Squirrels are a familiar sight in both urban and rural landscapes, often spotted in backyards, parks, and wooded areas. There are around 65 species of squirrels found throughout North America. While they may look similar at a glance, there are several types of squirrels you’re likely to see around your home, including tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Each has its own habits, preferred habitats, and ways of interacting with your property.

The most common types of squirrels to cause problems are tree squirrels, specifically the Eastern Gray Squirrel.

StateSpeciesScientific NameHabitatNuisance LevelSeason ActivitySource
StateSpeciesScientific NameHabitatNuisance LevelSeasonal ActivitySource
AlabamaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood & mixed forests; parks & neighborhoodsHighYear-round; diurnal; peaks early/late dayYear-round; single breeding season, late spring
AlabamaFox SquirrelSciurus nigerUpland mature pine & mixed pine–hardwood; open understoryHighYear-round; more active mid-morning & late afternoonhttps://www.outdooralabama.com/rodents/fox-squirrel
AlabamaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forests; cavities; may use buildingsModerateNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)https://www.outdooralabama.com/rodents/southern-flying-squirrel
ArkansasEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood & mixed forests; parks & neighborhoodsHighYear-round; diurnal; peaks early/late day
ArkansasEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woodlands, agricultural edgesModerateYear-round; diurnal
ArkansasSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forests; cavities; may use buildingsModerateNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
AlaskaAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusSpruce & mixed forests; widespread over most of AKLowYear-round; diurnal
ArizonaAbert’s SquirrelSciurus abertiPonderosa pine forests (statewide highlands)Year-round; single breeding season late springLow
ArizonaArizona Gray SquirrelSciurus arizonensisDiurnal; most active spring–fall (heat-adapted)Year-round; diurnalLow
ArizonaAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusHigher elevation spruce–fir above ~8,500 ftLowYear-round; caches cones
ArizonaHarris’s Antelope Squirrel (ground)Ammospermophilus harrisiiDesertscrub & open arid habitats; burrowingDiurnal; most active spring–fall (heat adapted)Moderate
CaliforniaWestern Gray SquirrelSciurus griseusOak & conifer forests in Sierra Nevada, Coast & Cascade rangesModerateYear-round; game mammal (regulated)
CaliforniaDouglas Squirrel (aka Chickaree)Tamiasciurus douglasiiMontane conifer forests statewide (north & Sierra)LowYear-round; game mammal (regulated)
CaliforniaNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusMature conifer forests; nocturnal; Sierra & northern rangesLowNocturnal; not a game species
CaliforniaEastern Gray Squirrel (introduced)Sciurus carolinensisUrban/suburban in many metrosHighYear-round; game mammal (regulated)
CaliforniaEastern Fox Squirrel (introduced)Sciurus nigerUrban/suburban; riparian & ag interfaces in valleysModerateYear-round; diurnal
ColoradoFox SquirrelSciurus nigerUrban/suburban woodlands statewideYear-round; diurnalHigh
ColoradoAbert’s SquirrelSciurus abertiPonderosa pine forests (specialist)Year-round; does not hoard; eats host tree partsLow
ColoradoAmerican Red Squirrel (Pine Squirrel)Tamiasciurus hudsonicusHigh timber conifer forestsLowYear-round; caches cones; no hibernation
ConnecticutEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests; suburban & urban areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
ConnecticutAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer and mixed forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
ConnecticutSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forests; tree cavitiesLowNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
ConnecticutEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisForests, parks, residential areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
DelawareEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests; suburban & urban areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
DelawareDelmarva Fox SquirrrelSciurus niger cinereusPrefers mature, open-understory fores with mixed hardwoods and pines
DelawareAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer and mixed forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
DelawareSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forests; tree cavitiesLowNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
FloridaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisUrban/Suburban ForestHighYear‑round; diurnal
FloridaFox SquirrelSciurus nigerUrban/Suburban ForestHigh
FloridaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansForested (Attics/Structures)HighNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
GeorgiaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisUrban/Suburban ForestHighYear‑round; diurnal
GeorgiaFox SquirrelSciurus nigerUrban/Suburban ForestHigh
GeorgiaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansForested (Attics/Structures)HighNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
Hawaii(No native or established tree squirrel species)
IdahoAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusMontane and subalpine conifer forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
IdahoNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusMature conifer & mixed forestsLowNocturnal; year‑round
IdahoEastern Gray Squirrel (introduced, localized)Sciurus carolinensisUrban areas in parts of southern IdahoModerateYear‑round; diurnal
IdahoEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerMature, open-canopy hardwood trees, agicultural edgesModerateYear-round; diurnal
IdahoRed SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusDense, mature coniferous forests particulary at mid-to-high elevations in central and northern IdahoLowYear‑round; diurnal
IdahoNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusMature conifer & mixed forestsLowNocturnal; year‑round
IllinoisEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisClosed-canopy nut-bearing forests; citiesYear-round; diurnalYear‑round; diurnal
IllinoisFox SquirrelSciurus nigerForest edges, woodlots, fencerows; citiesYear-round; diurnalHigh
IllinoisAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusDense conifer & hardwood forests (NE IL)LowYear‑round; diurnal
IllinoisSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansHardwood forests near water; cavities; buildingsModerateNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
IllinoisThirteen-lined Ground SquirrelIctidomys tridecemlineatusShort grass areas (lawns, parks, cemeteries)Active spring–fall; hibernates Nov–MarModerate
IndianaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests; urban & suburban areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
IndianaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woodlands, agricultural edgesModerateYear-round; diurnal
IowaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisWooded riparian corridors, townsHighYear‑round; diurnal
IowaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen agricultural landscapes with treesModerateYear-round; diurnal
KansasEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerStatewide in open woodlands & townsModerateYear-round; diurnal
KansasEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisRiparian forests in eastModerateYear‑round; diurnal
KentuckyEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests; towns & citiesHighYear‑round; diurnal
KentuckyEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woods and farmlandModerateYear‑round; diurnal
KentuckyAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer forests (limited range)LowYear‑round; diurnal
KentuckySouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forestsLowNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
LouisianaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisBottomland hardwood forests; urban areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
LouisianaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen forests, floodplains, farmlandModerateYear‑round; diurnal
LouisianaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansHardwood forests; riparian corridorsLowNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
MaineAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusBoreal and mixed forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
MarylandEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisStatewide forests, parks, neighborhoodsHighYear‑round; diurnal
MarylandEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woodlands, agricultural edgesModerateYear-round; diurnal
MarylandSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forestsLowNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
MassachusettsEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests and urban areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
MassachusettsAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer and mixed forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
MichiganEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisUrban/suburban & hardwood forestsYear-round; diurnalYear‑round; diurnal
MichiganFox SquirrelSciurus nigerUrban/suburban & hardwoodsYear-round; diurnalHigh
MichiganAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConiferous forests; caches conesLowYear‑round; diurnal
MichiganSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature forests; cavities; protected (no season)ModerateNocturnal; active year-round (peak activity noted in fall)
MichiganNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusNorthern forests; cavities; protectedLowNocturnal; year‑round
MichiganThirteen-lined Ground SquirrelIctidomys tridecemlineatusGrasslands, open areasSpring–fall active; hibernates in winterModerate
MinnesotaFox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woodlands, shelter belts, parks; common W & centralHighYear-round; mates Dec–Feb & Jun–Julhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/foxsquirrel.html
MinnesotaGray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests, wooded parks & residential areasHighYear-round; mates Dec–Feb and/or Jun–Aughttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/graysquirrel.html
MinnesotaAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConiferous woods statewide; also thicketsLowYear-round; diurnalhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/redsquirrel.html
MinnesotaNorthern & Southern Flying SquirrelsGlaucomys sabrinusNorthern conifer forests LowNocturnal; non-hibernating; one (north) or two (south) littershttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/flyingsquirrel.html
MinnesotaSouthern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys volans southern hardwoods LowNocturnal; non-hibernating; one (north) or two (south) littershttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/flyingsquirrel.html
MississippiEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests; statewideYear-round; active dawn/duskYear‑round; diurnal
MississippiFox SquirrelSciurus niger (S. n. bachmani; S. n. subauratus)Upland pine–hardwood (hill country) & Mississippi Delta forestsHighYear-round; diurnalYear-round; diurnal
MississippiSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansHardwood forests; nocturnal; not a game speciesModerateNocturnal; non-hibernating; one (north) or two (south) litters
MissouriEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisMore abundant in Ozark & Mississippi Lowland regionsHighYear‑round; diurnalhttps://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-gray-squirrel-eastern-fox-squirrel | https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/nuisance-problem-species/squirrel-control
MissouriEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerMore common in northern & western plains; open woodsHighYear-round; diurnalhttps://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-gray-squirrel-eastern-fox-squirrel | https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/squirrel
MissouriSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansStatewide in forests; tree cavities; nocturnalModerateNocturnal; active year-roundhttps://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/southern-flying-squirrel
MontanaAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer forests statewideLowYear-round; diurnal
NebraskaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerStatewide; farmland & townsModerateYear-round; diurnal
NevadaWestern Gray SquirrelSciurus griseusWestern NV woodlands; limited distributionLowYear-round; diurnal
New HampshireAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusStatewide conifer and mixed forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
New JerseyEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisForests, suburbs, urban areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
New JerseySouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansDeciduous forests; cavitiesLowNocturnal; year-round
New MexicoAbert’s SquirrelSciurus abertiPonderosa pine forests statewideLowYear-round; diurnal
New MexicoWestern Gray SquirrelSciurus griseusSouthwestern NM oak forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
New YorkEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisStatewide woodlands, suburban & urban areasHighYear‑round; diurnalhttps://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/squirrels.pdf | https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/small-game/seasons
New YorkAmerican Red Squirrel (unprotected)Tamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer & mixed forests statewideModerateYear-round; diurnalhttps://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/small-game | https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/squirrels.pdf
New YorkEastern Fox Squirrel (limited range)Sciurus nigerWestern NY (approx. 8 counties); open woodlots/ag mosaicsLowYear-round; diurnalhttps://extapps.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/dfw/SWAP2025/Mammals/Fox%20squirrel.pdf
North CarolinaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood & mixed forests; urban parksHighYear‑round; diurnal
North CarolinaFox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen pine & pine–oak habitats, sandhills & coastal plainModerateYear-round; diurnal
North CarolinaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature hardwood forests with cavities; near waterModerateNocturnal; year-round
North CarolinaNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusHigh-elevation spruce–fir & mixed conifer hardwoodsLowNocturnal; year‑round
North DakotaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerIntroduced; urban & riparian corridorsLowYear-round; diurnal
OhioEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisLarge hardwood forests; also urban/suburbanHighYear-round; breeds Dec–Jan & May–Junhttps://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/animals/mammals/eastern-gray-squirrel | https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/wildlife-management/nuisance-wildlife/nuisance-squirrels
OhioEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerWoodlot country in agricultural western/central OhioHighYear-round; breeds Dec–Feb & May–Julhttps://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/animals/mammals/eastern-fox-squirrel
OhioSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansDeciduous & mixed forests; tree cavitiesModerateNocturnal; breeds Apr–May & Aug–Sephttps://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/animals/mammals/southern-flying-squirrel
OklahomaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerStatewide except extreme west panhandle; varied woodlandsHighYear-round; long season; diurnalhttps://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/resources/small-game/squirrel | https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/regs/small-game-regulations
OklahomaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisEastern Oklahoma hardwoods; parks & backyardsHighYear-round; diurnalhttps://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/mammals/eastern-gray-squirrel | https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoorok/ooj/small-game-guide-hunters
OklahomaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansEastern deciduous forests; cavities; nocturnalModerateNocturnal; active year-roundhttps://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/mammals/southern-flying-squirrel
OregonWestern Gray SquirrelSciurus griseusLow-elevation oak, pine, mixed forests in western & central ORLowYear-round; diurnal
OregonDouglas SquirrelTamiasciurus douglasiiPrimarily west of Cascades; mature mixed-conifer forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
OregonAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusMixed & conifer forests statewide (esp. east Cascades)LowYear-round; diurnal
OregonNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusForested habitats statewide; nocturnalLowNocturnal; active year-round
PennsylvaniaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood and mixed forests; suburban & urban areasHighYear-round; diurnal
PennsylvaniaAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer and mixed forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
PennsylvaniaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerAgricultural mosaics; open woodlots (western & central PA)ModerateYear-round; diurnal
PennsylvaniaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansDeciduous forests; tree cavitiesLowNocturnal; year-round
Rhode IslandEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisForests, parks, residential areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
