The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a small arboreal squirrel that lives primarily in coniferous and mixed forests in Canada and the United States. It eats seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and other items, and does not hibernate; instead it stores seeds from cones mainly in several food caches (middens). Diurnal, it has developed vocal alarm and communication behaviors, and both males and females maintain small territories to protect their middens. Breeding occurs mainly in spring, with one to two litters per year and relatively rapid growth. Its conservation status is Least Concern.