C-5 



The squirrels are usually found in ratio of one to three with 

 Gray Squirrels (the latter predominating.) In one census 142 

 nests were counted, but this is^oor indicator since one 

 squirrel or pair of squirrels may make more than one nest. On 

 a 52 acre sample plot on the Refuge, 15 Dalmarva Fox Squirrels 

 were trapped and released (8 females, 7 males). An estimated 18 

 squirrels for the plot was calculated. Population density based 

 on trap-recapture census study at Blackwater N.W.R. indicates 

 that .37 Fox Squirrels occur per acre; or one squirrel needs 

 about four acres of habitat, depending on mast crops. (Germany 

 and Julien, 1972) . It is also suggested that squirrels occur 

 outside the Refuge in Kentuck and Greenbriar Swamps. 



L'Compte State Wildlife Refuge contains 500 acres but few 

 squirrels. Although this is supposedly a Fox Squirrel sanctuary, 

 the area is not being managed for their benefit. 



Piney Swamp, north of Blackwater River, has also been suggested 

 as a squirrel habitat. 



Caroline County - Only one record, but as mentioned above only a 

 few squirrels were estimated. 



Somerset County - It was suggested that Big Swamp next to an 

 existing wildlife management plot may have some squirrels 

 (Rivinus, 1972) but no proof exists. 



Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge : Delmarva Fox Squirrels 

 are not known to exist here in the past, although they might have 

 been within the overall range. Squirrels were introduced in 

 March, 1968, 14 squirrels (7 females, 7 males), but several died. 

 Another introduction made in January, 1971, of 23 squirrels, but 

 5 died. There are 600 acres of marginal to fair habitat between 

 Sow Ponds, along ridge of White Hills, to Tom's Cove. This is 

 a total area of 2.6 x .5 miles. A young squirrel was seen in 

 January 1972 and in the fall of 1972, (Appel, 1972), (Julien and 

 Germany, 1972). It is estimated that 4 to 5 years may be 

 necessary to build up a viable population; however, squirrels 

 are not doing well and may die out completely. 



Note : Good stands of mature to old loblolly pine and also pine 

 mixed with hardwoods are preferred by squirrels. Some large 

 timber exists in private estates on the peninsulas west of Rt. 

 33 near St. Michaels and Royal Oak. Inquiry did not disclose 

 whether squirrels have ever been seen here. 



