A large, lively tree squirrel found in Mexico and parts of Central America. It has a strong body, sharp claws, bright eyes, and a long bushy tail that helps it balance as it climbs and jumps through trees. Its fur is often gray or gray-brown on the back, while the belly can be white, cream, orange, or rusty-colored. This mix of colors makes it stand out from many plainer gray squirrels. In fact, its scientific name, aureogaster, means “golden belly,” referring to the warm orange or golden color some individuals have underneath.

One thing that makes the Mexican gray squirrel different from many other squirrels is its adaptability. It can live in forests, wooded areas, plantations, parks, and even towns where there are enough trees and food. While some squirrels need very specific habitats, this species is more flexible. It moves confidently through branches, fences, roofs, and gardens, using its tail like a balancing pole. Its strong claws help it grip bark, and its quick reflexes let it leap between branches with ease. This ability to live both in wilder places and near people has helped it become one of the more noticeable squirrels in its range.

The Mexican gray squirrel eats a wide variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, flowers, buds, bark, and sometimes crops. Like other tree squirrels, it may bury or carry seeds, helping some plants spread when the seeds are forgotten and grow into new trees. Its feeding habits can make it useful in forests, though in farms and gardens, it may sometimes be seen as a crop thief. This is part of what makes it interesting: it is both a forest helper and a clever opportunist. It is active during the day, often seen running along branches, pausing to nibble food, or flicking its tail when alert.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Guatemala

2017

Mexico

2017

United States

2017

Introduced