Squirrel ticks occasionally bite humans, but it is not common. Life Cycle/Hosts: As their name suggests, squirrels are the principal hosts for the squirrel tick, though they have also been found on other small to medium-size mammals, including other rodents, raccoons, foxes, and rabbits. They are also frequently found in abandoned or seasonal buildings where squirrels have taken up residence. They can be found throughout much of Maine, but are primarily found within the nests of their hosts. Habitat/Range: Squirrel ticks are distributed widely in the eastern United States, particularly in the Northeast. Males are a reddish tan color and tend to be slightly smaller than the females. Adult females are typically a tan color with a darker dorsal shield or scutum on their back directly behind the head. Description: Squirrel ticks are generally larger than some of the other Ixodes species.
