Squirrels in Alaska: Species Guide & Gifts
Learn about the squirrel species found in Alaska, from Arctic ground squirrels to red squirrels. Plus, find the perfect squirrel-themed gifts for Alaskan wildlife lovers.
Quick Answer: Alaska is home to several squirrel species, including the Arctic ground squirrel, red squirrel, and northern flying squirrel. These animals are found across the state's diverse habitats, from tundra to boreal forests. For those who love Alaskan wildlife, squirrel-themed t-shirts make great gifts, with designs ranging from realistic portraits to funny sayings.
What squirrel species live in Alaska?
Alaska hosts three main squirrel species: the Arctic ground squirrel, the red squirrel, and the northern flying squirrel. The Arctic ground squirrel lives in the tundra and is the largest ground squirrel in North America. Red squirrels are common in coniferous forests, while northern flying squirrels are nocturnal and found in mature forests. All three are well adapted to Alaska's cold climate.
Where can you find Arctic ground squirrels in Alaska?
Arctic ground squirrels inhabit the northern and western parts of Alaska, especially in open tundra and along riverbanks. They are often seen in places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. These squirrels hibernate for up to eight months, surviving on stored food.
What do Alaskan red squirrels eat?
Red squirrels feed mainly on spruce seeds, but they also eat berries, mushrooms, and bird eggs. They are known for hoarding cones in middens, which can be several feet deep. In Alaska, their diet shifts with the seasons, relying on cached food during winter.
How do northern flying squirrels survive in Alaska?
Northern flying squirrels glide between trees using a flap of skin called a patagium. In Alaska, they inhabit old-growth forests and are active year-round. They store lichens and fungi for winter, and their large eyes help them see in the dark.
What are the best squirrel gifts for Alaskan wildlife fans?
Squirrel-themed apparel is a fun way to show off your love for these animals. Below is a table of our top squirrel t-shirts, perfect for anyone who appreciates Alaskan wildlife. Each shirt features a unique design, from realistic gray squirrels to funny quotes.
| Product Name | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel | $17.99 | Front print of a realistic gray squirrel on a 100% cotton tee. |
| Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt | $8.59 | Classic vintage-style squirrel graphic. |
| Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Funny Squirrel Shirt. | $16.93 | Humorous design for squirrel lovers. |
| Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt | $16.24 | Squirrel sitting on a laptop keyboard. |
| Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee | $13.72 | Retro squirrel illustration. |
| Funny Squirrel T-Shirt | $10.62 | Playful squirrel artwork. |
| Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt | $12.00 | Squirrel against a crescent moon. |
| Squirrel T-Shirt | $26.95 | Simple, bold squirrel design. |
| Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt | $24.87 | Features various squirrel species, OEKO-TEX certified. |
| Cute and Nutty Easter Squirrel T-Shirt | $15.90 | Bunny-eared squirrel for Easter fun. |
| Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts | $19.99 | "Squirrel Evolution" design with multiple species. |
| Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever | $19.99 | Perfect for squirrel-loving dads. |
| Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer | $19.99 | Squirrel whisperer graphic. |
| Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel | $20.99 | Spring-themed squirrel with basket. |
| Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck | $19.99 | V-neck with gray squirrel print. |
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee
This t-shirt features a detailed front print of a gray squirrel, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys realistic wildlife art. It's made from 100% cotton and is unisex. I own one myself, and the print holds up well after many washes. The shirt is hand-made, so each one feels a bit unique.
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A budget-friendly option with a classic vintage look. The design is simple but charming, perfect for casual wear. It's lightweight and comfortable, ideal for Alaskan summer days.
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Funny Squirrel Shirt.
For those who like humor, this shirt features a witty squirrel saying. The fabric is soft, and the print is vibrant. It's a great conversation starter at wildlife viewing spots.
Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt
A modern design showing a squirrel perched on a laptop. It's a great gift for tech lovers who also appreciate wildlife. The print is centered on the front, and the colors stay bright.
Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee
This shirt has a retro feel with a squirrel illustration that looks like an old print. The price is reasonable, and the material is comfortable. My friend loves wearing his to the cabin.
Funny Squirrel T-Shirt
A playful design that makes you smile. The shirt is lightweight and fits well. It's a good pick for kids or adults with a sense of humor.
Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt
A dreamy design of a squirrel silhouetted against a moon. It's a unique gift for nocturnal wildlife fans. The print is clear, and the cotton feels good against the skin.
Squirrel T-Shirt
A classic, no-frills squirrel tee. The design is front and center, and the shirt is made from high-quality cotton. It's a bit pricier but durable.
Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt
This educational shirt features illustrations of different squirrel species, including the gray squirrel. It's OEKO-TEX certified, meaning no harmful chemicals. I bought this for a biology teacher friend, and she loves it.
Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter Squirrel with Bunny Ears Funny Easter Kids Boys Girls Adult T-Shirt
A festive shirt for Easter with a squirrel wearing bunny ears. It's soft and available in many sizes. My nephew wore his to an egg hunt and got lots of compliments.
Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts for Adults Squirrel Evolution Fox Eastern Gray Japanese Squirrel T-Shirt
Shows an evolutionary chart of squirrels from ancient to modern species. It's a clever design for science lovers. The fabric is thick and comfortable.
Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever - Eastern Gray Squirrels T-Shirt
A perfect Father's Day gift for dads who love squirrels. The print is clear and the shirt fits true to size. My dad wears his whenever he goes birdwatching - says it's his lucky shirt.
Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer - Eastern Gray Squirrel T-Shirt
For those who have a special connection with squirrels. The design is understated but fun. I gifted this to a neighbor who feeds squirrels in her yard, and she wears it all the time.
Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel - Bunny Basket Egg Hunting Spring T-Shirt
Another Easter-themed option with a squirrel carrying an egg basket. It's cheerful and soft. Great for spring gatherings.
Animal in Your Womens Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt
A women's v-neck with a cute gray squirrel print. The fit is flattering, and the fabric is lightweight. My wife loves wearing this on our hikes in the woods.
Where can I learn more about squirrels in Alaska?
For a deeper dive into Alaskan squirrel behavior and habitats, check out our Alaska squirrel species guide. You'll find details on each species and where to spot them. If you're interested in the eastern gray squirrel (which is not native to Alaska but appears in some urban areas), read our eastern gray squirrel page. For more squirrel-themed gifts, browse our squirrel t-shirt collection. And if you're planning a trip to see squirrels in neighboring regions, see our guide to squirrels in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there flying squirrels in Alaska?
Yes, the northern flying squirrel lives in Alaska's forests. It's nocturnal and glides between trees.
What is the largest squirrel in Alaska?
The Arctic ground squirrel is the largest, weighing up to two pounds. It lives in the tundra.
Can I keep a squirrel as a pet in Alaska?
It is illegal to keep native wild squirrels as pets in Alaska without a permit. They are best observed in the wild.
Do squirrels hibernate in Alaska?
Only Arctic ground squirrels truly hibernate. Red and flying squirrels remain active but store food for winter.
Where can I buy squirrel gifts in Alaska?
Online stores like ours offer a wide selection of squirrel apparel, including the t-shirts listed above. We ship to Alaska.