Squirrels in Alabama: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Squirrels are common across Alabama. The eastern gray squirrel is the species you are most likely to see, but fox squirrels and southern flying squirrels also live here. Look for them in woodlands, parks, and backyards. This guide covers identification, best times, and places to spot them.
Squirrels are common across Alabama. The eastern gray squirrel is the species you are most likely to see, but fox squirrels and southern flying squirrels also live here. Look for them in woodlands, parks, and backyards. This guide covers identification, best times, and places to spot them.
What squirrel species live in Alabama?
Three main species call Alabama home. The eastern gray squirrel is gray with a white belly and a bushy tail. The fox squirrel is larger, often with rusty or gray-brown fur. The southern flying squirrel is nocturnal and small. You can distinguish them by size, color, and tail shape. The gray squirrel's tail is round and fluffy, while the fox squirrel's tail is more tubular. For more details, visit oursquirrel information page.
In Alabama, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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 Alabama can you reliably see squirrels?
Squirrels are adaptable and found statewide. Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests like those in the Talladega National Forest or Bankhead National Forest. Suburban neighborhoods with mature oaks and hickories also host healthy populations. City parks in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile are good starting points. Start with any area with large nut-producing trees. Check ourAlabama wildlife guidefor more species.
What is the best season for squirrel sightings in Alabama?
Squirrels are active year-round, but fall is the most productive time. From September through November, they gather acorns and are often seen on the ground and in trees. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best activity. Spring also offers good sightings as they forage for new growth.
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How do you tell apart gray squirrels and fox squirrels in Alabama?
The eastern gray squirrel is smaller, about 9-12 inches long, with a silvery-gray coat and white belly. The fox squirrel is larger, up to 20 inches, and can be gray-brown, rusty, or even black. Their tails differ: gray squirrels have a round, fluffy tail that curves over their back, while fox squirrels have a flatter, less fluffy tail. In Alabama, you are far more likely to see gray squirrels except in open pine forests where fox squirrels dominate.
What feeding signs indicate squirrel activity?
Look for partially eaten acorns with clean cut edges, pine cone scales scattered on the ground, and holes in bird feeders. Squirrels also leave scratch marks on tree bark. In winter, leaf nests (dreys) become visible as high balls of leaves in bare branches.
Are there any lookalikes to squirrels in Alabama?
The most common lookalike is the chipmunk, which is smaller and has stripes on its back and face. Groundhogs are larger and stockier. The northern flying squirrel is only found in northern Alabama and has a gliding membrane. When in doubt, check the tail: only squirrels have a large bushy tail that they hold over their back.
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Frequently asked questions about Alabama squirrels
**Q: Are squirrels in Alabama active in winter?** A: Yes, they do not hibernate. They are less active but still forage on mild days.
**Q: Do squirrels in Alabama carry diseases?** A: It is rare, but they can carry ticks and fleas. Avoid direct contact.
**Q: What is the best bait to attract squirrels for viewing?** A: Unshelled peanuts, sunflower seeds, and corn on the cob work well.
**Q: Are there black squirrels in Alabama?** A: Yes, black morph eastern gray squirrels occur, though they are less common.
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