The Variegated Squirrel is one of the most colorful squirrels in North America, with numerous geographic color forms ranging from gray to black to orange, often within a single region of Mexico or Central America. It is a large, conspicuous tree squirrel of lowland and montane tropical forests. Variegated squirrels have been linked to a bornavirus associated with fatal encephalitis in animal keepers in Europe.
Habitat
Tropical forests and forest edges of Mexico and Central America
Diet
Seeds, fruit, nuts, and bark
How common
Uncommon
Recent Variegated Squirrel sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Variegated Squirrel? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free