y'all notice how squirrel hunting has changed since the encroachment of coyotes.
I killed fox squirrels for 30 years because they were perpetualy stupid, they're getting way smarter now. they don't bark at you anymore when they see ya, they just take off running, and not sure if they ever stop.
I was taught as a child, if you see a grey and a fox squirrel on the ground within range at the same time, shoot the grey, the fox squirrel will run up the first tree he comes to, and they always did, but not anymore.
RR

I have been deer hunting down there over 20 years. I don't know that Fox squirrels are getting smarter, but on the average of what I have been seeing, I believe they are getting smaller. Could not swear to it though.

last few years they have been having 2 litters a season so there are a lot of small ones, still kill those old tough ones 1/2 the size of a house cat
RR

Shot a limit of squirrels this morning....4 greys/2 fox....squirrels on our mountain property...unlike our farm...have always been wild as hell....except during deer season where they seem to run over you.....I always thought they must know you're not after them when you're wearing orange....lol

If they are more acclimated to coyotes now....and interested in self preservation.....wouldn't they be more likely to go up the first tree?
Running wouldn't seem to be the answer

I always thought the farther away they were from their den tree, the more likely they are to run a fair piece....back towards it.

You may be encountering squirrels that are a considerable distance from their home....with the poor mast crop this year. Hope all is well.

yes, i have noticed a difference.
i have 2 private property's that i hunt, they are around 10 miles apart. (southern wv, mingo county)
the smaller of them is a "holler" as we call them. the squirrel there are bold and will bark at you like they want you out, NOW!!! or i will climb down this tree and shove that gun up your... well, you get it.

the larger area is completely surrounded by mountains and much more dense. i saw 5-6 coyote in here a couple days ago. those squirrels do not run out barking, they will all hide at the first twig snap or slightest movement and stay there. the only thing you hear is that low "quick bark" thing they warn the others with. i think they do know...

i haven't seen a red in either for the last 2 years, grey only. and one more thing, these guys don't come out for calls, i tried distress, bark, and one that sounds like a dog toy. nothing... the ones in the smaller property run out mad as hell over a sneeze...

BTW... what part of wv are you in hillbilly???