# Pine Squirrel (*Tamiasciurus*) Pine squirrels are small and lively animals that love to jump around in trees. They have fluffy tails and are great at climbing! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Chickaree, Pine Chipmunk ![Pine Squirrel](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426265/objects/4496.jpg) ## Appearance The Pine Squirrel is a small, energetic squirrel with a reddish-brown back and a pale white or cream-colored belly. It often has a distinct white ring around its eyes. Unlike larger grey squirrels, its smaller size and vibrant coloring make it easily identifiable. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Rodentia - **Family:** Sciuridae - **Genus:** Tamiasciurus ## Interesting facts - Pine squirrels can run headfirst down trees, rotating their hind feet 180 degrees! - Pine squirrels create giant underground pantries of pine cones called 'middens'. - These little squirrels are super territorial and will loudly chatter at intruders! - They hang mushrooms on branches to dry them, saving snacks for later. ## Special abilities - **Expert Hoarder:** Pine Squirrel can bury huge stashes of seeds and nuts, helping them survive harsh winters when food is scarce. - **Acrobatic Climber:** Pine Squirrel has strong claws and flexible ankles that help them swiftly climb and jump through trees with ease. - **Sharp Senses:** Pine Squirrel can detect hidden food stores and approaching predators using their excellent hearing and sense of smell. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 16-23 cm - **Weight:** 0.15-0.28 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-7 years - **Speed:** 24 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-8 - **Gestation:** 31-35 days ## Diet & Feeding These omnivores primarily feast on conifer seeds, nuts, and fungi, supplementing with berries and insects. - **Primary Foods:** Conifer Seeds, Mushrooms, Berries, Nuts, Insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Great Horned Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — a common nocturnal predator - **Eaten by:** [American Marten](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-marten) (*Martes americana*) — a quick and agile forest hunter - **Depends on:** [White Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-spruce) (*Picea glauca*) — for an important source of seeds ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always observe squirrels from a distance. They are wild animals and should not be approached or fed. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Pine Squirrel? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Pine Squirrel? 16-23 cm ### How much does Pine Squirrel weigh? 0.15-0.28 kg ### How long does Pine Squirrel live? 2-7 years ### How fast can Pine Squirrel move? 24 km/h ### What does Pine Squirrel eat? These omnivores primarily feast on conifer seeds, nuts, and fungi, supplementing with berries and insects. ### Where is Pine Squirrel usually found? Forests ### How does Pine Squirrel hunt? Foraging ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Pine Squirrel: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pine-squirrel)