Rare Big Cypress Fox Squirrels Released Together After Rehabilitation in Southwest Florida
A pair of Big Cypress fox squirrels, a threatened species native to southwest Florida, were recently released together after rehabilitation at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
The squirrels had spent significant time in care—74 days for one and 56 days for the other. One was believed to be an orphan, while the other was admitted after suffering a nosebleed caused by a fall from a nest.
During their nearly two months of treatment, the squirrels bonded closely. To reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors crucial for rewilding, the Conservancy chose to release them together.
Their release site was strategically selected near their original nest location in southwest Florida, an area abundant in high-quality pine and cypress habitat.
Big Cypress fox squirrels are notable for their size, reaching up to three times that of gray squirrels. They inhabit pine and cypress forests and swamps in the region and are currently listed as a threatened species in Florida.
One of the released squirrels displayed melanism, characterized by a black and white coat. Melanism is typically more common in colder climates and is rarer in the southern Florida environment.
The Conservancy described this case as special, highlighting their rehabilitation efforts for rare animals and marking the first time in at least a decade that the hospital has treated a Big Cypress fox squirrel. The release was timed just before the holidays, emphasizing the positive outcome for these vulnerable animals.
