A medium-sized tree squirrel with prominent ear tufts. Endemic to ponderosa pine forests of southwest mountains. Charcoal-gray with white belly.

Also called: Tassel-eared Squirrel, Mt. Graham Red Squirrel (subspecies)

Native status: Native; population on Mt. Graham federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 46–58 cm; tail 19–25 cm
Weight450–900 g
LifespanWild typically 3–7 years; captive 10
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

§ Encyclopedia

Abert's squirrel or the tassel-eared squirrel is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus native to the southern Rocky Mountains from the United States to the northern Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico, with concentrations found in Arizona, New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado. It is closely associated with, and largely confined to, mature ponderosa pine forests. It is named in honor of the American naturalist John James Abert; nine subspecies are recognised. It is recognizable by its tufted ears, gray color, pale underparts and rufous patch on the lower back. The squirrel feeds on the seeds and cones of the Mexican pinyon and the ponderosa pine when they are available, but will also take fungi, buds, bark, and carrion. Breeding normally occurs in summer, with a spherical nest being built high in the canopy.

Source: Wikipedia — Abert's squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large tree squirrel with charcoal-gray fur and bright white belly; distinctive long ear tufts (especially in winter); broad busy tail.

Similar species. Other Sciurus species (different patterns; smaller ear tufts). Tassel-eared Squirrel — different name for same species.

Voice. Sharp chattering calls; barking territorial calls.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Ponderosa pine seeds (primary), buds, flowers, conifer cones, occasional mushrooms.

Behavior. Among the most distinctive North American tree squirrels — large prominent ear tufts develop in winter and can be over 5 cm long. Endemic to ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim, Mt. Graham, Kaibab Plateau, and other isolated southwestern mountains. Population on Mt. Graham (Arizona) is federally endangered — restricted to a single mountain. Spike harvest seasons help maintain populations across remaining range.

§ Range

Western mountains

§ Habitat

Ponderosa pine forests

§ Threats

Ponderosa pine loss to drought and fire.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the abert's squirrel is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southwestern forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Recovery
  • Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016