Tree squirrels rely mainly on their alertness for protection and will run to the safety of their nest holes when danger threatens. While, as the name indicates, these squirrels prefer trees, they are both arboreal and terrestrial, sometimes even making nests in the ground. While foraging on the ground, they are easy to spot, and therefore behave extremely cautiously. Before going out to feed in the morning, they also enjoy basking in the sun just outside the nest. Allogrooming takes place during this time and is a very important part of their social behaviour.
Grooming involves licking, nibbling, combing and scratching.
The young don't have much choice about these grooming sessions, since they are forcefully held down while the mother performs the task. Tree squirrels are omnivorous, feeding on berries, seeds, flowers, insects and, rarely, fledglings. When feeding, they sit up, manipulating the food in their forepaws. They also pick out seeds from antelope droppings. The nest is lined with grass or leaves.