Comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

The various forms of comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are described and compared with that of other Sciurids to understand their adaptative value for the red squirrel's arboreal way of life. The different comfort activities are: self-grooming, stretching, resting, sleeping, elimination and nose blowing. Observations were made both in nature and in two outdoor enclosures. The discussion shows that most adaptations are common to arboreal squirrels while others, found in several Sciurid species, are not in relation to the arboreal versus terrestrial way of life.