Mammal · GBIF taxon 2437282
American Red Squirrel
Tamiasciurus hudsonicusAlso known as Pine Squirrel, Chickaree, Boomer, North American Red Squirrel
American red squirrels defend fiercely defined territories centered around massive piles of conifer cones called middens. Their energetic chitter-calls echo through the canopy, signaling boundaries to rivals and warning off potential intruders. Active year-round, these energetic rodents store thousands of green cones each autumn to survive harsh northern winters.
DiurnalForestVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Conifer Seeds
- Fungi
- Tree Buds
Predators
- American Marten
- Northern Goshawk
- Red Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss, forest fragmentation, severe wildfire
HabitatsBoreal forests, coniferous and mixed woodlands
Life span3–7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilySciuridae
- GenusTamiasciurus
- SpeciesTamiasciurus hudsonicus
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe Middens: Look for massive piles of harvested cone scales accumulated at the base of trees.
- Listen for Calls: Identify their loud, rattling chatter used to broadcast territory boundaries.
- Maintain Distance: Avoid cornering or attempting to feed wild squirrels to prevent defensive bites.
Competitor (c) Diliff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland · cc-by
Host Plant (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative VJAnderson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) John Rosford, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Species set
Urban Dwellers
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