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Chincoteague NWR protects
barrier island habitat.
Greg Knadle/FWS |
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh and maritime forest, extending from the Virginia side of Assateague Island north and south to protect essential barrier island habitat. The refuge was established in 1943 to provide habitat for migratory birds and is now home to waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, raccoons, fox, white-tailed deer, rabbits, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and a host of other animals. Chincoteague NWR is one of the most visited refuges in the country, located within a few hours drive of millions of people. The refuge provides visitors with educational and recreational opportunities and has been designated a Globally Important Bird Area and one of the top ten birding Hotspots by the National Audubon Society.
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Squirrels are trapped, tagged and released.
J & K Hollingsworth/FWS |
Refuge biologists conduct an annual fox squirrel box check to monitor Chincoteague's population of this endangered species. Nesting squirrels are restrained long enough to attach a numbered ear tag. These tags provide biologists with information about the squirrel's age, sex and whether it is a recapture. This in turn enables the biologists to monitor the status and trend of the fox squirrel population and to adjust the management program as needed. Chincoteague's long-range plan for the Delmarva fox squirrel is to maintain enough habitat to support the current population and ultimately transplant part of the Chincoteague population to other suitable habitats on Virginia's Eastern Shore to widen the recovery effort.
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