Abert’s squirrel

COUNTY News:

Abert’s squirrels were named after John James Abert, an American naturalist who influenced the mapping of the American West in the 1800s.

Abert’s squirrels are commonly known as tassel-eared squirrels for their ear tufts.

Abert’s Squirrels have extremely flexible legs, which allows them to climb up and down trees quickly.

They can hang on a tree limb with just their rear feet while being able to use their front feet to handle food.

Abert’s squirrels are extremely adaptable and are known to frequent bird feeders.

Abert’s squirrels are most frequently seen at elevations of 6,000 to 9,000 feet.

They put on extra weight in the fall to keep them warm in winter.

Abert’s squirrels are solitary foragers, spending most of their time during the day looking for food.

While males do not help raise their young, they guard their mates. 

Visit the New Mexico Game and Fish education resources website at https://lacnm.com/NMGF to learn more.

To learn more about other wildlife on the Pajarito Plateau, visit the County’s Living with Wildlife website at https://lacnm.com/wildlife