Squirrels in Wisconsin: Where to look and what signs to watch for

Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison is a hotspot for squirrel activity. The gardens' many large trees and diverse plantings provide ideal habitats for eastern gray squirrels. They are very accustomed to humans and can be seen foraging and playing throughout the year. It is a favorite spot for families to enjoy watching these active animals.

The UW-Madison campus is another excellent urban spot for squirrel watching. The campus's mature trees and numerous green spaces provide a safe and productive environment for squirrels. They are a familiar and entertaining sight for students and visitors, often seen collecting nuts and chasing each other across the lawns.

Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo offers a more natural forest setting for squirrel watching. Both eastern gray squirrels and the larger eastern fox squirrels can be found here. The park's diverse terrain and variety of nut-bearing trees provide excellent foraging grounds. Look for them along the many hiking trails and near the picnic areas.

Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee provides a unique urban island habitat for squirrels. While sightings are more limited than in larger forests, they are a familiar sight along the park's paths and in the small wooded areas. It is a beautiful location for observing squirrels against the backdrop of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin offers vast tracts of protected forest that are ideal for observing squirrels in a truly wild setting. You can find several species here, including the elusive southern flying squirrel, which is active at night. The forest's diverse habitats support a healthy squirrel population.