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Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel

Sciurus niger cinereus

Photo by ElaineWebb
Published on Project Noah
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37.9332, -75.3788

Field Notes

Description:

Small gray squirrel similar to Common Gray Squirrel but twice its size. It may grow to 30"; half of that is tail. Frosty silver to slate gray with a white belly in color. Ears are rounded. Can weigh up to three pounds. These squirrels tend to be more ground-oriented rather than tree hopping/jumping. Rather than scurry or run, it ambles along the ground. If confronted, it will run away rather than seek safety in a tree.

Habitat:

Mature forests which contain both hardwood and pine trees with open understory. It uses the understory for food supply as it feeds on nuts and seeds from the trees.

Notes:

In 1967 this species was declared endangered with population at only 10%. It has rebounded in numbers to the point where it is now considered to be no longer in danger of extinction or endangered: see (ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc4114.pdf)

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)

You're welcome, Jemma! It was fun to be on the other side ;)
Thanks so much for your valuable feed back!! :))
Jemma: The Eastern Gray Squirrel differs from the Delmarva Fox Squirrel in several ways: Fox squirrel tails can reach 15" while the Gray Squirrel is about 15". Delmarva Fox Squirrels weigh between one/one and a half to three pounds; Gray Squirrel is about half that weight. The Delmarva is stubby-necked with shorter, thicker, more rounded ears which set slightly further back on the head. Gray Squirrel's ears are taller and more pointed; their necks are thinner. Delmarvas are slower, more deliberate in motion and less agile and spend a great deal of time on the ground. The ears in the pictures seem to be pointed and the face is longer. The rusty brown fur on face, tail, feet and back along with the pointed ears are indicative of Gray Squirrel. Whew! I got kind of carried away here but I hope I helped. .
Elaine ,could you please check this out . Thanks :) http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19184110
Photographed
PublishedJune 19, 2013

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