A Field Guide to the Tree Squirrel

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EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) Adult length and weight: 17 to 20 inches, one to 1-3/4 pounds.
EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) Adult length and weight: 17 to 20 inches, one to 1-3/4 pounds.
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DOUGLAS SQUIRREL (Tamiasciurus douglasii) Adult length and weight: Same as the red squirrel.
DOUGLAS SQUIRREL (Tamiasciurus douglasii) Adult length and weight: Same as the red squirrel.
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FOX SQUIRREL (Sciurus niger) Adult length and weight: To nearly 30 inches and 3 pounds.
FOX SQUIRREL (Sciurus niger) Adult length and weight: To nearly 30 inches and 3 pounds.
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Map of the natural habitats of tree squirrels in the U.S.
Map of the natural habitats of tree squirrels in the U.S.
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RED SQUIRREL (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Adult length and weight: Under 16 inches, about 1/2 pound (average).
RED SQUIRREL (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Adult length and weight: Under 16 inches, about 1/2 pound (average).
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ABERT SQUIRREL (Sciurus aberti) Adult length and weight: 18 to 23 inches, 1-1/2 to 2 pounds.
ABERT SQUIRREL (Sciurus aberti) Adult length and weight: 18 to 23 inches, 1-1/2 to 2 pounds.

As autumn descends on us, the slow baring of the trees opens a window to the activities of some of the most common and fascinating wild mammals of North America. (See the tree squirrel illustrations in the image gallery.)

Among both hunters and amateur naturalists, the squirrels
(family Sciuridae) make up one of the most popular groups
of wild creatures on this continent. These little animals

  • Published on Sep 1, 1985
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