Daniel Island is a unique community. We have many things that other communities do not have nor will ever have. One of those is the Fox Squirrel. Have you ever seen one? If you do, you will never forget it. It is one of the great creations of nature, an apparent mistake of genetics that produced a graceful little animal that is friendly, very docile and very slow moving. It has the hop of a bunny, the eyes of a raccoon and the approachability of an inquisitive puppy.

Fox squirrels are not seen in every community of Charleston. They are very territorial-- so territorial that they are not even seen in every neighborhood of Daniel Island. They prefer habitats of hickory trees and pine tress, eating the fruit of both. The Department of Natural Resources tells me they can not be involuntarily relocated, they will simply die.

Unfortunately the Fox squirrel is also one of the dumbest little creatures that God ever created. It absolutely will not (or can not) get out of the way of speeding cars. As such, the population is rapidly dwindling as more and more of these graceful creatures are seen dead on Daniel Island roads every day. That is why I need your help. I need you and all other drivers to slow down and, most importantly, look for this little guy in the middle of the road. Once they are gone, they will not return.

Fox squirrels are not like grey squirrels. They do not scamper when approached. I have never seen one run quickly like a normal squirrel. They are much more trusting, domesticated if you will, than a grey squirrel. Laurie Seese has several in her yard that she feeds from her hand. That would never happen with a grey squirrel.

If you saw a small child playing in the road would you slow down and make sure the child crossed the road safely before proceeding? Sure you would. The same needs to be done for the Fox squirrel. They have the same mental capacity!

I have asked Councilperson Gary White to petition City Council for assistance with signage to warn motorists of the little guys in the road. Representative Jim Merrill will also speak with the Department of Natural Resources for their assistance.

What can you do? Slow down and avoid talking on your cell phone while driving. If you give them a chance they will get out of your way. Please remember, once they are gone they will not return!