Merrick, M.J. R.N.Gwinn, R.L. Minor, R.R. Jessen, T.G. Jessen, V.L. Greer, J. L. Koprowski. 2010. Endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) uses nest following lightning strike. Southwestern Naturalist. 55: 123-124.

Few studies have documented behavioral response of small mammals to fire. Here we report use of a nest by an adult Mount Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis), an endangered subspecies endemic to the Pinaleńo Mountains of southeastern Arizona, following a direct lightning strike to a tree. After 2 days, the squirrel nested in this tree and remained in the area for another 136 days. This is evidence that red squirrels may tolerate some degree of fire on the landscape.