Abstract
We investigated interspecific relationships between fox squirrels ( Sciurus niger ) and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) through a comparison of use of dens in winter at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in southcentral Indiana, January–March 1984–1985. Fox squirrels selected dens with smaller entrances and volumes; dens of squirrels were located greater distances from water than cavities used by raccoons and unused cavities. Dens occupied by fox squirrels had smaller entrances and shorter distances to forest openings than cavities previously used by fox squirrels, but unoccupied when examined. Den sites of raccoons did not appear to be a limiting resource in winter because of a large number of unused cavities. Raccoons were not important competitors for cavities used by fox squirrels, but squirrels selected maternal or rest sites that could restrict vulnerability to predation by raccoons by limiting access to cavities. Selection of den sites relative to thermoregulatory costs also could influence choice of dens by fox squirrels.
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