Florida has two species of tree squirrels. We have the ever present eastern grey squirrels that are very common and the southern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger shermani), which are protected and considered imperiled mainly due to loss of habitat. Fortunately, around here, we still have plenty of wooded areas that they call home. You don’t see these guys nearly as often as the grey squirrels, but when you do see them two things stand out. First, they are large compared to other squirrels, often twice the size of grey squirrels. Second, they are always watchful, but are very outgoing, sometimes even bold, and very curious. When I first saw this one, it was down on the ground eating something. As traffic went by, it didn’t even pay attention, but when I stopped, it was interested. It sat up and gave my truck a good look over before deciding to climb a nearby tree. But as you can see, it didn’t go too far. I have seen these guys stare down a house cat and sometimes even a moving vehicle. Perhaps the saying should be curiosity killed the fox squirrel. Fortunately, these animals bold personalities often work for them, and in both cases they came out of the encounter alive and well.