Sciurus niger, commonly known as the Fox Squirrel, is native to North America. Its distribution spans across the eastern and central United States, from the Atlantic Coast westward to the Mississippi River, and from the Great Lakes region in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. It is also found in some areas of Mexico and Canada.

Fox Squirrels typically inhabit deciduous forests, mixed forests, and wooded urban areas. They prefer habitats with a mix of tree species, including oaks, hickories, and pines, which provide both food and nesting sites. The climate in these regions varies from temperate to subtropical, with seasonal variations including cold winters and warm summers.

Fox Squirrels are arboreal and terrestrial, meaning they spend time both in trees and on the ground. They play a significant role in seed dispersal for the trees they feed on. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. They have adapted to various environments, including urban parks and suburban areas, demonstrating flexibility in their ecological niche.