The American Red Squirrel (genus Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is an agile omnivore rodent often found anywhere mixed hardwood and evergreen conifers and is not to be confused with the Red British Squirrel (genus Sciurus vulgaris), which is native to Eurasia.

These 10-15 inch squirrels live an average of 5 years and are known to have one of the most impressive memories in the animal kingdom. They can recall the locations of thousands of buried seeds and nuts saved in preparation for a long winter.

Despite their renowned memories, these rodents are responsible for the burying and spreading of seeds and nuts that, when forgotten, help to grow, restore, and spread the forests they call their homes.

Their favorite foods include some of the following delicacies found within the wild:

• Nuts
• Seeds
• Mushrooms
• Flowers
• Sap
• Insects
• Bird Eggs

The biggest threats to the survival of the American Red Squirrel include weasels, foxes, lynx, snakes and predatory birds.

Red Squirrels can escape from such predators by using their incredible ability to run at top speeds of 15 MPH and jump 4-5 feet vertically and 10 feet horizontally.

These creatures can be recognized and identified by their tiny bodies, comparatively large paws, bushy curling tails, erect ears, long incisors, and, of course, the signature rust-red fur for which they are known by and named for.

This squirrel species weighs between 7 and 10 ounces, with both males and females of the species being nearly indistinguishable in appearance.