Mt. Graham red squirrel population on the rise

Biologists are cautiously optimistic about a recent survey that found record numbers of red squirrels on Mt. Graham where three UA telescopes are being built.

"These are the highest spring numbers we've had since we started the survey," said biologist Janice Froehlich, with the U.S. Forest Service in Safford.

The forest service has been conducting surveys in the spring and fall since 1986. This year's spring survey estimated there are 462 squirrels, almost 25 percent more than last fall.

The survey counts middens, shady sites where the squirrels store their food supply of spruce and fir cones.

"What we look for is fresh digging and freshly eaten cones," Froehlich said.

Mike Pruss, a specialist at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said the numbers resulted from a couple of factors: a better food supply and better surveying.

"We had a really good crop of Douglas Fir on the mountain this year, and also the sampling is better," Pruss said. "They found some new middens."

Pruss said the numbers seem to be slowly increasing over the years.

"It's nice to see the population on an upward trend," he said.

The Mount Graham red squirrel is a sub-species exclusive to the Pinaleno or Graham Mountains of southeastern Arizona. It was declared an endangered species by U.S. Fish and Wildlife in 1987.

Environmental groups have fought the construction of three telescopes on the mountaintop, arguing that construction of the observatory would drive the squirrels into extinction. Efforts to halt construction through the courts and Congress have failed.

"The law says these scopes will be built, so it's a done deal," Froehlich said.

A University of Arizona astronomer said the recent survey should be good news to both sides of the controversy.

"Whether you're a proponent or an opponent of the telescopes, you've got to be pleased to see the numbers going up," said Buddy Powell, associate director of the Steward Observatory.

Ann Carl, a former member of the Student Environmental Action Coalition, was cautious with the data.

"Of course we're happy the numbers are up, but the squirrels are still hanging by a thread," she said.