I have a nice collection of squirrel photos. We have 11 acres of mostly hardwood. We were inundated with fox squirrels, way too many. Just a few red squirrels. Neighbors a little ways north and south had some black ones but in over 30 years here we never saw any on our property. Last summer we went on a fox squirrel elimination program. 10 gallon bucket half filled with water and floated striped sunflower seeds on top. We lost count. Dozens and dozens plus just as many chipmunks and many mice. This fall we noticed a few black squirrels for the first time. I am sure after reading this that they moved in and found food hoards that they inherited. They are nicer to look at, easier to spot and don’t even get near the house. Two at least were a mated pair so maybe some babies this spring.
You have black squirrels who can read? Amazing.
I have a love/hate relationship with squirrels. I don’t necessarily want to kill them so when I adopted a feral barn cat that solved my problem. The squirrels still come around but now keep a respectful distance.