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Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Game Commission

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Averaging 2 ½ to three pounds, the Delmarva fox squirrel is up to twice as large as the common gray squirrel. The light, whitish-gray coat of the Delamarva also is a distinguishing characteristic. The feet are white and the tail has a pronounced black stripe on the outer edge.

BIOLOGY-NATURAL HISTORY: The historic range of this squirrel was southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and in the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia portions of the Delmarva Peninsula. Today, it is mainly limited to several counties in Maryland and the Chincoteaque National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Delmarvas were absent from Pennsylvania for the better part of this century or longer. Between April 1987 and October 1988, 20 Delmarvas were translocated from Maryland to a site in Chester County. Pending additional introductions, it is too soon to predict the outcome of this restoration attempt. Food seems to dictate litter size (two, three or four) and whether one or two litters are produced in a year. Food consists of fruits, seeds, buds and flowers of trees, along with corn and other agricultural products.

PREFERRED HABITAT: Seasonally, this squirrel may range over 40 acres. It spends more time on the ground than gray squirrels and will venture farther into open fields. Its typical habitat consists of woodlots and narrow tree zones along streams intermixed with scant undergrowth.

REASONS FOR BEING ENDANGERED: Cutting of old growth forests and development probably are the primary factors responsible for the last-century expiration of this species from southeastern Pennsylvania. These are also thought to be two of the main reasons for its status as a federal endangered species. Additionally, in marginal habitat - mature trees with substantial undergrowth and few tree cavities - it is forced to compete with the gray squirrel.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS: The national plan to recover this species includes four primary actions: (1) inventory and management of essential habitat; (2) release of Delmarva fox squirrels into suitable habitat; (3) protection of populations; and (4) promotion of public support.

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