With the opening of gray squirrel hunting season Thursday, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds hunters to be vigilant and not to harvest state-endangered Delmarva fox squirrels.
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By Mike FinneyWith the opening of gray squirrel hunting season Thursday, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds hunters to be vigilant and not to harvest state-endangered Delmarva fox squirrels.
The populations of this species are found in Sussex County at and near the Nanticoke Wildlife Area, the Assawoman Wildlife Area, Trap Pond State Park, Redden State Forest and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
Hunting for and harvesting of Delmarva fox squirrels is prohibited.
Hunters should note the differences between the fox squirrel and the more common Eastern gray squirrel: Delmarva fox squirrels are much larger than gray squirrels and have lighter, silver-gray fur with little to no brown; longer, fuller tails; and short, rounded ears compared to gray squirrels.
Delmarva fox squirrels remain rare in the First State, and the Division of Fish & Wildlife is working to reestablish the species by relocating them from robust populations in Maryland to suitable habitats in Delaware.
More information, including photos comparing Delmarva fox squirrels and Eastern gray squirrels, can be found here.
