Range and Spread of the Gray and the Fox Squirrels in North Dakota

Although the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) now occupy much of North Dakota, a survey of the literature shows that although Hibbard (1954) had made a preliminary report on these species, only the gray squirrel had previously been reported for the state. Bailey (1926) reports it as occurring at Wahpeton (Richland County), Fargo (Cass County), and Valley City (Barnes County). He does not list the fox squirrel nor does he mention it as possibly occurring here. This species apparently moved into the state from South Dakota and Minnesota, largely within the last 20 years. As can be seen from the map (Fig. 1), its principal range is in the southeastern portion of the state and along the Missouri River and its tributaries. Its range is not continuous in southern North Dakota for it is not found in most of the undrained prairie country lying between the James and Missouri rivers. This region is largely treeless and forms a natural barrier to any woodland species.