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How do squirrel coat colors vary among species?

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Do squirrels forget where they hide their food? — squirrel Overview of food-burying behaviour in squirrels.

Squirrel coat color is extraordinarily variable across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), which includes both tree squirrels and ground squirrels.12

Tree Squirrels

Most tree squirrel species have soft, dense fur that ranges from plain, solid shades of gray or brown to complex patterns. Tropical species often exhibit diverse combinations of white, gray, yellow, orange, red, maroon, brown, and black. Some species are characterized by stripes along their sides, back, or head.1

Ground Squirrels

The coloration of ground squirrels is similarly diverse, spanning gray, tawny, pale brown, olive, reddish, or very dark brown. While some are solid-colored, many exhibit distinct markings, including:2
* Dappling or lines of spots.2
* White to brownish-black stripes.2
* Bright reddish-brown cheeks.2
* Stripes combined with a yellowish-red mantle over the head and shoulders.2

Additionally, some ground squirrel individuals may be partially or completely black (melanistic), and their underparts typically feature white, gray, buff, or brown tones.2