Big Cypress Fox Squirrel
.
I feel very fortunate to get an opportunity to capture southwest Florida’s Big Cypress fox squirrel.
This fox squirrel is a unique subspecies of the Eastern fox squirrel, and is found south of the Caloosahatchee River and west of the Everglades region of Florida.
.
Big Cypress Fox Squirrel
.
The Big Cypress fox squirrel is protected as a threatened species in Florida. There is little information known about this subspecies due to their limited range, secretive nature, and reluctance to be captured.
Sightings are rare. I photographed this one in Big Cypress National Preserve which is where Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suggests to search for them while walking or driving along the preserve’s dirt roads into the wet pine and cypress forests.
.
Big Cypress Fox Squirrel
.
After that last shot, the fox squirrel scampered up the tree and I continued my walk.
Returning back down the path to my car, I looked for the fox squirrel again and found him/her relaxing in another tree. A quick photo and I continued on, very excited with this sighting!
.
Big Cypress Fox Squirrel
.
.
