Recent Questions about Fox Squirrels in Utah
Where are Fox Squirrels in Utah: Fox squirrels are currently centered around the Wasatch Front. They are gradually moving out from the area, and we need your help to determine where they go. The Natural History Museum as a terrific citizen-science created map. Take part in the Fox Squirrel Survey here during their annual Squirrel Fest in December.
Can Fox Squirrels Harm Me or My Pets: As long as you give squirrels their space, they have no reason to attack or bite you and your pets. They would rather run up a tree to safety. Fox squirrels do carry ticks, fleas, and mites and these can be transmitted to a dog or cat - or person - that lives in very close proximity to squirrels (any squirrel, not just fox squirrels). Ticks, fleas, and mites can transmit viruses and diseases, although these are rarely fatal. This is why we suggest not allowing squirrels to occupy your attics or crawl spaces. Fox squirrels can carry other diseases, which in rare cases can be transmitted to humans. If a dead squirrel is found, do not handle it without wearing gloves and a mask. Put the dead animal in a plastic bag and dispose of it properly.
Are Fox Squirrels an Invasive Species: When people say that fox squirrels are invading an area, they mean that they haven't been in the area before and they seem to be spreading rapidly. Thus, it feels like they are 'invading' their parks and backyards. On a scientific and management level, Invasive Species has a formal designation. It often means that the species is very bad for the ecosystem and there are efforts underway to eradicate the species. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has not designated Fox Squirrels as invasive species. Rather, they are an non-native species, and we are monitoring them to learn more about how they will adapt to the Wasatch Front.
Are Fox Squirrels Wiping Out Red Squirrels: Nope. Scientists have not studied the competition between red squirrels and fox squirrels to determine how they will interact. In many places in Utah, red squirrel and fox squirrel habitat does not overlap and therefore the species will not overlap. However, in areas where the habitat does overlap, there is reason for concern. Research on grey squirrels and red squirrels determined that grey squirrels out compete red squirrels, resulting in lower survival and lower birth rates for red squirrels. Fox squirrels are much bigger than grey squirrels, and thus we can hypothesize that they will also out-compete red squirrels and have a negative impact on their populations where they might overlap. But there have been no studies in Utah to make that determination.
Can Fox Squirrels Harm Me or My Pets: As long as you give squirrels their space, they have no reason to attack or bite you and your pets. They would rather run up a tree to safety. Fox squirrels do carry ticks, fleas, and mites and these can be transmitted to a dog or cat - or person - that lives in very close proximity to squirrels (any squirrel, not just fox squirrels). Ticks, fleas, and mites can transmit viruses and diseases, although these are rarely fatal. This is why we suggest not allowing squirrels to occupy your attics or crawl spaces. Fox squirrels can carry other diseases, which in rare cases can be transmitted to humans. If a dead squirrel is found, do not handle it without wearing gloves and a mask. Put the dead animal in a plastic bag and dispose of it properly.
Are Fox Squirrels an Invasive Species: When people say that fox squirrels are invading an area, they mean that they haven't been in the area before and they seem to be spreading rapidly. Thus, it feels like they are 'invading' their parks and backyards. On a scientific and management level, Invasive Species has a formal designation. It often means that the species is very bad for the ecosystem and there are efforts underway to eradicate the species. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has not designated Fox Squirrels as invasive species. Rather, they are an non-native species, and we are monitoring them to learn more about how they will adapt to the Wasatch Front.
Are Fox Squirrels Wiping Out Red Squirrels: Nope. Scientists have not studied the competition between red squirrels and fox squirrels to determine how they will interact. In many places in Utah, red squirrel and fox squirrel habitat does not overlap and therefore the species will not overlap. However, in areas where the habitat does overlap, there is reason for concern. Research on grey squirrels and red squirrels determined that grey squirrels out compete red squirrels, resulting in lower survival and lower birth rates for red squirrels. Fox squirrels are much bigger than grey squirrels, and thus we can hypothesize that they will also out-compete red squirrels and have a negative impact on their populations where they might overlap. But there have been no studies in Utah to make that determination.
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