Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Order: Rodentia |
| Family: Sciuridae |
| Genus: Tamiasciurus |
| Species: Tamiasciurus hudsonicus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Red squirels are 7-8" in length with red-brown coats and white bellies. Their tails are long and bushy. Their hind tracks are 1" with 5 toes and their front tracks show 4 toes. They leave behind piles of eaten nuts and can be heard making ratcheting chatter when disturbed.
Habitat & Range
These squirrels are found through woodland and swamps across much of Canada, the Northeastern US, and the Rocky Mountains.
Behavior
Red squirrels are very territorial and will make loud barks in its established territory. They eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fungi, and eggs.
Life Cycle
Red squirrels are not social, but will interact breifly to mate. Females will either give birth once in the spring or have a second litter in late summer. Red squirrels are considered adults by 3 months and often live 3-5 years in the wild.
Featured image by Patriot Plaistow John.