Quck answer
The American Red Squirrel is a small, territorial and aggressive rodent found in North America. They inhabit coniferous and mixed forests and are known for their loud vocalizations and territorial behavior. Despite their small size, they are known to be aggressive towards other animals, including humans. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of nuts, seeds, insects, and fungi. The American Red Squirrel is an important species in forest ecosystems, playing a role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. However, they can also cause damage to trees and crops, making them a nuisance to some.
Wild Animals
Despite their size, red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are known to be extremely aggressive when feeling threatened. Björn Lauer/Getty Images
The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is found in various areas across North America, including the Rocky Mountains, parts of Alaska, Canada, the Great Lakes region, and the northeastern United States, making it a truly American and Canadian rodent.
As its name suggests, the red squirrel’s fur is typically rusty red in color. However, this small creature is capable of surprising behaviors such as nest-raiding, bird-eating, and infanticide.
Squirrel Diversity
With over 200 species of squirrels known to zoologists, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common type found in the eastern and Midwestern United States. While gray-furred with light underbellies, individual squirrels may appear all-black or all-white.
The American red squirrel, on the other hand, has a light underbelly and vibrant red-brown to red-gray fur covering its head, tail, back, and legs. Black stripes may be present on each flank, forming a boundary between darker and lighter hairs. Similarly to the eastern gray squirrel, the American red squirrel has a white fur ring around both eyes, but is only half the size of the gray squirrel, measuring between 11 and 14 inches (28 and 36 centimeters) long.
However, despite its small size, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus is anything but timid and is known for its aggressive behavior.
Red squirrels use barks and other sounds to alert others of danger.
Kim MacKay/Getty Images
Seeing Red
Red squirrels are notorious for raiding bird-feeders and chasing away eastern gray squirrels, despite the size disadvantage. Same-species encounters can also get testy, as red squirrels are typically solitary and stake out territories covering up to 8 acres (3.3 hectares) at just 9 to 11 weeks old.
While some territories may be shared with neighbors or offspring, most American red squirrels do not tolerate intruders and use scents and sounds to mark their territory and warn others of danger. Predators of the red squirrel include foxes, wolves, weasels, lynx, coyotes, crows, birds of prey, and timber rattlesnakes.
“Midden” Their Own Business
Red squirrels are also capable hunters in their own right.
Red squirrels have a diverse diet that includes young birds, unhatched eggs, insects, mushrooms, sap, tree bark, fruits, flowers, and seeds. They are known to store cones in middens, which can be underground hiding spots or heaps of cones beside tree trunks. These cones are a winter food source for red squirrels. While they can damage trees by stripping their bark away and overharvesting cones, they also help spread cones around. During mast years, female red squirrels are more likely to have two litters of pups, which gives male squirrels the opportunity to commit sexually selected infanticide. This tactic is intended to make mother squirrels reproductively available again, and it works. It’s interesting to note that both Kentucky and North Carolina recognize the eastern gray squirrel as their official state mammal.
FAQ
1. What is the American Red Squirrel?
The American Red Squirrel is a small mammal that is found in North America. They are part of the squirrel family and are known for their reddish-brown fur and bushy tails.
2. How big are American Red Squirrels?
These squirrels are quite small, measuring only about 7 to 8 inches in length, with their tails adding another 6 to 8 inches. They weigh between 5 and 8 ounces.
3. Where do American Red Squirrels live?
They are found in forests across North America, from Alaska to the east coast of the United States. They prefer coniferous forests, but can also be found in deciduous forests.
4. What do American Red Squirrels eat?
These squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They feed on a variety of nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and even small birds and eggs.
5. Are American Red Squirrels territorial?
Yes, these squirrels are quite territorial. They defend their home range from other squirrels and animals, and will even chase away larger predators like hawks and weasels.
6. How do American Red Squirrels communicate?
These squirrels communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including barks, growls, and chatters. They also use their tails to signal to other squirrels.
7. Do American Red Squirrels hibernate?
No, these squirrels do not hibernate. However, during the winter they may stay in their nests for longer periods of time to conserve energy.
8. Are American Red Squirrels endangered?
No, these squirrels are not currently considered endangered. However, habitat loss and fragmentation can be a threat to their populations.
9. Can American Red Squirrels be kept as pets?
In most places, it is illegal to keep native wildlife as pets. Additionally, these squirrels are territorial and aggressive, which can make them difficult to keep as pets.
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