Canyon Country Animals
Mammals: Squirrels and Chipmunks
You will no doubt see a variety of squirrels and chipmunks as you make your way through the canyons and over the forested plateaus. These little critters often seem fearless and may pester you for scraps and handouts. Even though they are cute and fury, avoid the temptation. Your best intentions at providing some natural treat may actually disrupt their normal digestive functions and discourage them from locating a more reliable source of nutrition. And, it is best to avoid physical contact with these energetic visitors to your campsite. They have been known to carry the plague and the hanta virus Again, like with all wild animals, it is best to observe them from a distance.
Abert Squirrel
The Abert squirrel is a large, heavy bodied tree squirrel with tufted ears and long, bushy tail. Dark grayish above with a broad, rusty-reddish strip down the back. Under parts and feet are white. Tail mostly white or grayish. The Abert is found in the forested areas of the Mogollon Rim to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, the White Mountains, the Chuska Mountains on the Navajo Reservation, and the Catalina and Graham Mountains of southern Arizona. Their habitat is coniferous forests. These squirrels are herbivorous rodents which live in trees. They are preyed upon by hawks, and by other predators when the squirrels descend to the ground. They have litters of four to five which are born from late spring to early fall.
Kaibab Squirrel
Similar to the Abert except for being darker. Under parts usually black instead of white, and the tail is all white. The Kaibab Squirrel is found only on the Kaibab plateau, north of the Grand Canyon. Their habitat is coniferous forests. These squirrels are herbivorous rodents which live in trees. They are preyed upon by hawks, and by other predators when the squirrels descend to the ground. They have litters of four to five which are born from late spring to early fall. The Kaibab squirrel is a sub-species of the Abert squirrel. It is considered rare because it is found only in the Kaibab forest, north of the Grand Canyon. It is not endangered.
Arizona Gray Squirrel
A large tree squirrel with fairly large, rounded ears. Usually all gray except for under parts which are white or pale gray. Lives in deciduous forest areas in mountains of central, eastern, and south-central Arizona. Streamside areas at lower elevations. Closely associated with walnut trees, usually stream and river bottom areas at intermediate elevations. These squirrels are herbivorous rodents which live in trees. They are preyed upon by hawks, and by other predators when the squirrels descend to the ground. Two to six young, born in late winter or early spring.
Red Squirrel
A small tree squirrel, about one-half the size of the Gray or Abert. Rusty, reddish brown with white under parts. Ears tufted. A very nervous, alert, and noisy squirrel. Lives in coniferous forests of the White Mountains and Mogollon plateau, the Chuska Mountains on the Navajo Reservation, and the Graham Mountains in southern Arizona. Found in coniferous forests at higher elevations. These squirrels are herbivorous rodents which live in trees. They are preyed upon by hawks, and by other predators when the squirrels descend to the ground. One to six young, born in late spring.
Photos
Notes
The main photo on this page was taken along the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, near the Bright Angel Campground. The two images of chipmunks were taken at an overlook on Grand Mesa, Colorado, near Lands End. - The photos presented on this page were taken by Mirek Stehno (of the Czech Republic) in 2004, and by Frank Stehno (of the USA).
Related Sites
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