Squirrels in Delaware: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Squirrels are most common in mature hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. In Delaware, look for them in state parks like Lums Pond State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park. Suburban areas with large shade trees also host healthy populations. For more on squirrel habitats, visit our squirrel page.

In Delaware, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Squirrels are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. In summer, they often rest in the middle of the day to avoid the heat. Plan your outings between 6 and 9 AM or 4 and 7 PM for the best chances. Overcast days can extend activity periods as squirrels feel safer moving in the lower light.

Look for tracks showing four toes on the front feet and five on the back, with a bounding pattern. Droppings are small, oblong pellets. Gnaw marks on nuts and pinecones are clear signs. Listen for rustling leaves and chattering calls. These signs can also indicate the presence of other mammals like foxes.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Delaware has three main species: the eastern gray squirrel, the eastern fox squirrel (including the Delmarva subspecies), and the southern flying squirrel. The gray squirrel is most common and is found statewide. The Delmarva fox squirrel is larger and was once endangered, but it is now thriving in areas like the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and less often seen.

Squirrels primarily eat nuts, acorns, seeds, and fruits. In spring they may eat tree buds and insects for protein. In fall they cache food for winter by burying individual nuts in the ground. At bird feeders, they favor sunflower seeds and peanuts. For more on Delaware wildlife, see our Delaware wildlife hub.