Description: Red squirrels were named for their brownish red fur on their upper bodies. They also have white underbodies separated from the top by a dark stripe. They have light colored rings around their eyes, and their tails are somewhat bushy, but not as large as other tree squirrels. These little rodents are quick and full of energy. If you see one, it will very likely be darting around with jerky, very busy movements.  

Habitat: These little squirrels are found throughout Idaho’s forests. If you go camping on either BLM lands or other public lands in forested areas, you will probably see red squirrels darting through your campsite or nearby. 

Food: Red squirrels usually eat seeds from conifer cones, nuts, fungi, and fruits. Because they love to eat conifer seeds, they are a great help to forest ecosystems. By collecting cones for seeds, they help spread them and allow new conifer seeds to sprout. They do not hibernate in winter, so they must always work to store food for winter months.