Fauna Flora Photography

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.

Taxonomy

Mammalia > Rodentia > Sciuridae

Names in different Languages

GermanGemeines Rothörnchen
EnglishAmerican Red Squirrel
FrenchÉcureuil roux
SpanishArdilla roja americana

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.

Where 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.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal 0 0 0 1
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies 6 0 0 1
Parc de la Frayère 1 0 0 0
Tadoussac 1 0 0 0
  8 0 0 2

Number of times a species has been observed, identified, and recorded. A species is reported only once per visit to a park.

Photos of American Red Squirrel

Videos of American Red Squirrel

You can watch these videos and many more on Muuuh's YouTube Channel.

Last updated on 2023-06-20. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.