"Delmarva" Fox Squirrel, Sciurus niger cinereus

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, VA
The Delmarva fox squirrel is a subspecies of the fox squirrel, differing from the other populations of this species in its light gray (rather than rusty brown) color. It is found only on the Delmarva Peninsula. The Delmarva fox squirrel is listed as an endangered species by the USF&WS; human development and fire suppression have greatly limited the habitat of this species. The population of Assateague Island (where this picture was taken) was introduced to provide an additional population for greater insurance against extinction.
(Order Rodentia, Family Sciuridae)