Gray and Fox Squirrel

Fox squirrels commonly occur in woodlots bordering agricultural fields and mature forests adjacent to rivers and streams throughout central and western Ohio.  Gray squirrels predominate in the oak-hickory forests of eastern and southern Ohio, but are also common in urban and suburban parks.  Hunters harvested 0.65 squirrels/hour in fox squirrel range and 0.59 squirrels/hour in gray squirrel range during the 2011-12 hunting season.  Overall, squirrel hunter success during 2011-12 increased in comparison to the previous season.  Gray squirrels are more dependent upon hard mast and their winter survival and spring reproduction are closely tied to the mast crop the previous fall.  Fox squirrels are less dependent upon mast crop resources and more common in agricultural than heavily wooded landscapes.  Supplemental food (e.g., corn) may be more available to fox squirrels inhabiting agricultural areas. Although oak production was average during fall 2011, substantial increases in walnut production occurred throughout the state.  Increased food supply in concert with an exceptionally mild winter should lead to continued high squirrel densities and good viewing and hunting opportunities in fall and winter 2012-13.

Survey details and historical data can be found here.