What does the Delmarva fox squirrel look like? Why is it an endangered species?
The Delmarva fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) is distinguished from the common gray squirrel by its larger size, bushier tail and steel-grey coloring with a white belly. Delmarva fox squirrels were historically found throughout the entire Delmarva peninsula, southeastern Pennsylvania and west-central New Jersey. They now occupy less than 10% of their original range. The listing of the Delmarva fox squirrel as an endangered species in 1967 is largely a result of the destruction of mature mixed hardwood forests, their preferred habitat. Human encroachment on the fox squirrel’s territory has also taken its toll. They suffer significant mortality from being run over by automobiles. Fox squirrels are slow moving which also makes them an easy target for pet dogs and cats.
