Bay Photos by Donna

The Delmarva Fox Squirrel is one of ten recognized subspecies of fox squirrels.  Once ranging throughout the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia peninsula, and in southern Pennsylvania, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel dwindled down to only small isolated populations in three counties along the Eastern Shore Maryland.

Delmarva Fox Squirrel, Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, Maryland

The Delmarva Fox Squirrel was listed as endangered in 1967 from loss of habitat due to development, timber harvesting, hunters, and predators such as foxes, weasels, and raptors.

After being listed as endangered, the Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel Recovery Team launched a reintroduction program and began coordinating state and federal efforts to restore and protect the species by moving some squirrels to other parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia to help develop populations there.

Delmarva Fox Squirrel, Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, Maryland

After a rigorous recovery plan and range expansion, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel was removed from the endangered list in November 2015.  Today there are significant populations at Blackwater NWR and Chincoteague NWR.  They are a very shy squirrel, so it is still a rarity to see one.

Delmarva Fox Squirrel, Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, Maryland

Like all fox squirrels, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel is a large squirrel that grows up to 30 inches long, including up to 15 inches of a full, fluffy tail.

Delmarva Fox Squirrel, Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, Maryland

In all the visits to Blackwater NWR and having only seen one once before but missed the shot, I felt very fortunate to finally photograph one at my last visit.