NHMU is studying Fox Squirrels, and we need your help!

The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), a species native to the eastern US, has recently become established in Utah. First reported in 2011 along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, this tree squirrel has been spreading throughout northern Utah. The arrival of fox squirrels offers an opportunity to study, first-hand, the ecology of an introduced species, and you can help!

Information you submit to our form will help NHMU scientists:

• Explore the distribution of Fox Squirrels (where they are present, or not present)
• Understand how are they interacting with their environment (e.g., What do they eat? When are they active? What species do they interact with?)

Our survey is open year-round. Click above to access the online survey form, and explore our data map.

Tips for identifying Fox Squirrels

• Adults are large compared to Utah's native tree squirrels, ranging from 18 to 28 inches in total length (including the tail).
• Have grizzled gray-and-orange backs and undersides that range from pale yellow to bright orange.
• Tails are very bushy, bright orange, and very long (very fox-like!) – almost as long as their body.
• Highly adapted to living in trees, and travelling along power lines and fences. When startled, they will escape by climbing.
• Fox Squirrel Vocalizations

Utah's native squirrels

Not sure if you saw is a fox squirrel? Here two native squirrels you are likely to see in northern Utah for comparison.

American Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

• Smaller than fox squirrels, about 12-16 inches long including their tails.
• Have dark, reddish-brown backs and a pale, creamy underside.
• Tails are not as bushy as a fox squirrel's.
• Common around conifer trees in parks, but also travel along telephone lines.
• Red Squirrel Chatter

Rock squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)

• About the same size as a fox squirrel.
• Grizzled gray backs with yellow and brown highlights. Their underside is pale.
• Long tail, but it is only slightly bushy.
• Spend most of their time on the ground and run rather than bound.
• When startled, they will retreat to a burrow or rock plie rather than climb.
• Rock Squirrel vocalizations

Read our Fox Squirrel FAQ's here

More fun ways to explore and learn:

If you have questions about the Utah Fox Squirrels project, please contact NHMU Citizen Science Manager, Ellen Eiriksson.

Looking for a unique family outing that will have your kids participating in hands-on science while you get the inside scoop on SUMMER CAMP? Join us for this special Late Night at the Museum, when your family can explore the Natural History Museum of Utah after doors close to the public for the night!

Questions? Contact Youth and Family Programs Manager, 
Shelli Campbell, at programs@nhmu.utah.edu

Did you know there are fireflies in Utah, and other western states?

GeoEric | geocaching.com

The Western United States might be dry, but populations of fireflies can be found in ecosystems throughout at least 7 Western states. The Natural History Museum of Utah seeks public participation to learn more about locations of flashing fireflies across the West. NHMU has partnered with scientists at BYU and other researchers in western states to track under-studied firefly populations in Utah and beyond, with the help of citizen scientists who report sightings of fireflies. 

Starting in 2014 as the Utah Firefly Citizen Science Project, the project expanded to other western states in 2019. Since then, the Western Firefly Project has confirmed new populations of fireflies in 28 of Utah's 29 Counties, and in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming. View a map of recorded firefly sightings, which continues to grow thanks to participation from citizen scientists throughout the West! 

What are fireflies?

Fireflies, also called lightning bugs, are beetles. Both males and females light up as a way to attract mates and deter predators. The oldest specimen in Utah is housed at the Natural History Museum of Utah, collected in 1929. Fireflies are not new to Utah, but we have much to learn about them. They are most often found in wet habitats from late May to early July (although outside Utah, populations might surprise us!) and start flashing around dusk or sometimes later.

Join the Western Firefly Project

Today, research benefits tremendously from the discoveries and contributions of citizen scientists around the world. The Western Firefly project depends on members of the community reporting sightings of fireflies to our survey. If you have observed fireflies in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon or Wyoming, follow this link to submit your sightings.

Fireflies in Utah

• Seasonality: Late May to early July is prime firefly spotting season in Utah, so keep your eyes peeled if you're exploring wet habitats during this window
• Timing: Fireflies generally begin flashing after 9:30pm
• Habitats: Fireflies require wet habitats and darker skies. A wet meadow away from city or building lights (see image) is prime firefly habitat in Utah

More About Fireflies

Geneticists at BYU are researching the relationships of various firefly species in Utah and how they - separated by hundreds of miles and geographical barriers - relate to the Eastern U.S. populations. 

