When I took this photo, and posted it, I'd thought it was a Red Squirrel — but a commenter below suggests it's more likely a Fox Squirrel. After checking pictures online, I think Anon. is indeed correct.
I hadn't heard of Fox Squirrels before, which isn't surprising, as Natural Neighbours: Selected Mammals of Saskatchewan says they are relatively new here, and thus "unknown to many people."
Apparently they entered Saskatchewan in the 1970s, and they now inhabit areas along the Qu'Appelle River and other places. They are the largest tree squirrel in the province, and are fast, agile and generally inconspicuous, with a tail that can act as a parachute if they fall.
So... Fox not Red... I still like this squirrel's bright black eyes — but I confess to not being nearly as enamoured by its very red chisel-like teeth!
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| What big teeth you have, squirrel! © SB |
What is this? Fox Squirrel
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Photo date: May 3, 2012
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I think they need to come up with a rodent tooth whitener. Darn cute little fellas though. Ours happily ate what he spilled on the ground out of the bird feeder yesterday, even with my husband only a few feet away. He was content until the waxwings started landing in his spruce tree. Then all squirrel hell broke loose. Great pic, even with the unsightly dentures. :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks a lot more like a Fox Squirrel to me.
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting... I'd never heard of Fox Squirrels, which may not be surprising, as apparently they are fairly new here. Thanks! I will amend this post.
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