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

Yes, squirrels are native to Montana and have lived here for thousands of years. The red squirrel, fox squirrel, and ground squirrels are all established species with populations spread across the state's diverse ecosystems. Introduced species like eastern gray squirrels are rare in Montana, though a few isolated populations exist in urban areas like Missoula.

Squirrels in Montana are most often seen in forested areas, especially ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests. Red squirrels prefer dense conifer stands, particularly in the northern Rockies and western valleys. Fox squirrels favor riparian areas with cottonwoods and oak, making them common along the Yellowstone River and lower elevation streams. Ground squirrels like the Richardson's species are common in shortgrass prairies and agricultural edges from the Missouri River eastward to the plains.

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Squirrels are diurnal, so early morning and late afternoon are prime times for activity. In summer, they are most visible from dawn until mid-morning and again in the evening as they avoid midday heat. During fall, they become more active gathering and storing food, making September through November excellent for observation. Winter is tougher for viewing, though red and fox squirrels remain active year-round. Spring brings renewed activity in March through May as squirrels emerge from their food caches and raise young.

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Look for chewed pine cones, stripped bark on tree trunks, and small piles of cone scales on logs or stumps. Listen for chattering calls and rustling in leaf litter. Tracks are small with four toes on front feet and five on hind; you often see them in mud or snow near tree bases. Squirrel middens, which are collections of pine cone debris under trees, are a sure sign of red squirrel activity. Ground squirrel burrow systems with entrance holes about one inch wide are another reliable indicator.

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The state hosts several species. The red squirrel is the most common forest dweller, found across coniferous regions and recognized by its small size and reddish-gray fur. The fox squirrel is larger and favors urban parks and river bottoms, rare but present in scattered locations. The Richardson's ground squirrel (often called a gopher) lives in open grasslands and is abundant in eastern Montana. The least chipmunk and Columbian ground squirrel are also present. The yellow-bellied marmot, sometimes mistaken for a ground squirrel, inhabits alpine areas above 8,000 feet.