Douglas Squirrel

Tamiasciurus douglasii (species), “Douglas's Squirrel”

The Douglas squirrel, also known as the chickaree, is a small tree squirrel native to the western coast of North America. It is named after the Scottish botanist David Douglas, who first described the species in the 19th century.

Belly Color

Light Orange

Eye Color

Dark Brown

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The Douglas squirrel is a relatively small squirrel, measuring about 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in length, with a bushy tail that is about the same length as its body. It has reddish-brown fur and has large, dark eyes.

This species of squirrel is known for being very active and vocal, often chattering loudly to communicate with other squirrels and to warn of potential threats. They are also known for their agility and acrobatics, often leaping from tree to tree with ease.

Ecological Impact

One of John Muir’s favorite animals, the Douglas Squirrel is one of the west coast’s most lively foresters. When harvesting and caching conifer cone seeds, the Douglas Squirrel inadvertently plants numerous trees. Similarly, through their feeding on mushrooms, they spread spores, which leads to a greater proliferation of fungi – which is vital for forest health. Muir once wrote, “nature has made him master forester and committed most of her coniferous crops to his paws.” He called the squirrel’s activities a “more hilarious, exuberant, vital stir than all the bears, birds, and humming wings together.”

On the Web

On Wikipedia

The Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) is a pine squirrel found in the Pacific Northwest of North America, including the northwestern coastal states of the United States as well as the southwestern coast of British Columbia in Canada. It is sometimes known as the chickaree or pine squirrel, although these names are also used for the American red squirrel. Variant spellings of the common name are Douglas' squirrel and Douglas's squirrel. The Native Americans of Kings River called it the "Pillillooeet", in imitation of its characteristic alarm call.