Abert's Squirrel

Sciurus aberti

Population, Conservation Status, Threats:

Abert's squirrels are considered least concern by the IUCN. Due to their reliance on ponderosa pine stands as habitat, they are threatened by loss of habitat through logging or wildfire - either directly, by loss of food and nesting sites, or indirectly by increased predation caused by reduction of cover.

Physical Description:

Abert's squirrels are large tree squirrels with long fluffy tails and prominent ear tufts present most of the year (excepting the summer months, during which they are shed). While the "typical" coloration of this species is ticked dark gray, with darker ear tufts and a white underbelly, in the front range of Colorado the most common coloration among Abert's squirrels is full black. Red and brown individuals are also known, as well as individuals displaying a mixture of colorations and markings from different morphs.

Colorado Abert's squirrel range from Colorado Division of Wildlife. Abert's squirrels are dependent on ponderosa pine forests, and their range - largely the Front Range but including patches further into the mountains in southern Colorado - reflects this.

Habitat:

Abert's squirrels are dependent on ponderosa pine forests for habitat, especially those with connecting canopies, utilizing both uneven and even aged stands for food, shelter, and nesting sites.

Behavior:

Abert's squirrels are diurnal, and active year-round. They are not particularly territorial, and spend most of their time in the treetops, avoiding ground-dwelling predators. They are known to, through their foraging and feeding habits, spread a species of mycorrhizal fungus that is beneficial to ponderosa pine.

Diet:

Their diet mostly consists of ponderosa pine products, though it is not limited to the cones - squirrels will also eat ponderosa buds, twigs, and sap. They will also feed on fungi, acorns, insects, and carrion when available, and have been known to gnaw on bones and antlers for the mineral content.

Reproduction:

Mating occurs between early spring and summer. Gestation period is around 40 days, and a single litter consists of 2-5 young.

Associated Species:

Abert's squirrels are dependant on ponderosa pine for food and shelter. They are predated upon by hawks and bobcats.

Illustration by Willow Sedam

Sources: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/download/education/conservation/wildlife-notes/mammals/Aberts-Squirrel.pdf, https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/aberts-squirrel.htm, https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/upload/abert%27s%20squirrel%20fact%20sheet.pdf, https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/aberts-squirrel.pdf

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