Red Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Description
The Red Squirrel is a small tree squirrel, which is a game species, found only in the higher elevations of eastern Tennessee. It is a small tree squirrel with reddish-gray or yellowish back (brighter on the sides) and white or cream-colored belly. The tail is similar in color to the back, with a broad, black band edged in white, and is less bushy than other tree squirrels. Eyes are edged in white, and ears are tufted in winter. Sides have a black line in the summer. Males and females are similar in description.
Length: 11 - 15 inches
Tail: 3.6 - 6.3 inches
Ear: 0.8 - 1.2 inches
Weight: 5.0 - 8.9 ounces
Similar Species: Eastern Gray and Eastern Fox Squirrels are larger and have thicker, bushier tails. They do not have a black line on their sides during the summer.
Habitat: Prefers coniferous forests in higher elevations, but can be found in hardwood and mixed coniferous-hardwood forests as well.
Diet: Primarily feeds on pine cones but eats a variety of acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, and occasionally bird eggs and young.
Breeding information: Red Squirrels generally breed twice a year, in the late winter and mid-summer. Females give birth to litters ranging from 1 to 8 (average 2-5) young in tree cavities, leaf nests, or ground burrows after a 33-35 day gestation period. The young grow rapidly and are weaned at 7-8 weeks. Juvenile mortality is high due to predators; only 25% survive to adulthood.
Status in Tennessee: Not a species of concern; common in east Tennessee.
Best places to see in Tennessee: In the higher elevation forests of the Unaka Mountains in East Tennessee.
Fun Facts
- Red Squirrels store their food for the winter in large underground caches.
- Red Squirrels have a distinctive, long descending trill vocalization, which can be heard at a great distance.
Photos
