There are only three species of squirrels present in Mississippi, and they’re particularly beloved by both wildlife explorers and hunters. They mostly live in heavily forested areas and are often found around the entire state.
Take a look at the three species of squirrels in Mississippi:
- Eastern Gray Squirrel
- Fox Squirrel
- Southern Flying Squirrel
1. Eastern Gray Squirrel
We can find the eastern gray squirrel throughout the entire Magnolia State, and it’s much more common than the other two species of squirrel. These squirrels are mostly gray, but they can also be light brown.
They mostly eat tree buds, flowers, berries, seeds and nuts, as well as fungi. Insects and small animals are rarely on the menu as they’re opportunistic and won’t actively hunt.
- Size: 21 to 22 inches in length.
- Color: mostly gray, sometimes light brown with white undersides.
- Tail: up to 10 inches long.
Food : mostly seeds, nuts, fungi, and flowers. They’re not predatory, but they’ll kill and eat animals if the opportunity arises.
2. Fox Squirrel
Also found throughout the entirety of Mississippi, the fox squirrel is also known as the eastern fox squirrel. It inhabits open forest stands, while they avoid forests with dense undergrowth.
They mostly eat acorns, nuts, and seeds, while agricultural crops are also on the menu if they can find any, which makes them a potential pest. Unlike many other tree squirrels, they spend a lot of time on the ground.
- Size: up to 30 inches.
- Color: mostly gray with a rust-brown tail and sides. The underside is white.
- Tail: usually half the body length – about 15 inches.
Food : mostly nuts, seeds, and acorns – also agricultural crops.
3. Southern Flying Squirrel
To end, we have the southern flying squirrel, another species found all over Mississippi. They mostly nest in tree cavities, and they’re largely active through the night, instead of the day.
Hickory trees are amongst their favorite habitats, which is why hickory nuts are one of their favorite foods, along with acorns, mushrooms, and fungi. Predatory behavior is very rare.
- Size: up to 10 inches.
- Color: mostly brown and gray on top, with a creamy underside.
- Tail: up to 5 inches, flattened.
Food : nuts (especially hickory nuts), acorns, mushrooms, and fungi.