Eastern Fox Squirrel

Description:

There are four species of tree squirrels in California, excluding the small nocturnal flying squirrel, which is not considered a pest. Of the four, two species are native and two are introduced from the eastern part of the United States. Eastern fox squirrels were introduced from the eastern part of the United States and are well established in most major cities of California. In some cities eastern fox squirrels have moved outward into agricultural land, especially in the southern part of the state, where they have become a pest of commercial crops.

Habitat:

Tree squirrels are active during the day and are frequently seen in trees, running on utility lines, and foraging on the ground. Highly adaptable and found in various habitats. In their natural habitats they eat a variety of foods including fungi, insects, bird eggs and young birds, pine nuts, and acorns, plus a wide range of other seeds. In suburban and urban areas, they are extremely opportunistic.

Notes:

This was in Mt. Diablo State Park, which is very close to urban areas. The park is extremely busy and many people feed the squirrels, leading this one to expectantly come right up to my food tin.