Fox squirrels do not hibernate, although they spend much time in their nests during the winter. Fox squirrels generally live from four to seven years but can live as long as 12 years. Tree bark is commonly stripped by squirrels during winter. Fox squirrels eat mostly fruits, nuts and buds of trees. Field corn and soybeans are eaten in the fall if available.
Squirrels occasionally eat berries, insects, fungi and carrion.
Fox squirrels are prey to hawks, owls, snakes and many ground predators. Eastern gray squirrels have a litter of two to three young in spring. Another litter is born in late summer. The young are weaned at 50 days but those in the second litter stay with the female over the winter. Acorns and other nuts are the main food of gray squirrels.