Echoing songs of birds unseen resonated through the forest, drowning out our muffled footsteps as we crept along the soft padding of the floor, guided by Ranger Matt Whitbeck. Neither brush nor bramble hindered our passing, for this was an old growth forest, its ground covering flat and open, making it easy to move amidst the tall mature trees. This is in large part the reason why the Delmarva Fox Squirrel, a federally endangered species, prefers the woodlands of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge over most other habitats.

Larger than a gray squirrel by double or triple the size, fox squirrels do not run and jump from branch to branch, tree to tree (as gray squirrels do), instead climbing to the ground and scampering to forage for sustenance. Only old-growth forests provide such a place, because the larger trees blot out the sun needed by smaller plants to grow, leaving the forest floor clear of dense thickets. It is no surprise the fox squirrels are endangered, then, because such forests are sparse in this day and age.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has been doing long-term population monitoring of the fox squirrels with the hope of getting them off the endangered list. Ordinarily, rangers would do this utilizing a catch-and-release method, where the squirrels would be trapped, tagged, and set free, but this causes unwanted stress for the animals. Now they have employed trigger-activated cameras stationed at intervals throughout the habitat, and based on the frequency of photographs, the BNWR can estimate a head count.

The trap you see here is rigged so as not to snap shut when a squirrel enters to retrieve the corn. Its purpose is simply to prevent raccoons from stealing the bait.

Originally established to protect and preserve the habitats of waterfowl, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has had no trouble expanding their operations to include these fascinating squirrels which are unique to Delmarva. The refuge also has a nature center filled with superb taxidermy specimens, and their grounds include parks, providing public recreation without disturbing the environment.

Written by Erik Yount. Photography by Errol Webber.