What kind of squirrel is this?

Question

I took a picture of this squirrel yesterday and it's twice the size of any squirrel I've ever seen. He was probably longer than my forearm with his tail extended. (take a look at the maple leaves in the background compared to him) It looks sort of like a red squirrel but it has a grey tail, and it's only red on it's sides. And it seemed too big for a grey squirrel..

http://tangerinespeedos.deviantart.com/art/Foamy-94004570

Answer 1

The proper common name is eastern gray squirrel, not grey.  There are two predominate species of squirrel in North America.  The eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel.  It has to be one or the other.  There is a lot of variation is squirrel coloration.  Particullary in the gray squirrel.  There are also season differences based on shedding and fur regrowth.

Your photo seems to be one of a fox squirrel.

http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Verteb...

Answer 2

that a eastern fox squirrel. The eastern fox Squirrel are be hunted as a food source and for their fur, although the fur is not very valuable. In addition, fox squirrels are important agents of seed dispersal and can aid in succession by burying forest nuts. May play some role in the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi.

Answer 3

that's a simple gray squirrel...common to where i'm from...it's not dangerous don't worry..

Answer 4

Looks pretty much like a grey to me, but it would help to know the geographical location.