American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
The smaller of the two squirrels observed in and around Montreal with a white belly and reddish fur on the back. Shyer than the Grey Squirrel, keeping a save distance from humans.
| 🇫🇷 | Écureuil roux |
| 🇩🇪 | Gemeines Rothörnchen |
| 🇲🇽 | Ardilla roja americana |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Sciuridae |
How to Identify
The color of the fur is different than the other squirrel species seen in and around Montreal. The Red Squirrel has a reddish fur on the back and a white belly. It is also shyer than the Grey Squirrel, keeping a save distance from the humans.
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Characteristics
| Length | 25-30cm |
| Weight | 150-250g |
Where and When to Spot
I have seen the Red Squirrel in Montreal Botanical Garden and Park Pointe aux Prairies but not in the other parks on Montreal Island. The species is around all year long. Better visible in winter when no leaves hinder the vision.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | - | - | x |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | x |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.