Delmarva Fox Squirrel

Scurius niger cinereus

Maryland, USA - March 2001

The Fox Squirrel is found throughout eastern North America and is the largest tree squirrel in the area. It occurs as three different colour variants: rufous, black and grey. The Delmarva Fox Squirrel is the grey colour morph.

Maryland, USA - July 2000

The Delmarva Fox Squirrel is currently listed as an endangered subspecies. It was historically found throughout the Delmarva peninsula and in southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but the arrival of European settlers resulted in large-scale clearance of their native forests and a consequent range retraction. The current natural population now only extends to 4 counties on the eastern shore of Maryland. A reintroduction programme, however, is working to re-establish the Delmarva Fox Squirrel throughout its original range.

pregnant female - Maryland, USA - July 2000

Early summer is often the leanest time for Fox Squirrels, but this heavily pregnant female didn't seem to be having too much trouble and was gorging herself on berries.

pregnant female - Maryland, USA - July 2000