Southern Fox Squirrel
The Southern Fox Squirrel, (Sciurus niger), was previously known as Sherman’s Fox Squirrel. This native squirrel with its distinct markings is a gorgeous rodent who weighs 1 – 3 pounds. They can be seen from the eastern panhandle down to the south-central portion of Florida. Look for them in mangrove swamps and in their preferred sandhill and longleaf pine habitats.
Southern Fox Squirrels feed off longleaf pine seeds, turkey oak acorns, buds, fruit, and fungi. They have two breeding cycles per year, but most females only have one litter a year. They are most often seen on the ground. Note how when they run, their movements resemble those of a fox.
This beautiful young mother was seen at the Dade City Pioneer Museum in Dade City, Florida. You can see she has been nursing recently. This curious squirrel kept a watchful eye on humans but eventually retreated to a nearby tree. She was quite a cooperative model.
Photo Credit:
Aymee Laurain and Andy Waldo
