American Red Squirrel

Description:

This is the first red squirrel I have ever spotted. It resembled an oversized chipmunk to me.

Habitat:

Penitentiary Glen, Lake Metro Parks, Lake County, Kirtland, OH USA. Spotted in an outdoor feeding area for birds and squirrels set up by the park. Red squirrels can be easily identified from other North American tree squirrels by their smaller size, territorial behavior and reddish fur with a white venter (underbelly).[6] Red squirrels are somewhat larger than chipmunks. American red squirrels are also referred to as pine squirrels, North American red squirrels, and chickarees. They are medium-sized (200–250 g) diurnal mammals that defend a year-round exclusive territory.