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

1. Where are squirrels most likely to be found in Maine?

Gray squirrels prefer mature hardwood forests with oaks, hickories, and beeches, especially in southern and central Maine. Red squirrels stick to coniferous and mixed woods, often around spruce, fir, and pine. Look for them in state parks like Baxter State Park or Acadia National Park, and even in suburban backyards with large trees. For more on Maine wildlife, check out our wildlife in Maine page.

2. What time of day and season is best for spotting squirrels?

Squirrels are most active during the first few hours after sunrise and again in the late afternoon before dusk. In Maine, spring and fall offer the best viewing because squirrels are busy gathering food and building nests. Summer mornings are good too, but midday heat often sends them to rest. Winter activity is reduced, but you may still see them on milder days.

3. What tracks and field signs can a beginner use to find squirrels?

Look for chewed nuts and seed cones scattered at the base of trees. Gray squirrel tracks show four long toes on the front feet and five on the back, often with a bounding pattern. Also watch for leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks, or gnaw marks on bark. Hearing a sharp bark or chatter often means you are near a squirrel's territory. For more on squirrel identification, visit our squirrel page.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

4. Which squirrel species live in Maine and how do you tell them apart?

Two main species: the Eastern gray squirrel (gray fur, white belly, bushy tail) and the American red squirrel (smaller, reddish-brown, with a white eye ring). Gray squirrels are common in towns and parks, while red squirrels are more often in deep woods. A third, the Northern flying squirrel, is nocturnal and rarely seen but lives in older forests.

5. What do squirrels eat in Maine and how does that affect where you find them?

Gray squirrels favor acorns, beechnuts, and hickory nuts. Red squirrels eat pine seeds, spruce cones, and fungi. In autumn, both species cache food for winter. Searching near nut-bearing trees in early fall gives you the best odds of seeing squirrels busily gathering supplies. Bird feeders also attract them, so check yards with feeders.