Rhode IslandAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer & mixed forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
Rhode IslandSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansDeciduous forests; tree cavitiesLowNocturnal; year-round
South CarolinaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests with mast; residential areasHighYear‑round; diurnal
South CarolinaFox SquirrelSciurus nigerMixed longleaf, loblolly & shortleaf pine with hardwoods; bottomlandsModerateYear-round; sightings peak spring
South CarolinaAmerican red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicuhigh-elevation coniferous forestslowyear-round; diiurnal
South CarolinaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature forests with cavitiesModerateNocturnal; year-round
South DakotaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerIntroduced; towns and shelterbeltsModerateYear-round; diurnal
TennesseeEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisDense hardwood forests in rural & urban areas; parksHighYear‑round; diurnal
TennesseeFox SquirrelSciurus nigerMature pine & mixed forests with open understoryModerateYear-round; diurnal
TennesseeSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature oak–hickory near water; cavities; attics/birdhousesHighNocturnal; 2 breeding peaks (late winter & mid-summer)
TennesseeNorthern Flying Squirrel (Carolina)Glaucomys sabrinus coloratusHigh-elevation moist conifer & mixed forests (>4500 ft)ModerateNocturnal; year-roundNocturnal; year-round
TennesseeAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConiferous & mixed forests in higher elevationsLowYear‑round; diurnal
TexasEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisEast Texas Pineywoods hardwoods & urban parksHighYear‑round; diurnal
TexasFox SquirrelSciurus nigerStatewide woodlands; abundant in eastern thirdHighYear-round; diurnal; peaks early/late day
TexasSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansEast TX mature forests; cavities; nongameModerateNocturnal; year-round
UtahAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusHigh-elevation conifer forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
UtahWestern Gray SquirrelSciurus griseusSouthern Utah oak woodlandsLowYear-round; diurnal
VermontAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer-dominated forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
VermontEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisSouthern and low-elevation hardwood forestsHighYear‑round; diurnal
VirginiaGray SquirrelSciurus carolinensis carolinensisExtensive forests, city parks & backyardsHighYear-round; no hibernation; weather can limit daytime activityhttps://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/gray-squirrel/
VirginiaFox SquirrelSciurus niger (S. n. vulpinus; S. n. niger)Open woodlots with clearings; mature pine & mixed forests (SE subspecies)ModerateYear-round; diurnal; may become inactive in severe winter coldhttps://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/fox-squirrel/ | https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/southeastern-fox-squirrel/
VirginiaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volans volansHeavy deciduous timber near water; cavitiesModerateNocturnal; peak activity in November; 1–2 litters/yrhttps://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/southern-flying-squirrel/
VirginiaVirginia Northern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinus fuscusHigh-elevation conifer–hardwood mosaics (spruce–fir ecotones)LowNocturnal; active even in winter; one litter in May–Junhttps://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/virginia-northern-flying-squirrel/
WashingtonWestern Gray SquirrelSciurus griseusOak woodlands & low–mid elevation conifer forests; isolated pops (Klickitat/Yakima, Okanogan/Chelan, Pierce/Thurston)LowDiurnal; protected status (no hunting)
WashingtonNorthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinusConifer & mixed forests statewide; nocturnal gliderLowNocturnal; active year-round
WashingtonDouglas SquirrelTamiasciurus douglasiiMature/mixed conifer forests west of Cascades and east into interior valleysLowYear-round; diurnal
WashingtonAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusNortheast WA conifer forestsLowYear-round; diurnal
WashingtonEastern Gray Squirrel (introduced)Sciurus carolinensisUrban/suburban parks & yardsHighYear‑round; diurnal
WashingtonEastern Fox Squirrel (introduced)Sciurus nigerUrban/suburban green spacesHighYear-round; diurnal
West VirginiaEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests statewideHighYear‑round; diurnal
West VirginiaEastern Fox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woods and ridgesModerateYear‑round; diurnal
West VirginiaAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusHigh‑elevation conifer forestsLowYear‑round; diurnal
West VirginiaSouthern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansMature forests; tree cavitiesLowNocturnal; peak activity in November; 1–2 litters/yr
WisconsinEastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisHardwood forests; parks & residential areasHighYear-round; litters Mar/Apr and Jul/Aughttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/orphan/Squirrel
WisconsinFox SquirrelSciurus nigerOpen woodlands, shelter belts, parks, residentialHighYear-round; diurnalhttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/orphan/Squirrel
WisconsinAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusConifer & mixed forestsLowYear-round; diurnalhttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/orphan/Squirrel
WisconsinNorthern & Southern Flying SquirrelsGlaucomys sabrinus; Glaucomys volansNorthern conifer/mixed (G. sabrinus); statewide hardwoods (G. volans)LowNocturnal; protected species in WIhttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/orphan/Flying_Squirrel
WyomingAmerican Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicusMontane conifer forestsLowYear-round; diurnal