Find more information about fireflies here. To learn more about Bioluminescence, click here. Or, watch the video below to learn about one location that commonly sees fireflies in Utah. If you would like to contribute firefly data from eastern U.S. states, submit your firefly sightings to Firefly Watch.   

Thanks to Our Program Partners:

A new bug in town

European firebugs (Pyrrhocoris apterus) first appeared in Salt Lake City in approximately 2008, the first documented sighting of this insect in the Western Hemisphere! Though a population is getting established in Toronto and scattered individuals have been observed in Idaho, Utah's firebug population remains the largest outside their orginal range. Help NHMU track the dispersal of this new arrival in Utah.

Here's what you need to know:

1. How to identify a firebug

Firebugs look very similar to boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata).You will know you've found a firebug if it has a red body with two black dots on its back. Firebugs range in size from 6.5-12 mm (about the same size as a boxelder bug). They have prominent eyes that seem to come from their shoulders. Firebugs, unlike boxelder bugs, cannot fly.

2. Document your firebug observations with iNaturalist

Download the free iNaturalist app to your mobile device and take photos of firebugs wherever you see them. iNatuarlist is a great tool for recording and identifying any wild plant or animal you encounter. Watch a short iNaturalist tutorial and learn how to make great observations with your mobile device:

• Click here for iNaturalist for iPhone
• Click here for iNaturalist for Android

Be sure to add your firebug observations to the Firebugs of Utah project in iNaturalist. Check the map on the project page to see how far firebugs have spread.

3. Firebugs are harmless to humans

Firebugs won't harm you or your garden. They only eat seeds.

What's living in your neighborhood?

• Are you curious about the plants and animals living around you?
• Would you like to help improve the health of our wild urban spaces?
• Looking for a great way to spend time outside with family and friends?

Neighborhood Naturalists invites citizen scientists—people like you—to discover and explore nearby nature. Your participation will help guide local research and restoration efforts.

2024 Events

More about Neighborhood Naturalists 

What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is an event where citizen scientists, scientists, land managers, museum staff, and more work together to find, identify, and photograph as many different species as possible. Sometimes a BioBlitz is an in-person event, other times, it may be an open event for you to explore on your own.

Who can participate in Neighborhood Naturalist programs and events?

Anyone! If you're curious about the natural world, enjoy walking along trails, and like turning over leaves and stones, this program is for you. Kids are welcome. All events are free and open to the public.

Do I need scientific knowledge or experience to participate?

Nope, although we welcome experts to join us. Just bring your mobile device and your powers of observation. We use the iNaturalist app to document the plants and animals we find. To get started, explore our webpage all about iNaturalist:  

• NHMU iNaturalist 101

What do I need to bring?

Whether you are exploring your own backyard, on a hike, or joining in an in-person NHMU event, here's what we recommend:

• Camera: If you plan to take photographs using your phone or tablet, bring your mobile device with the iNaturalist app downloaded and account set-up. If you prefer to use a different camera, you can use this to photograph need help getting set up, and then add your photos to iNaturalist from a computer when you get home (you will need to set up a free online iNaturalist account to do this).
• Long pants, closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and sunscreen will help keep you safe and comfortable. You may want a daypack, jacket, or hat. Feel free to also bring your favorite field guide on plants, birds, insects, etc.

What does the term "citizen scientist" mean?

A citizen scientist is a person taking part in science-related activities that advance scientific knowledge or community action (National Academy of Sciences 2018). You might also hear the term community scientist used to describe this work.

What data have you already collected?

View our Citizen science-collected data from Neighborhood Naturalist events on iNaturalist over the years to see what and where we have observed so far.

For more than 20 years, the Natural History Museum of Utah and Zions Bank have worked together on Traveling Treasures, a robust annual outreach partnership designed to bring the state museum of natural history, and its collections, into Utah’s diverse communities. Every year, a team of educators, exhibit designers, bank personnel, and museum volunteers together create a new traveling exhibit which explores an intriguing aspect of the natural history of the state, region, or planet.

