It is distributed in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, and through much of the western United States.

The tail is brown to black with buff edges and a yellowish to reddish underside.

[2] It is omnivorous, feeding on pine nuts, acorns, herbs and shrubs, fungi, many kinds of insects, eggs, young birds, lizards, carrion, and human foods when available.

[4] The squirrels hibernate in dens that can reach up to 100 feet in length although they are typically shallow in depth.

[5] The breeding season commences when males and females emerge from hibernation in the spring.

[2] This species becomes vocal when it feels threatened, making squeaking noises or growling.