ARIZONA NEWS

Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population increases substantially in Arizona

Dec 14, 2024, 5:00 AM

Endangered red squirrels: 233 of the Arizona animals counted...

The Mount Graham red squirrels, which are unique to Arizona, have been in a nutty predicament for decades. (Arizona Game and Fish Department File Photo)

(Arizona Game and Fish Department File Photo)

PHOENIX — Animal lovers now have a new piece of good news to go nuts over: a population of endangered red squirrels unique to Arizona is growing slightly.

Wildlife officials found there are 233 Mount Graham red squirrels, which can only be found in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona.

These numbers reflect a sharp boost from the population of 144 squirrels in last year’s survey from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Coronado National Forest, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Holly Hicks, AZGFD’s small mammal project coordinator, said this year’s bigger number was a pleasant surprise for all involved.

“We all knew that we were seeing a lot of squirrels and middens during this last survey,” Hicks said in a Thursday news release. “But I don’t think any of us expected such a dramatic increase.”

Endangered red squirrels unique to Arizona bouncing back

This increase is a hopeful sign for conservation efforts, as the species has been struggling for decades.

In the late 1990s, there were around 550 Mount Graham red squirrels, but the 2017 Frye Fire destroyed much of their habitat.

At one point, the animal’s population collapsed to around 35.

Some of the top threats they face are insect infestations, poor pine cone drops due to Arizona’s drought, wildfires and competition with non-native squirrels.

Marit Alanen, the lead Mount Graham squirrel biologist for the FWS, said the latest annual interagency population survey is exciting news.

“We were all extremely concerned for the subspecies after the 2017 Frye Fire caused the squirrel’s population to drop drastically,” Alanen said in the release. “So seeing a number now over 200 is really fantastic news.”

Finding out population of endangered red squirrels populations rose

The partnering agencies who survey the endangered squirrel come to their findings by systematically searching for active middens. That word refers to a large pile of shredded pine cones and nut debris red squirrels create to store their food.

Surveyors can tell a midden is active if there are signs of feeding. Each red squirrel typically has its own midden, so the wildlife officials use these middens to estimate the amount of squirrels are in the survey plots.

Coronado National Forest Supervisor Kervin Dewberry attributed the rising population to a shift in land management practices.

“This survey process allows us to obtain a more accurate picture of the population numbers,” Dewberry said in the release. “We are excited to see that current land management practices being implemented in the Pinaleño mountain range are proving to be beneficial for the Mount Graham red squirrel population.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

9 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

13 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

16 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

20 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

21 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population increases substantially in Arizona