Fox Squirrel

Nice educational post Hemma!

I did a search online on several resources from different states and could find no information of Fox and Gray squirrels interbreeding. That's not to say that it hasn't occurred, I just don't know. What I did find is that both Gray and Fox Squirrels have several color phases which can make it more confusing for ID at times. https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/squirrels-know-persistence-pays-off-in-the-end/14201.html

I agree that this is a Fox Squirrel. No doubt in my mind either. The physical characteristics are consistent: http://www.projectsquirrel.org/gray_fox.shtml

tough call for me

I am certainly not as familiar with the western grey as I am the eastern due to my location but there are two distinct factors that convinced me this is a fox squirrel. Coloring is number one. Although both greys and fox can have a frosted look to their fur on their backs, greys will more often than not have a white belly. Again, some greys have displayed rust colored or redder bellie so I then look at the tail. Greys will have a more frosted look to their tails whiles foxes will have either a black outline on the tail or black mixed in the the tail which would not be seen in a grey. You can learn more here: http://www.projectsquirrel.org/ and also of course at the Project Squirrel mission here on Noah http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/36002

Looks more like a fox squirrel to me.

Wonderful. I took a picture that is very similar. The squirrel either had over eaten, was exhausted, or was enjoying sun bathing too much to be bothered by my coming closer.