Delmarva Fox Squirrel De-Listed

November 13, 2015

After nearly a half century of being on the federal endangered species list, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the Delmarva Fox Squirrel (DFS) is no longer at risk of extinction. For many years their habitat was compromised and therefore stricter rules were implemented to protect them.

ESA played a part in protecting the Delmarva Fox Squirrel by performing DFS surveys, both trapping and photo-monitoring, for several Maryland eastern shore clients. Additional efforts were made by the USFWS by translocating the squirrels to establish new populations, closing the targeted hunting season, and protecting large forest areas for habitat. Since the issuance of the endangered listing, the squirrel's population has increased to over 20,000 squirrels and now covers approximately 28 percent of the Delmarva Peninsula.

If you are interested in trying to spot the de-listed Delmarva Fox Squirrel check out the Blackwater (Maryland), Chincoteague (Virginia), and Prime Hook (Delaware) national wildlife refuges.

While the DFS is no longer endangered, ESA has extensive experience conducting surveys for and coordinating with federal and state regulatory agencies regarding other endangered species such as amphipods, bald eagle, swamp pink, small-whorled pogonia, and sensitive joint-vetch. Please feel free to contact us for further details.