During its time on the road each year, Traveling Treasures visits up to 12 cities and hosts family science festivals throughout the state. This community programming allows the Natural History Museum of Utah to connect with Utah’s communities statewide—from Vernal to Delta, and Logan to Kanab.

Traveling Treasures 2024: Defense Experts

Most organisms wouldn’t survive long without defense mechanisms to protect themselves from predators, the elements, and other dangers they encounter. Evolution has equipped living creatures with various surprising and effective defense strategies. Some build fortresses. Some intimidate. Some fight back. Some deceive. Defense plays a vital role in human cultures, too. We often reserve our highest respect for the people and beings that protect our communities. Explore fascinating stories of defense in this exhibit from the Natural History Museum of Utah, sponsored by Zions Bank.

Program Overview

Join us for a variety of STEAM-based programming that will engage your child and spark their curiosity! Our Discovery Classes are offered in a 2-hour format and are geared toward children in elementary grades (see individual listings). Our Youth Programs are facilitated by Museum professionals and aim to promote independent learning and socialization opportunities for your children.

Parents are welcome to remain in the Museum, visiting our cafe and/or Museum store, but we don’t allow parents to remain in the classroom during program hours. If you feel that your child is unable to remain in the class without you, it may be best to wait a year before you send him/her to a program. Check individual listings for more information.

Space is limited to maximize the experience. Museum Members receive a discount on programming, but membership is not required to register. 

Please note: 

• Online registration closes 3 days prior to program, unless program reaches it maximum before that. On-site registration is not allowed.
• You’ll receive an email with check-in location and further information  3-5 days prior to session.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration, email programs@nhmu.utah.edu with your child’s name and the confirmation/order number, no later than two weeks prior to the program start date/time. If we can fill your spot, you’ll receive a 90% refund. If we are unable to fill your spot, you’ll receive a 75% refund. 

Questions? Contact Youth and Family Programs Manager, 
Shelli Campbell, at programs@nhmu.utah.edu.

Get a taste of the current scientific research happening in Utah. Meet three fascinating scientists who have prepared a smorgasbord of science for you to savor in an informal, interactive cafe-style setting. Each scientist will dish out their research in 15 minutes or less, then lead a lively, 15-minute group Q&A discussion. 

Scroll down to see upcoming Science Cafe events.

Included in Museum admission, free to members and University of Utah faculty, staff, and students with a current U ID.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Airbnb Experience

This Airbnb Experience tour of NHMU begins with an in-depth exploration of our Past Worlds gallery and ends with a behind-the-scenes visit inside our Paleo Prep Lab. In the gallery, we will talk about dinosaurs found in Utah (some known exclusively from our own collections) and explore the ecosystems and adaptations that make these animals so fascinating. Inside the Paleo Prep Lab, we will get a sneak peek at the projects that our paleontology team is working on and learn about the techniques used to prepare our most recent fossil discoveries.

Other things to note: The tour is for adults and teens 13 years and older. Teens 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum number of participants is 10. Museum admission is complementary with purchase of the experience. Admission fees cannot be deducted from the package price.

Have you ever marveled at the diversity of wildflowers growing in and around Salt Lake City?

Have you ever wondered when particular wildflowers start blooming along the Wasatch Front?

Have you ever considered what flowers may be stirring–right under your feet–as you hike or walk the dog?

Here’s your chance to find out, for free: Join an Foothill Nature Walk this spring or summer!

We’re offering a series of 1-hour guided hikes starting at the Museum and moving up the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, to explore the flora and fauna of the season with a variety of experts!

Come and enjoy a spectacular view of Salt Lake City and learn how to identify common flowers and plants, like the pink Longleaf Phlox (Phlox longifolia) and the yellow Longstalk Springsparsley (Cymopterus longipes). Who knows? You may even spy a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soaring!

Foothill Nature Walks will take place on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail behind the Museum. This is a beginner to intermediate level hike on rocky trail with simple inclines and some uneven footing. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe footwear, and water. These walks are not appropriate for strollers.

See specific event dates and details below.