Mammal · GBIF taxon 2437281
Douglas Squirrel
Tamiasciurus douglasiiAlso known as Chickaree, Pine Squirrel, Douglas's Squirrel, Pillillooeet
These energetic, territorial pine squirrels are easily recognized by their olive-grey backs, vibrant orange-to-rust bellies, and bold white eye-rings. They are vocal sentinels of the Pacific Northwest coniferous forests, defending their territories with a loud, chattering repertoire of trills, chirps, and squeaks. Throughout the autumn, they tirelessly harvest and cache green conifer cones in damp forest-floor middens to sustain themselves through the winter.
DiurnalArborealVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Douglas-fir Seeds
- Truffles
- Pine Cones
Predators
- Northern Goshawk
- American Marten
- Bobcat
ThreatsHabitat loss from logging, competition with invasive Eastern grey squirrels
HabitatsConiferous and mixed forests, particularly old-growth Douglas-fir and pine stands
Life spanUp to 7 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySciuridae
- SpeciesTamiasciurus douglasii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a sharp defensive bite if cornered or handled; observe their lively antics from a distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for alarms: Follow their loud, rapid scolding trills to locate them high in the canopy.
- Look for middens: Search the forest floor for large piles of chewed cone scales, which indicate active feeding sites.
- Keep your distance: Avoid feeding them by hand to prevent habituation and accidental bites.
Forest Companion 
Host Tree (c) Danny Steaven, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Nigel Voaden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) DaPuglet, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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