Squirrels in Maryland: where to look and what signs to watch for

Where are squirrels most likely found in Maryland?

Squirrels are widespread in Maryland, from the Appalachian Plateau to the Coastal Plain. Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Suburban parks and neighborhoods with mature trees also hold good populations. Focus on areas with a mix of tall trees for shelter and open ground for foraging.

See our state wildlife page for the next step.

What time of day and season offers the best squirrel spotting?

Squirrels are dawn and dusk active, especially during fall acorn season. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) give the best viewing windows. In Maryland, autumn through early winter is prime time as they cache nuts. Spring is good for seeing young squirrels emerge.

See our Squirrels guide for the next step.

What tracks, movements, or habitat clues can a beginner use?

Look for four-toed front prints and five-toed hind prints in mud or snow. Squirrel tracks often show a bounding pattern with paired prints. Watch for chewed nutshells and half-eaten acorns under trees. Listen for chattering and rustling leaves. Dreys (leaf nests) in branch forks are a clear sign of occupancy.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

How can you tell the difference between gray and fox squirrels in Maryland?

Eastern gray squirrels are silver-gray with white bellies and bushy tails. Fox squirrels are larger, with a reddish-brown body and a more orange tint. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlots and park-like settings, while grays are more common in deep woods. Check the face: fox squirrels have a broader, more rounded snout.

What do squirrels eat and where do they nest?

Squirrels eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally bird eggs. Their primary foods are acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts. They build leaf nests called dreys high in tree branches, or use tree cavities. In winter, they rely on cached food stashes. You can often spot them carrying a single nut or acorn in their mouths.