Squirrels are one of the most common mammals in Montana and can be found throughout the state. Knowing how to identify and differentiate between three different types of squirrels in the state can help you better understand their behavior and ecology.
1. Red Squirrel
The red squirrel is the most common type of squirrel found in Montana. These small rodents typically have reddish-brown fur, although their fur can also be various shades of brown or even black.
Red squirrels are known for their large ears and long tails. They are excellent climbers and often build their nests in trees.
The fox squirrel is the largest type of squirrel found in Montana. These animals have reddish-brown or orange-red fur, with white patches on their bellies and chests.
Fox squirrels have long tails and prefer to live in wooded areas where they can find plenty of trees to climb.
2. Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is one of the most common types of squirrels in Montana. These furry creatures are often seen running around in fields and forests, and they make their homes in trees. Fox squirrels are typically brown or gray in color, and they have bushy tails.
These squirrels are known for being playful and curious, and they often approach humans when they see them.
Fox squirrels are omnivorous, which means that they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists mostly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. In the winter months, when food is scarce, fox squirrels will cache (or hide) food so that they can access it later.
Despite their small size, fox squirrels are good swimmers and climbers. They are also excellent jumpers, and they can leap up to 10 feet in the air!
These amazing abilities help them escape from predators and find food.
3. Flying Squirrel
There are three types of squirrels in Montana: ground squirrels, red squirrels, and flying squirrels. Flying squirrels are the largest of the three and can be found in forests throughout the state.
These creatures are nocturnal and have furry bodies with long tails. They are proficient jumpers and gliders, which allow them to travel up to 100 feet between trees.
Flying squirrels eat a variety of foods including insects, nuts, and berries.
Conclusion
In Montana, you can find three different types of squirrels – the red squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the flying squirrel. All three types of squirrels are common in the state, and each has its own unique appearance and habits.
If you’re interested in seeing all three types of squirrels, Montana is the perfect place to go!
