:Locally common (found in blue counties)

Hunting Season

Oct 13 – Jan 31.

References

• North Carolina — Fox Squirrel