11 Types Of Squirrels In The United States

You may have seen them scurrying up trees or across your backyard, but did you know that there are 11 different types of squirrels in the United States?

Each type of squirrel has its own unique characteristics and behaviors that contribute to the diverse ecosystem of the country.

From flying squirrels that glide through the air to ground squirrels that hibernate for months on end, understanding these furry creatures is crucial for conservation and maintaining a healthy environment.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the world around you, learning about the different types of squirrels in the United States is sure to be an enlightening experience.

Key Takeaways

• There are 11 types of squirrels in the United States, including ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and tree squirrels.
• The flying squirrel has 3 types in North America and is capable of gliding up to 200ft with flaps of skin.
• Ground squirrels, such as the Arctic and California species, have unique behaviors such as hibernation and supercooling, and can be considered pests in some areas.
• Tree squirrels, including the American Red, Eastern Gray, Douglas, Aberts, and Fox species, have distinct characteristics and behaviors such as socialization and warning of predators.

1. FLYING SQUIRRELS

You may have heard of the three types of flying squirrels in North America, which have flaps of skin for gliding and can even glide up to 200ft, proving to be quite a fascinating species.

Southern Flying Squirrels are found in the southeastern United States, while Northern Flying Squirrels are found in the northern part of the country. Humboldts Flying Squirrels, on the other hand, are found in the Pacific Northwest.

These nocturnal creatures are small, with soft fur and large, dark eyes. They are arboreal and prefer to live in coniferous forests where they can glide from tree to tree.

Flying squirrels are primarily herbivores, feeding on a diet of nuts, seeds, and fruits. They will also eat insects and other small animals when food is scarce.

During the breeding season, male flying squirrels will court females by chasing them and producing a high-pitched call. After a successful mating, females will give birth to a litter of 2-7 young, which they will care for until they are weaned at around 8 weeks old.

Predators of flying squirrels include owls, hawks, and snakes, as well as domestic cats and dogs. Habitat loss and fragmentation are also significant threats to their populations.

2. FOX SQUIRREL

The Fox Squirrel, the largest species in North America, has a unique diet and habitat that sets it apart from other squirrels. These squirrels live in forested areas, often near water sources such as rivers or lakes.

They build their nests high up in trees and are known for their excellent climbing abilities.

Fox squirrels are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to urban areas, and are well adapted to living near humans. They’re opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food source is available.

These squirrels have a unique feeding behavior, where they’ll bury food in the ground for later consumption. This behavior helps them to store food for the winter when food sources are scarce.

Fox squirrels have a varied diet, consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and even small animals such as birds and eggs.

They’re not considered endangered, but their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and increase their populations.

3. ARCTIC GROUND SQUIRREL

Now let’s talk about the Arctic Ground Squirrel, a fascinating creature that hibernates for up to 8 months of the year and can survive through a process called supercooling. These squirrels are found in the arctic and subarctic regions of North America, including Alaska and Canada.

During the winter months, the Arctic Ground Squirrel reduces its body temperature and heart rate, and enters a state of hibernation to conserve energy.

In contrast to other hibernating animals, Arctic Ground Squirrels maintain a relatively high body temperature, and can wake up occasionally to feed on stored food.

Arctic Ground Squirrels feed on a variety of plants, insects, and small animals, including seeds, berries, grasses, and insects. They are also a source of food for several predators, including eagles, hawks, foxes, and bears.

During the summer months, Arctic Ground Squirrels are active and forage for food to store for the winter. They are known to hoard food in underground burrows, which can be up to 10 feet deep.

These squirrels are fascinating creatures that have adapted to survive in harsh environments, and play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit.

4. AMERICAN RED SQUIRREL

Did you know that the American Red Squirrel, found in parts of Canada and the northern United States, provides a home for orphaned babies and plays an important role in the ecosystem?

These squirrels prefer to live in coniferous forests where they can find abundant food sources such as pine cones and spruce buds. They are also known to cache food for the winter months.

American Red Squirrels are solitary creatures that defend their territory fiercely. They communicate using vocalizations and scent marking.

During the breeding season, males will fight for the right to mate with females. Mothers are very attentive to their young and care for them for up to 3 months before they are weaned.

These squirrels are not currently considered threatened, but habitat loss due to logging and development may impact their populations in the future.

5. CALIFORNIA GROUND SQUIRREL

If you live in California, you might want to keep an eye out for California ground squirrels, which are known to be pests in some areas.

Pest control companies often receive calls to remove these squirrels from residential and commercial properties due to their burrowing habits and destructive behavior.

These squirrels have adapted to various habitats, including grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral, and are known to cause problems for farmers by feeding on crops and damaging irrigation systems.

California ground squirrels primarily feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, but they have also been known to eat small animals like lizards and snakes.

They have a unique breeding habit, with females giving birth to multiple litters per year, usually consisting of 5-10 offspring at a time. Their burrowing habits can also contribute to habitat destruction, as they can cause erosion and destabilize hillsides.

Despite their pest status, California ground squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem as a food source for larger predators and as seed dispersers.

6. EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL

The Eastern Gray Squirrel, found in the eastern half of Canada and the US, is a social species that isn’t territorial unless defending their nests. This can cause problems for those trying to remove them from their property.

