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

Yes, squirrels thrive throughout Virginia in diverse habitats. The eastern gray squirrel is found in every county, favoring mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands and forest edges, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. The southern flying squirrel is nocturnal and lives in mature forests with dead snags for nesting cavities. Suburban yards and city parks also host healthy populations, particularly where bird feeders are present. Virginia's squirrel range extends from the highest elevations of the Appalachian Mountains down to sea-level coastal forests, making it one of the most squirrel-rich states on the East Coast.

Virginia is home to three primary squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most abundant and widespread, recognizable by its silvery-gray back and white underside. Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are larger and less common, found mainly in the southeastern coastal plain where pine and oak open woodlands dominate. Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are small, nocturnal gliders found in mature deciduous and mixed forests throughout the state. Less common visitors include the fox squirrel variant known as the black phase, which appears dark gray or black instead of rusty orange. Each species has specific habitat requirements and seasonal patterns that affect your chances of spotting them.

Squirrels thrive in Virginia's diverse habitats. The eastern gray squirrel is found in every county, favoring mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands and forest edges, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. The southern flying squirrel is nocturnal and lives in mature forests with dead snags for nesting. Suburban yards and city parks also host useful populations, particularly where bird feeders are present. Regional hot spots include Grayson Highlands State Park in the southwest mountains, Pocahontas State Park near Richmond, and the Dismal Swamp area in the southeast coast. See our state wildlife page for the next step.

Squirrels are most active during early morning and late afternoon, especially in the first few hours after sunrise. In Virginia, peak activity occurs in fall (September through November) when they gather acorns and hickory nuts for winter storage. Spring (March to May) is also excellent as they forage for new growth and build leafy dreys. Summer midday heat drives squirrels high into tree canopies where they rest in the cooler shade. Winter activity is reduced but still visible on mild days, and you can spot them using cached nuts when the ground thaws. Time your visits to coincide with peak foraging hours and seasons for the highest likelihood of observation.

Look for bounding tracks in soft soil or snow: four small toes on front feet and five on the hind feet, with distinctive stride patterns showing paired prints. Chewed acorn caps scattered under oaks are a clear sign of feeding activity. You might also find stripped pinecone scales, bark damage on young trees where they strip the inner layer for nesting material, or piles of nutshell fragments at the base of trees. Leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks become visible after leaves fall in autumn. Listen for sharp barks and scolding calls when you approach their territory. Mid-winter snowfall makes tracking easiest as prints remain crisp in white powder for hours. See our state animal guide for the next step.