Squirrels are common small rodents found in many parts of the world. With their bushy tails, alert nature, and ability to stand on their hind legs, squirrels are easily recognizable. However, with over 200 species of squirrels, it can sometimes be tricky to identify the specific type of squirrel you may have seen. By learning some key identification features, you’ll be able to tell different squirrel species apart.
Where are squirrels found?
Squirrels live on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. The most diversity of squirrel species is found in the Americas and Eurasia. Some of the most common places to find squirrels include:
- Forests – Most squirrel species live in wooded areas including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests.
- Parks – Urban parks and green spaces often have populations of squirrels like eastern gray squirrels.
- Backyards – Squirrels will readily visit backyards with bird feeders or nut-bearing trees.
- College campuses – Campus green spaces provide good habitat for squirrels.
If you see a small, nimble rodent with a big bushy tail in any of these locations, chances are it’s a squirrel!
Distinguishing Features
There are some general features that can help identify an animal as a squirrel:
Body Shape
Squirrels have compact, agile bodies built for climbing and scrambling through trees. They have a rounded shape with short limbs.
Tail
The large, bushy tail is a key identifier. The tail helps squirrels with balance and signaling.
Teeth
Squirrels have large incisors at the front of the mouth for gnawing nuts and seeds. They lack canine teeth.
Claws
Sharp claws on their feet allow squirrels to grip branches and climb vertically up tree trunks.
Eyes
Squirrels have large prominent eyes on the sides of their head. This gives them excellent vision.
Coat Color
One of the best ways to identify the specific species of squirrel is by the color and pattern of the fur:
| Species | Coat Color |
|---|---|
| Eastern gray squirrel | Gray with white underside |
| Eastern fox squirrel | Brownish-gray with orange underside |
| Red squirrel | Rusty red over most of body |
| Abert’s squirrel | Gray with white face/ears |
| Pine squirrel | Reddish, grayish or black |
Some species also show seasonal changes in fur color from winter to summer.
Size
Though most tree squirrels are small, size can aid identification:
| Species | Length (inches) | Weight (ounces) |
|---|---|---|
| Southern flying squirrel | 9 – 10 in | 2 – 4 oz |
| Red squirrel | 11 – 13 in | 5 – 8 oz |
| Fox squirrel | 18 – 27 in | 1.5 – 2.5 lbs |
Larger squirrels like fox and pine squirrels can be twice as long as smaller ones like flying squirrels.
Habitat
Observing where the squirrel is located and what type of habitat it’s in can provide clues:
- Red squirrels prefer coniferous forests with cone-bearing trees.
- Gray squirrels live in deciduous forests and wooded parks.
- Fox squirrels like more open woodlands with fewer dense trees.
- Ground squirrels occupy open grasslands instead of climbing trees.
If you see the habitat a squirrel is occupying, it will help narrow down possibilities.
Behavior
Watching how a squirrel moves and acts can also indicate its species:
- Pine squirrels are very energetic and can even hang upside down.
- California ground squirrels live in colonies with complex social behavior.
- Red squirrels are territorial and chase each other.
- Flying squirrels glide between trees using a patagium.
These behavioral clues provide more hints for identification.
Geographic Location
Knowing the geographical location and region where a squirrel is found gives useful clues about its identity. For example:
- The Eurasian red squirrel is found across Europe and northern Asia.
- Prairie dogs occupy the Great Plains of North America.
- The Variegated squirrel lives in southeast Asia.
- The Southern flying squirrel is native to the eastern half of the United States.
Location and natural range can instantly rule out or confirm many squirrel species.
Vocalizations
Squirrels make various clicks, squeaks, screeches, and calls that reveal their species:
- Red squirrels use a “rattle” call to defend territory.
- Ground squirrels whistle to warn their colony of threats.
- Gray squirrels emit a “kuk” sound when disturbed.
- Fox squirrels make a screeching noise when chasing others.
Learning these unique vocalizations takes practice, but can pinpoint difficult species.
Tracks and Signs
Looking for physical traces squirrels leave behind provides more clues:
- Pine squirrels leave cone scales scattered under trees where they’ve been feeding.
- Burrows with signs of excavated dirt often indicate ground squirrels.
- Footprints show five long toes typical of tree squirrels.
- Chewed pine cones are evidence of American red squirrels.
These types of squirrel signs confirm you’re looking in the right habitat.
Nearby Food Sources
Paying attention to food sources like seed-bearing trees, fungi, and bird feeders that squirrels are drawn to provides more context:
- Hazelnut trees attract eastern gray squirrels.
- Pine cones are favored by American red squirrels.
- Truffles are dug up by northern flying squirrels.
- Sunflower seeds in bird feeders appeal to fox squirrels.
Associated food items help link squirrels to their preferred natural diet.
Time of Year
Squirrel activity changes across seasons, which assists with identification:
- Midwinter – Flying squirrels more active at night.
- January-March – Fox squirrels breeding.
- May-June – Young gray squirrels emerge.
- September-November – Pine squirrels hoard nuts.
Timing seasonal events like breeding or hoarding food eliminates some species.
Conclusion
Identifying squirrels takes patience and good observation skills. But by watching closely for distinguishing features like coat color, habitat, behavior, location, food sources, tracks, and seasonal timing, you can reliably determine which species that squirrel leaping through the trees really is. Familiarizing yourself with the squirrels native to your region is a great starting point to hone your identification abilities. With practice, the unique traits of each squirrel will become more apparent. Before you know it, you’ll be able to spot the difference between a fox squirrel and an eastern gray squirrel at a glance.