North American Red Squirrel
Scientific Name: Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
The North American red squirrel (hereafter “red squirrel”) are a small feisty mammal in the Sciurid family that inhabits the coniferous forests of the Northern US and Canada. They are known for being highly vocal, territorial, and energetic. They have a smaller body size compared to other squirrels and are deep red in color. Their color can vary from its usual red, appearing more orange, brownish or gray.
They have a white underbelly, and distinct white eye rings. Their ears are small and round, and can become tufted in the winter. There fur also becomes grayer and more dense in the winter. They generally experience two molts per year between March and August. Their tail is smaller and flat compared to their gray squirrel relatives, and typically has a black around the edges.
Adult size: 10 to 16 in
Weight: 197 to 282 grams
Life span: Average life span in the wild is 5 years but can live up to 10.
Maturity: 1 year
Litter size: 1 to 8
Fun Fact
North American red squirrels are good swimmers and have been seen readily swimming across rivers and streams to get to the other side!
Diet
Red squirrels are mostly granivorous (grain eating) but are opportunistic omnivorous when their normal food sources are in short supply. They eat the seeds of conifers like spruce and pine trees. They will also “hang” mushrooms to dry, so that they can be better stored throughout the winter. They will also feed on tree buds, flowers, fleshy fruits, sap, bark, and insects.
They will even eat animal products like bird eggs, and the young of rabbits and hares. Like other squirrels, they will hoard their food in caches called “middens.” These middens can have enough food stored for up to two seasons. Some red squirrels will pilfer food from other squirrels’ hoards and middens.
Habitat
Red squirrels live in coniferous forests that are abundant with conifer seeds and a dense canopy. They can also be found in deciduous and mixed forests as well as suburban and urban environments, so long as there are resources present.
Behavior
Red squirrels are mostly diurnal but will occasionally be active at night. In fall their activity increases, collecting food to store in preparation for winter. As the temperatures drop, they reduce their activity significantly, though it is unlikely they will stay in their nest for longer than 1 day without leaving to forage. Both females and males aggressively defend their territories from competitors, especially in the fall when they are stock piling cones.
In New York, where the forests are predominantly deciduous trees, red squirrels will often exhibit overlapping home ranges. Red squirrels have well developed senses and have complex methods of communication. They have multiple calls indicating defense of territory and warning of predators.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Red squirrels are polygynandrous, but occasionally make mate pairings. Depending on geographic location, they will breed once or twice a year. First in March and then again in late July. Males will chase females when they are in estrus until the female is receptive to his advances. Young are born hairless and eyes closed.
They become active outside the nest around 7 weeks and become fully independent after weaning. Red squirrels will nest in the cavities of trees, as well as in leaf nests or underground nests if tree cavities are in short supply. Female red squirrels experience “reproduction senescence,” and their ability to produce offspring begins to decline at 4 years of age.
Population Status
Red squirrels are classified as of “least concern” on the IUCN Red List. They are widespread and common within their ranges, however there is one sub species, the My. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) that is federally endangered. It is found only in Southeast Arizona, with roughly 150 individuals.
Viewing
In New York State, red squirrels can be seen most frequently in the Adirondack Park, and areas with dense conifers and cooler temperatures. They are active throughout the day.
Range
Red squirrels can be found throughout most of Alaska and Canada. They are found in the Rocky Mountain states as well as the Northeastern states in the United States. They are found throughout New York State but are largely associated with the coniferous forests of the Adirondack Mountains.