They prefer habitats with tall trees and abundant food sources, such as acorns, nuts, fruits, and seeds. They also adapt well to urban environments and can often be seen scavenging for food in parks and backyards.

Behavior patterns of the Eastern Gray Squirrel include caching food for winter months and communicating with others through vocalizations and body language. They’re active during the day and sleep in nests made from leaves and twigs at night.

Their reproductive habits include mating in late winter or early spring and producing litters of 2-5 young in the spring and summer. The young squirrels are weaned after 8-10 weeks and leave the nest after 12-14 weeks.

Overall, the Eastern Gray Squirrel is a fascinating species with unique behavior patterns and adaptive abilities.

7. DOUGLAS SQUIRREL

Get ready to discover the vocal and alert Douglas Squirrel, native to the pine forests of the Pacific Northwest.

These small, fast-moving squirrels are known for their active behavior patterns, as they’re always on the move searching for food. They have a varied diet, which includes nuts, seeds, insects, and even bird eggs.

Douglas squirrels are also known to feed on mushrooms and lichens, making them important for the ecosystem as they help in dispersing spores.

In terms of nesting habits, Douglas squirrels build their nests in tree cavities or in the branches of conifer trees. They use a variety of materials, including sticks, bark, moss, and lichen, to construct their nests.

These squirrels are also known to be vocal and alert, using a variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other. However, they’re also preyed upon by a variety of predators, such as hawks, owls, and bobcats, making them vulnerable to threats in the wild.

8. ABERT’S SQUIRREL

You’re about to meet Abert’s squirrel, a fascinating species found in several states across the western United States. This tree squirrel has a distinctive coat that changes throughout the year.

In the summer, it’s a grayish-brown color with a reddish-brown belly. In the winter, it turns a dark gray with white-tipped hairs on its tail and ears.

Abert’s squirrel is primarily found in areas with Ponderosa Pine forests, where it feeds on the bark and buds of the trees, as well as a fungus that lives on the trees. This squirrel is also known to eat acorns, seeds, and insects.

Abert’s squirrel has a monogamous breeding system, with pairs mating in the spring and fall. The female gives birth to 1-5 offspring, which are born hairless and blind. The mother cares for her young for several months before they become independent.

Like many other tree squirrels, Abert’s squirrel is preyed upon by several predators, including birds of prey, coyotes, and bobcats.

Threats to this species include habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and climate change. Conservation efforts include the protection of Ponderosa Pine forests and the promotion of sustainable forestry practices.

9. THIRTEEN-LINED GROUND SQUIRREL

Now that you’ve learned about the Abert’s squirrel, let’s take a look at another fascinating squirrel species in the United States – the thirteen-lined ground squirrel.

These small creatures are native to the central region of the country and have a unique coat with spots and stripes. While they may not be as well-known as some of their tree-dwelling counterparts, they play an important role in their ecosystem.

Behavior patterns are an essential aspect of any animal’s life, and the thirteen-lined ground squirrel is no exception. They’re primarily diurnal, meaning they’re active during the day and sleep at night.

They’re also solitary creatures, except during the breeding season when they come together to mate.

Habitat preferences vary, and they’re found in a range of environments, including prairies, meadows, and grasslands. When it comes to their diet, they’re omnivores and feed on seeds, insects, and even small vertebrates.

Reproduction habits are also unique, with females typically giving birth to litters of 5-6 young annually.

Finally, physical characteristics include their distinctive coat, which allows them to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.

The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is a fascinating species with a range of behavior patterns, habitat preferences, diet variations, and reproduction habits. These small creatures play an essential role in their ecosystem, and their unique coat makes them stand out in the animal kingdom.

10. HARRIS’S ANTELOPE GROUND SQUIRREL

If you’ve never seen a Harris’s antelope ground squirrel before, you’re in for a treat. These unique squirrels are found in the southwestern United States, primarily in New Mexico and Arizona. They are known for their solitary lifestyle and are rarely seen in groups.

Harris’s antelope ground squirrels prefer to live in dry, open areas such as grasslands, deserts, and shrublands. When it comes to predators and threats, they have several to contend with.

Hawks, eagles, coyotes, and snakes are all known to prey on these squirrels.

In addition, habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activity have impacted their populations. Harris’s antelope ground squirrels primarily feed on seeds, insects, and vegetation.

They are known to store food in their burrows for later use.

These squirrels reproduce once a year, with females giving birth to litters of 2-10 offspring. Conservation efforts for Harris’s antelope ground squirrels are ongoing, with some areas working to restore their habitat and reduce human impact on their populations.

11. LEAST CHIPMUNK

The smallest chipmunk species, the least chipmunk, can be found across much of North America and is known for its diverse diet of seeds, nuts, berries, insects, birds, lizards, grasses, and fungi.

These chipmunks are solitary creatures that come together only during the breeding season.

They prefer to live in rocky, forested areas with plenty of cover and forage. In terms of reproductive habits, chipmunk mothers are very attentive to their young and care for them for up to 6 weeks before they go off on their own to find new territories.

Their behavior patterns include burrowing to create a network of tunnels and nests. Predators and threats to the least chipmunk include birds of prey, snakes, and domestic cats and dogs.

Despite these threats, the least chipmunk is an important part of the ecosystem, providing food for several predators and helping to disperse seeds throughout their habitat.