The fox squirrel is a type of tree squirrel, named for its reddish-brown fur and bushy tail. This squirrel has a range of charming names that reflect its coloring and distinctiveness, including the eastern fox squirrel, the rusty squirrel, and the red squirrel. North American mammals, including this squirrel, have a well-known habit of being given a plethora of imaginative names, and the fox squirrel is no exception. Other synonyms for fox squirrel are the stump-eared squirrel, the mangrove squirrel, the gray squirrel, and the cat squirrel. Ultimately, the unique and endearing qualities of the fox squirrel have inspired a variety of whimsical names that allude to its striking appearance.