MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — North Carolina’s largest tree squirrel is on the move and wildlife officials want your help tracking it.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) says fox squirrels have recently been observed in several counties outside of their normal habitat. The fox squirrel, which NCWRC says is nearly twice the size of the more common gray squirrel, lives primarily in mature longleaf pine and open pine-oak forests in the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain of the state. However, wildlife officials have verified observations from the Piedmont and Mountain regions, associated with open hardwood forests surrounded by pastureland or other open habitats. Recent observations have been made in Lincoln, Granville, Currituck and Madison counties.

“Fox squirrels occur in a variety of color phases,” Anna Gurney, a public relations manager with NCWRC, explained in an email to media outlets. “In the Sandhills and Coastal Plain of North Carolina, they are grayish with various patches of black on the head and feet and white patches on the nose, paws and ear tips. Some animals are almost totally black with dark gray patches, and others are reddish or rust colored. Squirrels in the northwestern population typically have a tawny- brown or grizzled-gray color above, with a rusty or pale orange-brown color on the underside, ears, and legs. The top of the head is usually black, and they often have a white nose as well.”

The fox squirrel is native to the eastern United States, except for New England, wildlife officials say. There are seven subspecies of fox squirrels, two of which occur in North Carolina.

Anyone who observes a fox squirrel, especially in Lincoln, Granville, Currituck and Madison counties, is encouraged to take a photo, note the location (GPS coordinates preferred) and contact the Wildlife Commission’s NC Wildlife Helpline, via email at HWI@ncwildlife.org.