Squirrels are amazing animals that are appreciated for their brilliance and contributions to the environment all over the world. They bury their food and often forget it underneath the ground, which leads to the area’s expansion of trees and plants. These furry fellows chew on everything that gets in their hands.
They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and insects. Some live in trees, some inside the ground. Some fly from one tree to the other while others jump up to 6 meters on the trees. They are a very busy species! Ever thought of what keeps them engaged throughout the year? The answer is food hoarding!
These critters gather food from morning to evening, every day for the year!
They store their food inside the nests or beneath the trees and gain a little weight to stay warm in winters! Please don’t confuse them with rats because these animals are the most adorable species to look at!
Squirrels worldwide:
Squirrels are probably the only mammals that you can find everywhere worldwide! Except for Antarctica and Australia, you can see these bushy animals on Earth. They have hundreds of sub types, and each sub-type has its characteristic traits! For every different habitat, you will find a different kind of squirrel.
Though it is thought that squirrels live in forests and dense woodlands, you can find several types of squirrels in deserts as well! So one can’t say that these mammals are constricted to land; instead, you can find them wherever you live!
About Arizona:
Arizona is a state found in the southwest part of America. It is a landlocked state which means no side of it touches any natural resource of water. You can find it next to Mexico on the map. Arizona is mainly a desert but is rich in habitats like forests, rocky mountains, tundra, and plain lands.
This state is rich in its wildlife, with abundant animals found within its territory. You can find coyotes, javelina, deer, raccoons, skunks, toads, rattlesnakes, and many other wild species.Several wildlife parks work for the conservation of wild animals found in Arizona.
Are there squirrels in Arizona?
As I said, there can hardly be a place where you wouldn’t find a squirrel! Yes, Arizona is home to many types of squirrels! Since Arizona’s habitat is a blend of forests, mountains, and tundra, you can see different kinds of squirrels here.
The squirrels found in Arizona are primarily located here because of the different habitats provided. While you may not see these squirrels other than in Arizona, you must be careful about them because some species are considered
dangerous!
Types of squirrels in Arizona:
Arizona is home to many kinds of squirrels. Various species of squirrels are the inhabitants of Arizona. While the list is quite long, there are a few most common types of squirrels you may end up seeing here;
- Red Squirrels:
Red squirrels, or American red squirrels, are the true natives of America. You can find them easily in all parts of the USA because, like you and me, it’s their home! Red squirrels are the most different kinds with reddish ginger fur.
They are probably the smallest ones and don’t even have a long lifespan either. My favorite place to live is in the coniferous trees and dense woodlands. You can see those eating walnuts, acorns, fruits, and plants! These furry fellows only mate once a year, producing a litter of 3 to 5 babies. You shouldn’t go on their size because they can create havoc if entered inside the house!
- Abert’s squirrel:
The Abert’s squirrels are noticeable for their pretty long ears and thick gray fur. On their long pointed ears is the coat which disappears in summer. These are easily found onconiferous or pine trees in Arizona.
Abert’s squirrels are massive eaters. According to the research, a single abert’s squirrel can eat up to 75 cones in a single day! They like making their messy nests on the pine trees. The thing that makes them unique is that
their only and primary source of diet is the ponderosa pine! Though they are not densely populated in the lands of Arizona, if you wish to see them, check the nearest
pine tree!
- Gray squirrels:
Gray squirrels, also known as Arizona Gray squirrels, are less populated in parts of Arizona. They love living in the mountains so that you can see them in the rocky mountain regions of Arizona.
These squirrels love munching on flowers, so the requirement of vitamins and minerals is also completed. These furry fellows may become an endangered species in the coming time because of habitat loss and competition for food.
Some other squirrels in Arizona National Park:
Though red, Abert’s, and gray squirrels are commonly found in the lands of Arizona, several other species of squirrels can be seen around the area.
Harris’s Antelope squirrel:
These squirrels can actively be seen in the Arizona National Park. They are differentiated from the other types by having a prominent stripe on their sides. You can even see them on the hottest days.
Rock squirrels:
As the name indicates, these squirrels are found near rocky regions, especially in the mountains. They live in burrows made underneath human houses rather than the trees. You may confuse them with gray squirrels, but these are much larger.
Round tailed squirrels:
These ground squirrels are mainly found in the desert areas of the Arizona National Park. They are one of the very few squirrels living together in colonies. They like open spaces where they can dig burrows. Small ears and brownish fawn fur are their distinguishing characteristics.
Cliff Chipmunk:
Cliff chipmunks have a dark stripe on their face rather than the bodies like Harris’s Antelope squirrels. You can see them in the upper parts of the mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are squirrels in Arizona aggressive?
Most squirrels are considered harmless species, but the Rock squirrels found in Arizona considered very dangerous. They tend to bite and attack humans. Their bite can spread fatal diseases like rabies and plague. Thinking of taking a selfie with rock squirrels? Think again!
How is Arizona’s wildlife?
Arizona’s wildlife species are found throughout deserts, mountains, and tundra. Mostly, Arizona’s wildlife is desert animals and reptiles. This state of the USA is rich in the diversity of wildlife animals. Arizona has become one of the most diverse wildlife states, with more than 800 birds, mammals, and reptiles.
What do the gray squirrels in Arizona eat?
The gray squirrels in Arizona are not densely populated. Their population has dropped after invading other types of squirrels and competition for food. However, squirrels can eat almost everything that gets in their way, but the gray squirrels are like nuts, acorns, berries, fruits, insects, plants, fungi, pine cones, and seeds.
What is a rock squirrel’s diet in Arizona?
Most squirrel species are natural omnivores, but rock squirrels are herbivores. They eat plants, seeds, leaves, stems, nuts, grasses, and cacti. But sometimes, when there’s no sufficient food available, rock squirrels may eat small insects and animals.
Are squirrels protected in Arizona?
All the ground squirrels and other kinds of squirrels are protected in the state of Arizona. They are considered to be kept safe, and it is illegal to use them in any game.
