Hello Lillian,

Thank you so much for contacting OSU Extension and for sharing your observations! My name is Marina, and I am the ANR (Agriculture and Natural Resources) Educator for Greene County with OSU Extension. Based on your description and the photo you shared, what you saw was an Eastern Fox Squirrel.

Fox squirrels are Ohio’s largest tree squirrel, which is why they’re often mistaken for a groundhog or a “cross” between animals. Its body is a yellowish- gray with reddish-yellow cheeks, face, and feet. 

You can learn more about the Eastern Fox Squirrel here on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/animals/mammals/eastern-fox-squirrel

You might also want to check the Ohio Wildlife: "Mammals of Ohio Field Guide": https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/wildlife/documents-publications/backyard-wildlife-documents, which is a great resource to help you explore and identify many of the mammals you might encounter while hiking and enjoying Ohio’s parks.

If you ever have questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to help.

Marina 

Marina Miquilini
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Greene County
100 Fairground Rd, Xenia, OH 45385
<personal data hidden> Office /<personal data hidden> Direct
<personal data hidden> / greene.osu.edu