American Red Squirrel
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
This is a small, reddish-brown tree squirrel. It may have a darker stripe along its sides in the summer, but this is less distinct in winter. The underside is typically w…
How to identify
This is a small, reddish-brown tree squirrel. It may have a darker stripe along its sides in the summer, but this is less distinct in winter. The underside is typically whitish. The tail is relatively short and bushy.
Range
T. hudsonicus has a wide distribution across North America, including much of Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern and western United States.
Habitat
It inhabits a variety of coniferous and mixed coniferous forests.
Similar species
T. hudsonicus can be confused with Tamiasciurus douglasii in the Pacific Northwest, but T. douglasii is generally darker and has a more orange-reddish underside. It also overlaps with Tamiasciurus fremonti, which is typically more grayish-brown and has a more defined lateral stripe.
Name and etymology
hudsonicus: Latin for from Hudson referencing Hudson Bay
At a glance
Range
T. hudsonicus has a wide distribution across North America, including much of Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern and w…
Habitat
It inhabits a variety of coniferous and mixed coniferous forests.
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap