Where does the Red Squirrel live?
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
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Open the appThe Red Squirrel lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Boreal forests, coniferous forests, mixed forests, and occasionally deciduous forests.
Geographic range
Widespread across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico, and east through the Great Lakes region and Appalachian Mountains.
Preferred environments
Mature coniferous forests (spruce, pine, fir) with abundant cone production, as well as mixed woodlands. They require trees for shelter, nesting, and food, and often utilize fallen logs and underground caches for food storage.
Elevation range
Sea level up to 3,600 meters (12,000 feet) in mountainous regions.
Where to look
Coniferous Forests
Look in mature forests dominated by spruce, pine, fir, and hemlock trees. These provide their primary food source (cones).
Mixed Woodlands
They can also be found in areas where conifers are mixed with deciduous trees, especially if conifer seeds are available.
Mountainous Regions
Common in montane forests across their western range.
Parks and Campgrounds
In forested parks and campgrounds within their range, they can become quite habituated to human presence.
Field tips
- Listen for Calls. Their loud, chattering calls are often the first indication of their presence. They are very vocal, especially when disturbed or defending territory.
- Look for Middens. Search for large piles of discarded cone scales at the base of trees or under logs. These middens are clear signs of Red Squirrel activity and often indicate a nearby cache or den.
- Scan Tree Trunks and Branches. They are arboreal and spend much of their time climbing trees. Look for movement along branches or up and down trunks.
- Be Patient and Quiet. While vocal, they can also be wary. Moving slowly and quietly will increase your chances of observing their natural behavior.
- Early Morning/Late Afternoon. These are typically their most active periods for foraging and caching.
Migration
Non-migratory; they are year-round residents within their territories.
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