Red Squirrels
Description
- Also known as pine squirrels, red squirrels are one of three species of tree squirrels throughout North America. They are typically small in stature weighing on average 7.1 - 8.8 ounces. Red squirrels primary source of nutrition includes the conifer cone seeds from conifer trees. You are likely to find red squirrels wherever conifers are found which are extremely common across North America. However, one area of the United States where red squirrels are not likely to be found is across the Great Plains.
Diet
- Conifer Cone Seeds, White Spruce Seeds, Sprice Buds & Needles
Size
- 7.1 - 8.8 oz
Habitat
- American red squirrels are widely distributed across the North American continent. Their range includes: most of Canada, excluding northern areas with no tree cover, the southern half of Alberta and the southwestern coast of British Columbia; the southern half of Alaska; the Rocky Mountains area of the United States, and northern half of the eastern United States.
Range
- American red squirrels are abundant and not of conservation concern throughout much of their range. Despite the map of the range suggesting that American red squirrels are not on the island of Newfoundland, squirrels were introduced and have lived there in abundance for decades.
Lifespan
- Only 22% of red squirrels survive past one year and the maximum life expectancy is only 2.3 years.
Life, History, Reproduction & More
- American red squirrels are spontaneous ovulators. Females enter estrus for only one day, but venture from their territory prior to ovulation, and these exploratory forays may serve to advertise their upcoming estrus. On the day of estrus, females are chased by several males in an extended mating chase. Males compete with one another for the opportunity to mate with the estrous female. Estrous females will mate with 4 to 16 males.
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