A non-native species to Orange County, eastern fox squirrels have been taking over native western gray squirrel territory which is why we don't see as many gray squirrels now days. Eastern fox squirrels are more tolerable of living near human development while western gray squirrels need to have plenty of suitable natural wilderness like oak trees to store their food and use for safety. With the ever increasing development and loss of habitat in Orange County, we can expect to see less of the native gray squirrels and more of these fox squirrels.

Eastern fox squirrels can be identified by their rust colored bellies and will spend time on the ground and in trees. It is not uncommon to see them living right amongst human civilization.