Arizona Gray Squirrel
Sciurus arizonensis
S. arizonensis is a medium-sized tree squirrel. It exhibits a gray or brownish-gray coat, often with a darker dorsal stripe. The underside is typically paler. Its tail is…
How to identify
S. arizonensis is a medium-sized tree squirrel. It exhibits a gray or brownish-gray coat, often with a darker dorsal stripe. The underside is typically paler. Its tail is bushy and may have a slightly darker tip. Unlike S. aberti, it lacks prominent ear tufts.
Range
S. arizonensis is found in the mountainous regions of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and extends into northern Mexico. Its range is associated with mixed-conifer and oak woodlands.
Habitat
This species inhabits mixed-conifer forests and oak woodlands, often at higher elevations. It favors areas with a variety of tree species, including pines, oaks, and junipers.
Similar species
Within its range, S. arizonensis may overlap with S. aberti in some areas. However, S. aberti is distinguished by its long ear tufts. It can be differentiated from Sciurus nayaritensis by range and subtle differences in coloration. Other squirrels, like Sciurus niger, are generally larger and have a different coloration.
Name and etymology
Genus
Sciurus
Greek for shadow (skia) tail (oura)
Origin
Sources
- Palmer, Index Generum Mammalium (1904) ↗
Palmer, T. S. 1904. Index Generum Mammalium: a list of the genera and families of mammals. North American Fauna 23. Government Printing Office, Washington. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.39809
Species epithet
arizonensis
Latin for of Arizona
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Sciurus arizonensis ↗
“Sciurus arizonensis.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_gray_squirrel
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
S. arizonensis is found in the mountainous regions of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and extends into norther…
Habitat
This species inhabits mixed-conifer forests and oak woodlands, often at higher elevations. It favors areas with a variety of…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap