Although it had been conjectured that the well-developed tail aids this animal in jumping and climbing about trees, subsequent observations indicated that the squirrel is active mainly on the ground. It is a swift runner and carries the tail bent over the back or held straight out. It has been observed taking refuge among rocks and feeding on fallen fruits. This squirrel sometimes sits upright and practically envelops itself in the bushy tail, with the long ears sticking out on each side. In some areas it reportedly damages gardens.
Natives use the tail as an ornament on the sheath of the parang, a large knife.