Observations on the Life History of the Red Squirrel in New York

The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and related species occurs in one form or another over much of northern United States and Canada. One finds, with little search, an extended bibliography relatinlg to the habits of this species. The most elaborate study is Hatt's (1929) monograph, which not only includes much of our present knowledge of the life history of the species, but adequately summarizes the studies of earlier naturalists. Both Klugh (1927) and Seton (1928) have made many pertinent observations. However, when these are consulted, we find many gaps in our knowledge of this interesting species. It is for this purpose that the following observations have been assembled and recorded. Emphasis is placed on those factors in the life of the squirrel which have been studied least. It is not improbable that the observations on habits made in central and western New York are similar to those in other parts of the squirrel's range having similar climate and habitat.