American Red Squirrel | National Wildlife Federation (2024)

FAQs

American Red Squirrel | National Wildlife Federation? ›

American red squirrels are about 12 inches and have grayish, red, or rust-colored fur with a white belly. Sometimes a black stripe can be seen on the sides. American red squirrels can be found throughout the United States in the forests of Alaska, the east coast north of Georgia, and the Rocky Mountains.

Are they endangered? American red squirrels are listed as "Least Concern" on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Check the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide for information on season dates and required permits, and for any special conditions. There are no regulated trapping or hunting seasons for fox, red, or flying squirrels, therefore no permit is required to trap and kill this species.

Hunters tend not to pursue red squirrels for meat, preferring the larger gray squirrel. Red squirrel meat isn't known to be good eating. Something that eats pine and spruce cones as a mainstay of its diet isn't going to taste as good as something that feeds regularly on acorns and beech nuts.

American red squirrels are abundant and not of conservation concern throughout much of their range. American red squirrels were introduced on Newfoundland and have lived there in abundance for decades. However, an isolated population of red squirrels in Arizona has experienced considerable declines in population size.

Red squirrels are particularly important because they are better suited to spread the seeds of coniferous trees; being specially adapted to feed on the seeds in their cones. Grey squirrels, however, tend to favour deciduous woodland where many other animals spread the seeds of trees, such as birds.

A study published in Scientific Naturalist has found that male squirrels will commit infanticide and cannibalism of squirrel pups who aren't their own.

In Connecticut, the Eastern Gray squirrel is most commonly seen. Red squirrels are less commonly seen in CT. Black squirrels are sometimes seen, but they are uncommon, as they are a rare type of Gray squirrel.

Red Squirrel Damage

If they begin to nest indoors, not only will their noises become annoying, but their nests can also create fire hazards if they are blocking vents. If they are in attics or walls, they may chew through wiring, potentially short-circuiting any connected appliances.

There are also many homeowners that kill red squirrels because they have a propensity to chew their way into the eaves of homes and set up a nest in the warm insulation under the roof. Some of these homeowners undoubtedly do not eat the squirrels, but some feel obliged to do so.

Are red squirrels smart? ›

While red squirrels may not be as good at problem solving, the research -- published this week in the journal Animal Behavior -- suggests they're quick learners.

Squirrels do not mate for life and it is not uncommon for females to mate with multiple males. In fact, not only do female squirrels have multiple partners but, unlike other animals, it is usually the female in the relationship who chooses which males she wants to mate with.

Life history: Red squirrels are solitary but pair for mating in February and March. Females usually breed when they are 1 year old. Three to seven young are born after a gestation period of 36 to 40 days. The young are born blind and hairless, weighing about ¼ ounce at birth.

Some females produce litters in both April and August, but others produce just one litter annually during one of these periods. Sexual maturation of the young occurs the winter following their birth. Red squirrels may live 10 years, although 3-5 years is the average life span for adults.

The American red squirrel might. This surprisingly small animal is known for being aggressive and territorial.

Red squirrels are diurnal and are active for much of the day, often from before dawn until it is dark, pausing only for a midday rest. They have few natural predators so can take the risk of being out in broad daylight. They escape attack from foxes and birds of prey by spending most of their time up in the trees.

Please let us know immediately if you see a red or a grey squirrel by reporting to one of our red squirrel groups. Red squirrel sightings help us gauge the health and location of our red squirrel populations. Grey sightings help us target control to protect the reds from disease and competition for food and habitat.

By providing a little extra food, planting some red squirrel-friendly shrubs and reporting any squirrel activity in your garden you can help support your local squirrel population.

Many states restrict keeping squirrels as pets in your home. Before adopting, talk to an exotic animal veterinarian about the laws in your city and state. If you find a squirrel in your yard in need of care, find a wildlife refuge center to take the squirrel before attempting care on your own.