"The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is one of three species of tree squirrel currently
classified in the genus Tamiasciurus and known as pine squirrels (the other are the Douglas squirrel T. douglasii and Mearns's squirrel T. mearnsi). American red squirrels
are also referred to as pine squirrels, North American red squirrels, and chickarees. It is a medium sized (200–250g) diurnal mammal that defends a year-round exclusive territory.
The diet of these tree squirrels is specialized on the seeds of conifer cones. As such, they are widely distributed across North America wherever conifers are common, except on
the Pacific coasts where they are replaced by Douglas Squirrels. Recently, American red squirrels have been expanding their range to include primarily hardwood areas.
Red squirrels can be easily identified from other North American tree squirrels by their smaller size, territorial behavior and reddish fur with a white venter (under-belly).
Red squirrels are somewhat larger than chipmunks. The Douglas squirrel is morphologically similar to the American red squirrels but has a rust venter and is restricted to the
southwestern coast of British Columbia and in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. These species' ranges do not overlap.
American red squirrels are widely distributed across North America. Their range includes most of Canada and east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States.
American red squirrels are abundant and not of conservation concern throughout much of their range. However, an isolated population of red squirrels in Arizona has experienced
considerable declines in population size. In 1987, this portion of the population was listed as endangered." - Wikipedia
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