Squirrel Question,

I am in West Texas, Pretty sure they came in on wood trucks,, Just wondering what kind of squirrel this is, I have tried for about 10 years to get the population to build with no luck.
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I have fed them for the last 10 years , I have feed blocks out, I also buy 50 lbs chicken scratch every few weeks for the birds and squirrels, Ten years ago I thought hell I will get these to multiply and I can shoot them,, Well I have only had two or three at the most in my yard, I am sure someone with there walmart BB/Pellet gun is shooting them,, I used to hand feed one and my wife would name them.. I am sure taming them down was there death ticket.. Sad.
Mike
 
Perhaps a regional thing, but we consider them the most aggressive, nuisance squirrel. Seems they like doing property damage and are more inclined to challenge human structures to make shelters or food storage areas. Pretty territorial against other squirrel varieties. Love to chew wiring. While I can understand the pesting aspect, I would not cultivate them.
 
I am in West Texas, Pretty sure they came in on wood trucks,, Just wondering what kind of squirrel this is, I have tried for about 10 years to get the population to build with no luck.View attachment 488908
@airgunmike56 Deep East Texas checking in. That appears to be a young fox squirrel to me. I see them on occasion. Expect them to get larger than gray squirrels. They are not as game as cat squirrels (gray squirrels) in my experience. They sit in plain sight most times I've seen trying to blend in instead of taking off running like cat squirrels.Here's a little info https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Sciurus_niger.php
General info on Texas squirrels from TPWD https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/nonpwdpubs/introducing_mammals/squirrels/
 
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@airgunmike56 Which part of West Texas are you in (region or county)? Deep East Texas checking in. That appears to be a young fox squirrel to me. I see them on occasion. Expect them to get larger than gray squirrels. They are not as game as cat squirrels (gray squirrels) in my experience. Here's a little info https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Sciurus_niger.php
General info on Texas squirrels from TPWD https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/nonpwdpubs/introducing_mammals/squirrels/
Ezana may have hit that one squarely on the head. I'd not considered a fox squirrel, but it does indeed look like a young one.
 
you could build a small platform with edges to hold shelled peanuts . An observation feeding spot / attractor. That will draw squirrels in , maybe you have more than you think .
just a small handfull a day they will clear it every day
a little dab of peanut butter sends the aroma out like a siren to the squirrels .
 
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I am in West Texas, Pretty sure they came in on wood trucks,, Just wondering what kind of squirrel this is, I have tried for about 10 years to get the population to build with no luck.View attachment 488908
Hello @airgunmike56

You need to come out here to Deep East Texas where I live right in the middle of a National Forest. These little dudes and the Grays are like fleas on a dogs back. I live on Sam Rayburn Lake in a small community and we are surrounded by the National Forest and "tree rats" are a serious pest problem for us. I have shot 5 this week and I have shot as many as eight in one day. Be careful what you wish for :oops: :ROFLMAO: :oops:

ThomasT
 
Hello @airgunmike56

You need to come out here to Deep East Texas where I live right in the middle of a National Forest. These little dudes and the Grays are like fleas on a dogs back. I live on Sam Rayburn Lake in a small community and we are surrounded by the National Forest and "tree rats" are a serious pest problem for us. I have shot 5 this week and I have shot as many as eight in one day. Be careful what you wish for :oops: :ROFLMAO: :oops:

ThomasT
I have looked at your area , very nice scenic area , but i suspect it might get a bit warm at times in the summer .
 
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Terms may be regional but a "red squirrel" to me is a small one with different coloring than the first picture. The angle of the picture does not show the belly well. Eastern grey squirrels have white bellies and fox squirrels have brown bellies. Grey squirrels top out at a little over 1 lb. Fox squirrels can reach 2 lbs. So size and belly color are key characteristics but a young fox squirrel could be under a pound too. But it won't have a white belly.