Squirrel: Fox, Pine, and Abert’s

There are three species of squirrel you can hunt in Colorado: Fox, Pine, and Abert’s. Knowing the difference between these species is very important because the possession limits and bag limits vary from species to species. If you harvest too many of one species thinking it’s another, you can get a ticket.

Fox Squirrel

Odds are you’ve seen a fox squirrel before. They are very common in cities and residential areas and have adapted well to living among humans. The color of a fox squirrel’s fur can vary, but the most common is a rusty brown/gray mixture. They are decent-sized squirrels and can weigh up to 3 pounds.

Pine Squirrel

Pine squirrels are smaller than fox squirrels and are found in pine forests all over the state. Their fur coloration is very similar to fox squirrels, but they have one very distinct feature that sets them apart. They have a prominent circle of white fur around their eyes. This eye coloration is the easiest way to differentiate these two species.

Abert’s Squirrel

Abert’s squirrels are pretty easy to identify. Their prominent, furry ears are easily recognizable. These squirrels also live in a very specific habitat; they prefer open forests of ponderosa pines. Their color varies greatly from brown, to gray, to black, but their furry ears are always there and are the best way to differentiate them from Colorado’s other squirrel species.