Red Squirrel

The American red squirrel, also known as the pine squirrel, North American red squirrel, or chickaree, is a small and active mammal that maintains its territory throughout the year. Recognizable by their reddish fur and territorial nature, these squirrels are larger than chipmunks but smaller than Douglas squirrels.

They inhabit most of North America, except in regions like the Great Plains and the southeastern United States. Notably, their scientific name, *Tamiasciurus hudsonicus*, is derived from Hudson Bay in Canada. There are 25 recognized subspecies of these squirrels.

Primarily, American red squirrels feed on seeds from conifer cones, although their diet can include mushrooms and other available food sources. While the overall population of these squirrels is stable, a specific group in Arizona is classified as endangered.

Regarding reproduction, female American red squirrels are polyandrous, mating with several males during the breeding season. Gestation lasts about 31 to 35 days, typically resulting in one litter per year. The altricial young are born without fur and develop rapidly. Nests are constructed in tree branches using grass, or within cavities in tree trunks.

Juvenile red squirrels must establish their own territory and food cache before their first winter to survive. Occasionally, mothers will pass their territory to their offspring. However, survival is challenging, with only about 22% of young squirrels reaching their first birthday. Their many predators include lynxes, bobcats, coyotes, owls, hawks, crows, martens, foxes, wolves, and weasels.