Squirrels in New Jersey: where to look and what signs to watch for

1. Where do squirrels live in New Jersey?

Squirrels are found throughout the state, but your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests with plenty of oak, hickory, and beech trees. The eastern gray squirrel dominates most areas, while red squirrels prefer coniferous forests in the northern highlands. Common spots include the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the Watchung Reservation, and suburban parks with large shade trees.

2. When is the best time of day to spot squirrels?

Squirrels are most active during early morning and late afternoon, especially in fall when they're caching acorns. In summer, they often rest during midday heat. Winter activity peaks around midday on sunny days. For the best sightings, plan your visit around dawn or dusk.

3. What tracks and signs should a beginner look for?

Squirrel tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the back, with a bounding pattern about 2 to 3 feet apart. Look for gnawed nuts with neat oval holes, stripped bark on tree branches, and leafy nests called dreys high in forks. Chewed pine cones with a central core left behind are a sure sign of red squirrels.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

4. How to tell eastern gray and red squirrels apart?

Eastern gray squirrels are larger (17 to 20 inches including tail) with grayish fur and a white belly. Red squirrels are smaller (11 to 14 inches), reddish-brown, and often have white eye rings. Gray squirrels are common statewide; red squirrels are mostly in the northern forests and the Pine Barrens. For more detail, see our squirrel identification guide.

5. What specific habitats should I search in New Jersey parks?

Focus on areas with a mix of mature oaks, hickories, and nut-producing trees. In the Pine Barrens, look along edges of pine-oak forests. In the Highlands, check hemlock and spruce stands for red squirrels. Suburban parks with old growth trees are reliable for gray squirrels. Walk slowly and scan the ground for movement and the canopy for leaf nests.