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

What are the most common squirrel species in Tennessee?

Tennessee hosts two primary squirrel species: the Eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. Gray squirrels are more common in urban and suburban areas, while fox squirrels prefer open woodlands and forest edges. Both are active year-round. For more details on gray squirrel behavior, visit our squirrel page.

In Tennessee, 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.

Where in Tennessee are squirrels most likely seen?

Squirrels are found statewide, but your best odds are in oak-hickory forests, state parks, and even residential neighborhoods. The Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountains have healthy populations. For a broader look at Tennessee wildlife, check our Tennessee wildlife guide.

What time of day and season is best for squirrel spotting?

Early morning (dawn to mid-morning) and late afternoon (2 hours before dusk) are peak activity times. Squirrels are most visible in spring and fall when they are foraging for nuts and seeds. In winter, they may be less active but still visible on mild days.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

What field signs should I look for?

Look for leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks, often made of leaves and twigs. On the ground, you may find gnawed nutshells with clean edges, or scratch marks on tree bark. Squirrel tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the back, with a distinctive bounding pattern.

How can I identify squirrel tracks in Tennessee?

Squirrel tracks are small (1-2 inches long) and show four toes on the front foot and five on the hind foot. They often appear in a bounding pattern, with larger hind feet landing ahead of the smaller front feet. Look for them in mud, snow, or soft dirt near trees.