Red Squirrel Gallery

Red squirrels are known as boomers in some areas, a name I love although I don’t know its origin — these little chatterboxes certainly aren't quiet, but boomy isn't quite how I’d describe their shrill alarm calls.

Corn on the Cob A red squirrel works a pine cone like it was corn on the cob, shearing off the protective outer layers to get at the nutritious seeds inside.

Posers While their tame cousins in city parks may sit and pose, the wild ones are far more elusive. Despite seeing and hearing them frequently in my hikes in Yellowstone and the Tetons, I’ve only managed a few pictures that I really like.

The Trees Have Eyes Hike the forested trails of the Tetons and know this: you are being watched. And you will know it — a network of red squirrels will follow your every move, and they aren’t shy about sending out their alarm cry to alert the rest of the forest to your presence.

Smallest Sumo The world's smallest sumo wrestler squats and studies my stance. Don't let his small size fool you, you're thinking you can take him easily and the next thing you know BOOM! you're flat on your back or out of the ring. It's not the size of the squirrel in the fight, it's the size of the fight in ... oh never mind.

I came across this red squirrel near the beach of Shoshone Lake on the Shoshone Lake Trail in the southern part of Yellowstone.