American red squirrels have a high mortality rate with only 22 percent surviving to age 1. It is a medium size squirrel weighing between 200 and 250 grams. It is diurnal meaning it sleeps at night and feeds during the day. They eat pine seeds, acorns, seeds and the buds of trees. Females will breed at age 1. Depending on the abundance of food will produce one to two litters a year. The maximum life span is 8 years but the normal is 2-3 years. They do not hibernate and are active all year, but will take shelter in harsh cold weather. They are great jumpers and climbers.