Where Does the Delmarva Fox Squirrel Live?
The Delmarva fox squirrel once ranged across the Delmarva Peninsula and into parts of southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These days, its range is limited to Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia counties. It was almost extinct in Pennsylvania around 1900, and subsequent attempts to reintroduce it have failed due to heavy predation. Here are some facts about the Delmarva fox squirrel:
Habitat
The Delaware Fish and Wildlife Commission is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other organizations to help the Delmarva fox squirrel return to the state. Currently, the state has two known populations: one in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Milton, and the other in Nanticoke State Wildlife Area west of Seaford. The two populations were introduced decades ago from Maryland. The Nanticoke population is believed to be a range expansion from Maryland.
The Delmarva fox squirrel inhabits woodlands and meadows on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Its habitat includes mature loblolly pine forests, hardwood forests with open understory, and swamps deep in deciduous forests. It also uses fences near farm fields and tree groves near water. These animals spend a large percentage of their time on the ground. In addition, the Delmarva fox squirrel is known to inhabit tree cavities and dead trees.
Diet
The diet of the Delmarva fox squirrel consists of a wide variety of nuts, berries, fungi, and fruits. It also enjoys foraging in woodlots and farm fields. The Delmarva fox squirrel lives in mature, well-branched forests, where it is often accompanied by a pair of gray foxes. While not a hibernating animal, the Delmarva fox squirrel does rely on stored food in the winter.
The Delmarva fox squirrel is limited in its range. In its former range, it occupied the entire Delmarva Peninsula and a small part of southeastern Pennsylvania. In recent years, however, habitat loss has led to its delisting. It is larger and lighter-colored than common gray squirrels. It is extremely shy, often remaining hidden in trees until the next time it emerges from the underbrush.
Reintroductions
Delmarva fox squirrels have long been considered endangered, but scientists have made great strides in reintroducing them to habitats where they can thrive. Starting in 1978, Maryland scientists attempted to introduce these squirrels at 11 sites, releasing eight to forty-two individuals at each site during the spring and fall, attempting to release a balanced mix of males and females. Monitoring the reintroduction sites has documented the successful recruitment of these squirrels at nine of the eleven reintroduction sites, and these efforts have followed the criteria outlined in the Delmarva fox squirrel recovery plan.
The Delmarva fox squirrel is a remarkably resilient creature. Once listed as a threatened species in 1967, hunting was banned. Today, the Delmarva fox squirrel occupies eight counties in Maryland and one in Delaware. In addition to Maryland, reintroduction efforts have also been successful in Virginia and Delaware. With its recovery efforts, the species may no longer need to be protected as an endangered species, but the future of this native animal depends on their continued survival.
Population decline
The population decline of the Delmarva fox squirrel started in the mid-1900s. During this time, many trees were cleared for farming, and timber was harvested on short rotations for paper and pulp markets. In addition to logging, overhunting also had an impact. Recovery efforts focused on expanding the range through translocations. Although new populations have been discovered, the population of Delmarva fox squirrels now covers nearly 28 percent of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Despite the positive impacts of reintroduction, the fox squirrel’s survival depends on habitat suitability. As a result, it’s important to protect habitats where the Delmarva fox squirrel can survive. Habitat suitability is affected by forest composition, habitat structure, and landscape dimensions. If habitats are managed properly, the squirrel population could more than double. Fortunately, scientists have several measures in place to protect this endangered species.
Threats
The Delmarva fox squirrel lives in mature hardwood forests. It prefers loblolly pines. The species lives in forests that are large enough to sustain a breeding population and adjacent to open park-like areas. In the winter, the Delmarva fox squirrel feeds on fungi, fruits, and other stored foods. The species’ habitat is threatened by development, logging, and climate change.
The Delmarva fox squirrel is still quite rare in Virginia and Delaware. The federal government has been working to protect the species and restore habitat. The species was listed as endangered fifty years ago and is now recovered in both states. The federal government has withdrawn plans for a military training facility in Maryland habitat after a lawsuit by the Gray squirrel Center. In 2014, the federal government canceled the military training facility plans and delisted the species. However, the federal government has yet to re-list the Delmarva fox squirrel.
Where does the Delmarva fox squirrel live?
On the Delmarva Peninsula which is composed of parts of southeastern Virginia eastern Maryland and Delaware.
What is the scientific name for the Delmarva fox squirrel?
Sciurus niger cinereus
How big is the Delmarva fox squirrel?
About twice the size of a chipmunk or considered a medium-sized squirrel.
They can grow up to 24 inches long including their 12-inch tail.
What does the Delmarva fox squirrel look like?
They are a rusty red gray or black.
They have a big bushy tail that is usually about the same length as their body.
What is the natural habitat of the Delmarva fox squirrel?
They live in forests but are commonly found in areas that have been cleared for farming.
They are also found in marshes and swamps.
How long does the Delmarva fox squirrel live?
In the wild they usually live between 3 and 5 years.
What do Delmarva fox squirrels eat?
They are omnivores and their diet changes with the seasons.
In the spring and summer they eat mostly fruits nuts and seeds.
In the fall they eat mostly acorns.
In the winter they eat buds twigs and bark.
What is the conservation status of the Delmarva fox squirrel?
They are listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
How many Delmarva fox squirrels are left in the wild?
It is estimated that there are between 10000 and 20000 left in the wild.
What are the main threats to the Delmarva fox squirrel?
The main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation due to development forest management practices that do not include their habitat needs and predators.
What is being done to save the Delmarva fox squirrel?
The Delmarva Fox Squirrel Coalition was formed in 2002 with the goal of conserving and managing the species.
In 2004 the US Fish and Wildlife Service released a recovery plan.
The plan includes habitat protection and management education and outreach and population monitoring.
How can I help save the Delmarva fox squirrel?
Some ways you can help are to support conservation organizations plant trees and be careful with campfires and trash in their habitat.
What is the biggest squirrel in the world?
The biggest squirrel in the world is the Indian giant squirrel.
They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 8 pounds.
What is the smallest squirrel in the world?
The smallest squirrel in the world is the African pygmy squirrel.
They are about 5 inches long and weigh less than an ounce.
Do all squirrels live in trees?
No not all squirrels live in trees.
The ground squirrel for example lives in burrows in the ground.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
