Which type of squirrel heavily relies on conifer forests?

The red squirrel is known for its strong reliance on conifer forests, making it the correct answer. These squirrels thrive in habitats dominated by coniferous trees, such as pines, firs, and spruces, because these environments provide an abundant food source, particularly tree seeds, which are a significant part of their diet. The structure of conifer forests also offers ample nesting sites and cover from predators.

In contrast, while the other types of squirrels can adapt to various environments, they do not exhibit the same specialized dependence on coniferous habitats as the red squirrel. The fox squirrel and eastern gray squirrel are often found in mixed hardwood and urban areas, while flying squirrels prefer mature forests that may include a mix of hard and softwoods. Thus, the distinctive affinity of red squirrels for conifer forests clearly distinguishes them from these other species.