How to Identify a Red Squirrel

If you are out hiking in a forest in northern North America, you will likely come across many living creatures on your hike. These animals may even include the very small Red Squirrel. If you want to learn how to identify a Red Squirrel, here's what you should look for.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for the Red Squirrel in most of Canada, and in the United States in Alaska and the Rocky Mountains. Red Squirrels are also seen in the eastern United States, ranging as far west as Illinois and as far south as Virginia.

2. Take note of the Red Squirrel's habitat, which consists of deciduous forests, coniferous forests and mixed forests. Red Squirrels like to nest in logs, tree hollows and ground hollows in these forests.

3. Try to observe the Red Squirrel when it is most active. The early morning hours and late afternoon hours are the best times to spot the Red Squirrel.

4. Recognize the Red Squirrel's appearance. They are reddish-gray or reddish on their upper parts and tail, and white or cream on their under parts. The Red Squirrel's tail is not as bushy and long as the tails of other common squirrels. Notice that they have white circles around their eyes and curved front claws.

5. Learn about the size of the Red Squirrel. They are among the smallest of the squirrels found in northern North America ranging in length from only 27 to 39 cm Weights typically range from 140 to 252 g.

6. Listen to the sounds made by the Red Squirrel. These squirrels are very vocal, and their sounds carry for long distances. They make growls, trills, chatters and screeches.

Tips & Warnings

• Red Squirrels like to drink sap from maple trees. If you go near maple trees in the range of the Red Squirrel, you may be able to spot this squirrel species.
• Red Squirrels are usually solitary animals.