Sciurus niger limitis

(Baird, 1855)

Vernacular names
English : Eastern fox squirrel
French : Ecureuil renard

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Sciuridae
Notes : 10 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 37 cm, tail length of 33 cm and a weight up to 1 kg. Very bushy and fluffy tail. Coloration is bright orange-brown, especially bright on underside and legs. Back and flanks have a dark grey tinge.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in north America, from south-east Canada to most of eastern half of USA, south to north-east Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon). Lives in open woodlands with open understory, suburban parks.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is fairly common in most of its range. In eastern USA, it’s vulnerable to range fragmentation and restriction. Expands its range in the west.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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