Species · GBIF taxon 5219667
Abert's Squirrel
Sciurus abertiAlso known as Tassel-eared Squirrel, Tuft-eared Squirrel
Abert's squirrels are striking forest dwellers easily recognized by the long, feathery ear tufts that grow prominent during the winter months. They share an obligate relationship with ponderosa pine trees, relying on them almost exclusively for food, nesting sites, and shelter. These active rodents spend their days navigating the high canopy, leaping between branches, and foraging on the forest floor for pine cones and subterranean fungi.
ArborealDiurnalForest Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ponderosa Pine Seeds
- Truffles
- Pine Buds
Predators
- Northern Goshawk
- Bobcat
- Coyote
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, severe wildfires, and loss of mature ponderosa pines
HabitatsMature ponderosa pine forests
Life span7 to 8 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySciuridae
- SpeciesSciurus aberti
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a sharp bite if cornered or handled; observe their canopy antics from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can deliver a painful bite with sharp incisors if cornered, handled, or threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for the distinctive long ear tufts, gray coat, and white belly in ponderosa pine forests.
- What to do
- Never attempt to corner, feed by hand, or capture wild squirrels.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Chattering: Listen for their raspy, barking alarm calls to locate them high in the pines.
- Look for Clipped Twigs: Search the forest floor for freshly chewed ponderosa pine twigs, a sure sign of feeding.
- Keep Your Distance: Use binoculars to appreciate their unique ear tassels without causing them to flee.
Competitor (c) DaPuglet, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by Julia Carr · cc0
Predator (c) Kim, Hyun-tae, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kim, Hyun-tae · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Diliff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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