Red squirrels are small, tree-climbing rodents native to Eurasia. Both of these large squirrels appear in a variety of colors, which include black, gray, brown, cream and red. Squirrels are small rodents generally between 10 cm and 20 cm tall, although some species of squirrel-like marmots and prairie dogs around the size of a small beaver. The western gray squirrel lives in three separate locations along the western coast. Squirrels are generally small animals, ranging in size from the African pygmy squirrel and least pygmy squirrel at 10–14 cm (3.9–5.5 in) in total length and just 12–26 g (0.42–0.92 oz) in weight, to the Bhutan giant flying squirrel at up to 1.27 m (4 ft 2 in) in total length, and several marmot species, which can weigh 8 kg (18 lb) or more. When collecting food during fall, red squirrels sometimes get covered gum oozing from pine trees. The eastern gray squirrel normally inhabits the northeastern United States, although it has invaded the western United States, as well as Europe. Tamiascurus hudsonicus. North America. The three common names for this animal describe its general appearance, active vocalizing habits, and preferred habitat. Related Questions. Current Distribution. Tamiascurus hudsonicus. On average Irish red squirrels live up to 3 years in the wild but females generally out live males and can reach up to 6 years of age. The Red squirrel is a member of the squirrel family with approximately forty sub species. Overall, currently Eurasian red squirrels are classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List; however their numbers today are decreasing. Squirrel. Related Questions. Chipmunks and Squirrels. Wiki User March 02, 2012 5:40PM. What is the red squirrel's scientific name? These squirrels have long bushy tails and pointed tufts of fur over their ears. The scientific name for the red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel is Sciurus vulgaris. Wiki User February 29, 2012 3:16AM. What is the scientific name for a red squirrel? A North American red squirrel — its ear marked with colored wire and a radio collar around its neck — perches on an evergreen tree in the Canadian Yukon. Answer. There are many different species of squirrel natively found in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Common Name(s): Red Squirrel, American Red Squirrel, Mount Graham Red Squirrel, Mountain Weasel Fewer than 140,000 were thought to exist in 2013, about 85% of them in Scotland. An adult weighs between 145 and 260 g (5 to 9 oz.) It is also referred to as Hudson's Bay Squirrel, as in John James Audubon's work The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (hence the species name). Red squirrels hang fungi such as mushrooms out to dry on tree branches to make it keep better over winter. It is believed that the red squirrel first originated in North America before spreading to Asia and Europe while certain sections of these land masses were still connected. Wiki User March 21, 2009 2:41AM. The American red squirrel occupies all of the temperate, forested regions of northern North America. The American red squirrel constructs its nest in the branches or in cavities of trees or stumps. These squirrels can be very noisy and have been given the nickname of "chatter boxes". Answer. The red squirrel (Tamiascurus hudsonicus) is also called the chickaree or the pine squirrel. Possible aliases, alternative names and misspellings for Tamiasciurus hudsonicus. The American red squirrel is variously known as the pine squirrel, North American red squirrel and chickaree. The Red squirrel population in the United Kingdom is known to have drastically reduced due to competition with introduced grey squirrel.