Red Squirrel – Tamiasciurus hudsonicus in a Ponderosa Pine tree where it finds the majestic branches as safe runways and protection from predators. The photo was taken on a ridge just south of Sweathouse Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains west of Victor, Montana, USA. The sun was moving south and the angle lit up this little guy just perfectly. He/she was busy getting in winter caches of cones and other food. Taken October 30, 2011.

Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS, handheld
Canon EOS 7D, 1/640s, f/5.6, ISO: 400, 300mm