Posted by Larry Manfredi on March 25, 2004 at 17:04:12:
In Reply to: Big Cypress Black Mangrove Squirrel posted by Paul on March 25, 2004 at 14:47:02:
: First Photographs of Big Cypress Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia, By D. Firzsimmons (c) 2004
: The first ever photograph of this oft seen, long suspected resident of the Flamingo/Cape Sable area was taken by avid birder/outdoors lady D. Fitzsimmons. The report has been filed with the Everglades National PArk. Vince, I believe this confirms what you saw. And John Boyd, thanks for the background data also. (see Boyd post below).
: So birders, and fellow woods walkers, keep looking up, but once in a while look down you may see this tough guy ready to box your ears! This sighting was 1 mile before the bridge at Flamingo.
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: Fox Squirrel
: The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) weighs from one to three pounds, and exhibit color variations which range from a buff color to gray, and in some instances black. The under parts are usually lighter, and typical specimens have white noses with black faces and feet. They are noted for their long, bushy tails and for their strong hind legs which allows them to leap easily from place to place. The skull of the fox squirrel has 20 teeth: gray squirrels have 22 teeth. The fox squirrel probably was named after the fox because of its comparatively large size and peculiar way of running along the ground which gives the appearance of a small fox.
: The fox squirrel may be found throughout Florida in open woods, pine and cypress stands, and mangrove swamps. Sherman's Fox Squirrel, Sciurus niger shermani, a species of special concern, is found in the open piney woods of central and Northeastern Florida. The Big Cypress Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia, a threatened species is found from the Everglades region, in Lee county, to the southern part of Dade county.
Great photo of a really cool animal!!
I have seen them 3-times in the Everglades, once along the road near Flamingo perhaps the photo shows the same animal that I saw? My other two sightings were along the Bear Lake trail about 2-miles in.
Larry Manfredi