Fauna
Mammal

Chiricahua Fox Squirrel

Sciurus nayaritensis

Also known as Mexican Fox Squirrel, Nayarit Fox Squirrel, Chiricahua Squirrel

Chiricahua fox squirrels are secretive tree squirrels endemic to the oak-pine woodlands of the Madrean Sky Islands and Sierra Madre Occidental. Moving quietly through the canopy, these montane rodents spend their days foraging for pine seeds, acorns, walnuts, and subterranean fungi. Their grizzled grey coat, warm cinnamon-rufous underparts, and plumey tail blend seamlessly against lichen-covered bark.

DiurnalMammalArboreal
Chiricahua Fox Squirrel reference1 / 5
(c) Rachel Stringham, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPine seeds, Acorns, Fungi
Predators
  • Northern Goshawk
  • Bobcat
  • Grey Fox
ThreatsSevere wildfires, habitat fragmentation, drought
HabitatsOak-pine forests, Madrean sky island woodlands, riparian canyons
Life span6–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilySciuridae
  2. SpeciesSciurus nayaritensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May bite or scratch if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
What to notice
Recognizable by its large size, dark grey back, bright orange-cinnamon belly, and bushy tail.
Support conservation
Stay on marked canyon trails and never disturb dreys or tree hollow nest sites.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing Canyons: Scan high branches in forested riparian bottoms during early morning hours.
  • Listening for Signs: Listen for the soft sound of gnawed pine cone scales dropping to the forest floor.
  • Keeping Distance: Maintain a quiet presence and avoid approaching nest trees or feeding spots.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…