Hokkaido squirrel; Ezo red squirrel
A subspecies of the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) native to Hokkaido. The name is a specific zoological term, but it is also used in everyday contexts when referring to this animal.
I spotted a Hokkaido squirrel in a forest in Hokkaido.
The Hokkaido squirrel stores nuts in preparation for winter.
Generic term for squirrel; エゾリス specifically refers to the Hokkaido subspecies.
Another name for the Eurasian red squirrel, sometimes used interchangeably, but エゾリス emphasizes the Hokkaido population.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; the kanji form 蝦夷栗鼠 is rare and mainly encountered in older or specialized texts.
Kanji spelling is uncommon; learners will almost always see the katakana form.
Compound of 蝦夷 (Ezo, old name for Hokkaido) and 栗鼠 (squirrel). The katakana spelling エゾリス is the standard modern form.