Delmarva Fox Squirrel
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.
I was wondering who the squirrel was named after until I started reading the post. It seems though to be fair maybe it should be Delmarvasopen. 🙂
Thanks David! 🙂
Fantastic to learn about and see this squirrel species, Donna, especially since its been such a success on recovery. I enjoyed the information, hearing about the conservation efforts, and the squirrel’s personality. They get quite big, and are beautiful. How thrilling it must’ve been to see one, thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks Jet! They are a big squirrel, it was a wonderful sighting. Hoorah for the conservation efforts and hoorah for our neck of the woods to enjoy! 🙂
I’m so glad you finally got to see one —- great pictures. It looks like a similar area to where I photographed my ‘one and only’ at Blackwater two years ago. Our daughter is coming tomorrow from San Francisco and we are going to Blackwater specifically hoping to spot one,as she is a real ‘squirrel’ nut.
Thanks Susan! We conversed via email, so you know one area to look for him. 🙂 Best of luck in spotting one and have a great time at Blackwater with your daughter!
Like you said Donna, you loved them and you proved it. Great shots. I also think they make it easy for photographers. They have such nice allure.
Thanks Alix! They are quite alluring and always look like they are up to something when they freeze into pose. Awesome fun! 🙂
What a beautiful little creature this is. 🙂 Great shots, Donna.
Thank you Sylvia!
Isn’t that my “Nutcase” squirrel’s cousin “Nutbreaker”? Imagine if I had these guys here, I’d be in the poor house! Thanks Donna, Please don’t give them my address. 🙂
Huge laughs here, HJ! 😆 Let’s hope Nutcase doesn’t contact Nutbreaker to let him know about your buffet that’s supposed to be strictly for the birds!
It is always good to hear of a successful conservation plan.
One of those ‘feel-good’ feelings. 🙂
I love squirrels so it was interesting to read about this one. The photos are great, almost like the squirrel knew you photographing him. Also good to read about conservation management that has been a success.
Thanks Sue! This squirrel is very shy and the first eight shots, he was so busy sniffing through the leaves, he didn’t seem to notice our car parked. Once he did, he did pose nicely then took off running. Another one of us photographer’s ‘happy dance’ moments!
What a pretty squirrel and so large! I’m glad to read that they are in healthy numbers again!
Thanks Terry, he is a hefty one! I knew they were big, but wow really big when you finally see one up close. 🙂
A truly beautiful subspecies! 🙂
Thank you Tom he is! 🙂
Great shots of a cute little critter. Best that it’s in its natural environment despite the move. Ain’t it grand when you get a second (successful) chance at a missed shot? 😀 Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you Gunta, a shy big fella. And yes, so grand, another ‘happy dance’ moment! 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day to you too!
Great photies of this endangered squirrel Donna! This is a similar situation to the Red Squirrel in Britain, the larger introduced American grey squirrel has taken over and infected them and now they are rapid decline. We had to track them down up in the Scottish Highlands to see them. Great shots of a lovely squirrel Donna. Happy Mothers Day and have a wonderful week!
Thank you, Ashley! Such is nature when humans interfere with the cycles. I hope the Red Squirrel has efforts going on to help him recover in possibly areas the American grey squirrel hasn’t populated yet. Thank you, and have a wonderful week also, Ashley!
It’s always great to photograph a rare critter, isn’t it? It’s also good to hear that while the population of these squirrels is still low, they are no longer on the Endangered Species list and are making a comeback.
It sure is, Jerry! (one of those photographer’s happy dance moments again) And it does make you feel good to know another species of wildlife has a chance again.
Great captures and post Donna. I can understand why you were pleased with these awesome shots!
Thank you Denise!
Haven’t seen one quite like that before. glad you managed to get a capture!
After having looked for this rare squirrel many times before, it was an exciting moment. I am so glad he gave me a moment for scampering off!
Reblogged this on Vietnam Travel & Trade Portal .
Thank you!
Lovely series Donna! He looks so soft and approachable. It’s probably not, but it looks that way from your wonderful images.
Thanks, Deborah, he does look cuddly soft, but is very shy. I had read they were hard to find. We were barely rolling along in the car looking in the area I heard you might sight one and there he/she was. My camera clicking caused him/her to stand up and then a quick scamper away. I did feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity!
Moments like those are gifts aren’t they. 🙂
They are 🙂