[mrsanborn]

While we were walking down St Charles next to the Jacaranda course this past Friday (12/30), we saw an animal that had the face of a Lemur (very black circles around the eyes) but with a slender low to the gound reddish tan body. The tail was long and busy with two very narrow black rings centered in the tail. The body was in my best questimate, approximately 18" and the tail another 12". We watched as this thing methodically climbed a small tree and noticed that its' "fingers" were wrapped around the branch as it set there watching us. Knowing that a Lemur is not remotely native to this area, I was hoping that someone could help identify this animal or even have seen it. Just as information, we observed this animal prior to happy hour!

[bluedog103]

Was it on a leash?

[ceejay]

Originally Posted by mrsanborn

While we were walking down St Charles next to the Jacaranda course this past Friday (12/30), we saw an animal that had the face of a Lemur (very black circles around the eyes) but with a slender low to the gound reddish tan body. The tail was long and busy with two very narrow black rings centered in the tail. The body was in my best questimate, approximately 18" and the tail another 12". We watched as this thing methodically climbed a small tree and noticed that its' "fingers" were wrapped around the branch as it set there watching us. Knowing that a Lemur is not remotely native to this area, I was hoping that someone could help identify this animal or even have seen it. Just as information, we observed this animal prior to happy hour!

Sounds like a squirrel monkey (or a monkey squirrel), which can be seen in and around the Villages. I think they're adorable, but I've heard they can be real pains.

[captg]

The animal you saw was probably a squrell monkey. You will find them on the golf courses a lot. They have no fear of humans and will get into your golf cart looking for food and have been known to take shiny objects such as keys.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by mrsanborn

While we were walking down St Charles next to the Jacaranda course this past Friday (12/30), we saw an animal that had the face of a Lemur (very black circles around the eyes) but with a slender low to the gound reddish tan body. The tail was long and busy with two very narrow black rings centered in the tail. The body was in my best questimate, approximately 18" and the tail another 12". We watched as this thing methodically climbed a small tree and noticed that its' "fingers" were wrapped around the branch as it set there watching us. Knowing that a Lemur is not remotely native to this area, I was hoping that someone could help identify this animal or even have seen it. Just as information, we observed this animal prior to happy hour!

Kinda sounds a little like a Fox. Click HERE and see if it looks like any of these foxes! Ignore the ones in a bikini!

NO ANGIE... you picture doesn't appear at the link!

After seeing pictures of the monkey squirrel I withdraw. The do look more like what's described.

[Irish Rover]

Monkey Squirrels are all over the place in TV. The first time I saw one over by Lopez, I thought someone's pet monkey had escaped. They are pretty bold creatures. They will get into your golf cart looking for treats. Ornery little devils.
Happy New Year
Irish

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

Kinda sounds a little like a Fox. Click HERE and see if it looks like any of these foxes! Ignore the ones in a bikini!

NO ANGIE... you picture doesn't appear at the link!

Did someone say "Fox"????

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by bluedog103

Was it on a leash?

Now THAT'S some funny stuff right there!!!!

Bill

[mrsanborn]

Originally Posted by Irish Rover

Monkey Squirrels are all over the place in TV. The first time I saw one over by Lopez, I thought someone's pet monkey had escaped. They are pretty bold creatures. They will get into your golf cart looking for treats. Ornery little devils.
Happy New Year
Irish

Thanks for the info. I never would have thought that monkeys, squirrel or other, would be in north central Florida.

[buggyone]

Monkey Squirrel is not a monkey but is a squirrel. It is NOT a primate but IS a rodent.

The actual name of the squirrel is a Fox Squirrel (I know there are a lot of squirrely commentators on FOX but that is a different story).

Look at the link I provided here about the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel and see if that looks like the critter you saw. They have been mistaken for monkeys many times. http://www.dickbrewer.org/fox_squirrel.html

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Monkey Squirrel is not a monkey but is a squirrel. It is NOT a primate but IS a rodent.

The actual name of the squirrel is a Fox Squirrel (I know there are a lot of squirrely commentators on FOX but that is a different story).

Look at the link I provided here about the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel and see if that looks like the critter you saw. They have been mistaken for monkeys many times. http://www.dickbrewer.org/fox_squirrel.html

buggyone: You got to get over your fixation with FOX. Its not healthy for the brain. You might substitute that Fox fixation with one for CNN or HLN as their news is funnier

[buggyone]

Right!

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by mrsanborn

While we were walking down St Charles next to the Jacaranda course this past Friday (12/30), we saw an animal that had the face of a Lemur (very black circles around the eyes) but with a slender low to the gound reddish tan body. The tail was long and busy with two very narrow black rings centered in the tail. The body was in my best questimate, approximately 18" and the tail another 12". We watched as this thing methodically climbed a small tree and noticed that its' "fingers" were wrapped around the branch as it set there watching us. Knowing that a Lemur is not remotely native to this area, I was hoping that someone could help identify this animal or even have seen it. Just as information, we observed this animal prior to happy hour!

I have seen this "lemur" like thing too before on the various golf courses. Never more than a few together, though.

To me it does not look that much like the fox squirrel.

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Rubicon,
I just could not resist the snipe at Fox News when talking about Fox Squirrels. Nothing political about it. I agree that the other news stations are biased one way or another also.

Anyhow, I found it real interesting to learn more about the fox squirrels. We had them back in Iowa when I was in college there. I hate to admit it, but I have eaten fox squirrel. Tastes pretty good - not unlike chicken dark meat and is good when fried with onion and bacon.

Gracie is there a Fox version that like men? Already up on the Coyette and Courgars. Gotta Love TOTV!

[mrsanborn]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Monkey Squirrel is not a monkey but is a squirrel. It is NOT a primate but IS a rodent.

The actual name of the squirrel is a Fox Squirrel (I know there are a lot of squirrely commentators on FOX but that is a different story).

Look at the link I provided here about the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel and see if that looks like the critter you saw. They have been mistaken for monkeys many times. http://www.dickbrewer.org/fox_squirrel.html

Definitely not the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel. Distinctive black circles around the eyes and the tail was not "fuzzy" bushy like a common squirrel.