Mammal
Abert's Squirrel
Sciurus abertiAlso known as Tassel-eared Squirrel
Abert's squirrels are inextricably bound to mature ponderosa pine ecosystems, relying on the trees for nesting sites, winter shelter, and year-round sustenance. They construct large, spherical twig nests high in the forest canopy and clip green pine needles to reach nutritious terminal twigs and inner bark during winter. By unearthing and consuming hypogeous fungi throughout the warmer months, they disperse mycorrhizal spores essential to the health and growth of their host pines.
ArborealHerbivoreForest Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPonderosa Pine Seeds, Mycorrhizal Fungi, Pine Cambium
Predators
- Northern Goshawk
- Bobcat
- Red-tailed Hawk
ThreatsSevere wildfires, logging of mature pines, and climate-induced drought
HabitatsMature ponderosa pine and mixed montane conifer forests
Life span5–8 years in the wild
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilySciuridae
- GenusSciurus
- SpeciesSciurus aberti
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a sharp defensive bite if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Scanning the Canopy: Look for telltale clumps of clipped pine needles on the forest floor beneath mature ponderosas.
- Winter Viewing: Observe in early morning when winter ear tassels are longest and most prominent.
- Respecting Boundaries: Avoid approaching nests or offering human food, which disrupts natural foraging.
Predator (c) Kim, Hyun-tae, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kim, Hyun-tae · cc-by
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by Julia Carr · cc0
Competitor (c) DaPuglet, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Food Source no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Diliff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Species set
Urban Dwellers
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