Introductory
WILDLIFE SPECIES: Sciurus niger | Fox Squirrel 



ABBREVIATION : 
SCNI

COMMON NAMES : 
   fox squirrel
   stump-eared squirrel
   cat squirrel


TAXONOMY : 
The currently recognized scientific name for the fox squirrel is Sciurus
niger L.  Ten subspecies are recognized:  four eastern, four western,
and two isolated subspecies [5,23].  

Eastern fox squirrels are very large (2.4 to 3.2 pounds [900-1200 g]);
gray, agouti, or black; and often have black markings on the head and
white nose, ears, and paws [23].  Eastern fox squirrel subspecies are
listed below:

     S. niger ssp. cinerea (Delmarva fox squirrel)
     S. niger ssp. niger
     S. niger ssp. shermani (Sherman's fox squirrel)
     S. niger ssp. bachmani

Western fox squirrels are smaller (1.6 to 2.4 pounds [600-900 g]) and
reddish.  Subspecies are as follows [23]:

     S. niger ssp. rufiventer
     S. niger ssp. vulpinus
     S. niger ssp. ludovicianus
     S. niger ssp. limitis

A third group is composed of two small, variably colored, and isolated
subspecies:  S. n. ssp. avicennia Howell (Big Cypress fox squirrel) and
S. n. ssp. ubauratus [23,24].

While eastern and western subspecies are now widely separated in the
Atlantic States, considerable gene flow is possible in the Gulf Region
[23].

Where appropriate, the Delmarva fox squirrel will be highlighted
in this report.


ORDER : 
Rodentia

CLASS : 
Mammal

FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS : 
The Delmarva fox squirrel is listed endagered.

OTHER STATUS : 
Efforts have been made
to establish new populations of Delmarva fox squirrels.  In May of 1991,
13 Delmarva fox squirrels were released in Kent County, Maryland.  This
is the eleventh release of this subspecies in Maryland [21].

Big Cypress fox squirrel is listed as threatened by the Florida Game and
Fresh Water Fish Commission [25].

Western fox squirrels have maintained or increased their populations and
expanded their range to the Rocky Mountains [23].


COMPILED BY AND DATE : 
Julie L. Tesky, May 1993


LAST REVISED BY AND DATE : 
NO-ENTRY


AUTHORSHIP AND CITATION : 
Tesky, Julie L. 1993. Sciurus niger. In: Remainder of Citation

Related categories for Wildlife Species: Sciurus niger | Fox Squirrel