Eastern Fox Squirrels (Sciurus niger) are the largest species of tree squirrel in North America and occur throughout much of the Eastern United States. By sight, they look about two to three times the size of the much more abundant Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). I know some places where they’re almost sure to be seen from time to time, but overall, their habitat seems to be decreasing. In my experience, they’re most abundant in piney woods and sand ridges. Fox squirrels have numerous color variations, some of which have been grouped into subspecies. The nearly solid black ones are some of my favorites but I rarely see those.

I believe this one is known as a Sherman’s Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger shermani). They’re quite energetic so I was lucky to get this shot. It was photographed in the vicinity of Big Creek Church Road. Endemic to northern Florida and southern Georgia, Sherman’s Fox Squirrels can weigh up to three pounds and are characterized by a black head and a white nose and ears, with other variations in coat and tail colors, including black, silver, and tan. The Florida State Parks department notes: “…much of the squirrel’s habitat has been lost to development and deforestation. Because of this, the squirrels are protected throughout Florida with law prohibiting the hunting and capturing of these creatures.” I’m not sure if this is the case in Georgia and found no prohibition on hunting them here.