5 Types of Squirrels in Arkansas
Squirrels do show up in Arkansas, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out. Arkansas has three regular squirrel species and one occasional visitor, each with distinct field marks and habitat preferences. This guide walks you through identifying each type, spotting their lookaliikes, and when to expect peak activity across the state.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- May, April, October
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
5 types of squirrels recorded in Arkansas
5 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Arkansas across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
4,461 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Arkansas, most often in May, April, October.
Squirrels do show up in Arkansas, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out. Arkansas has three regular squirrel species and one occasional visitor, each with distinct field marks and habitat preferences. This guide walks you through identifying each type, spotting their lookaliikes, and when to expect peak activity across the state.
What types of squirrels live in Arkansas?
Arkansas is home to three primary squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common, found in hardwood forests and suburban areas. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) prefers more open woodlands and is often seen in rural areas. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal and lives in mature forests with tree cavities. Less common sightings include the eastern chipmunk, which is often mistaken for a small squirrel. Gray squirrels range from 17 to 20 inches in total length (including tail), while fox squirrels are noticeably larger at 20 to 24 inches. Flying squirrels are the smallest at just 8 to 10 inches. Each species has adapted to specific forest types across the state, making habitat recognition a key tool for identification.
Where in Arkansas are you most likely to see squirrels?
Squirrels are widespread across Arkansas. For reliable sightings, visit state parks such asPetit Jean State Parkor the Ozark National Forest. Suburban backyards with oak or hickory trees also attract them. TheArkansas wildlife pageprovides more details on prime locations. Gray squirrels thrive in the Ozark and Ouachita mountain regions, where oak and hickory hardwoods dominate. Fox squirrels prefer the lower-density woodlands and agricultural areas of the Arkansas Delta and southeastern lowlands. The Buffalo National River area is an excellent location for observing multiple species. State wildlife management areas near Hot Springs and eastern pine stands host active populations year-round.
When is the best time to spot squirrels in Arkansas?
Squirrels are active year-round, but their peak activity occurs in early morning and late afternoon. Fall is especially good because they gather acorns and are more visible. Winter mornings offer clear views in deciduous forests after leaf drop. Spring and summer bring young squirrels out, but summer heat can reduce midday activity. The best odds are between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. September through November marks the highest visibility window as squirrels stockpile mast crops and move more openly. Winter viewing improves after November when tree canopies thin. Spring mornings (March through May) show increased juvenile activity, though competition with leaf-out makes sightings less predictable than fall. Rain often triggers activity as worms and insects emerge.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you tell apart an eastern gray squirrel from a fox squirrel?
Eastern gray squirrels are smaller (17-20 inches including tail) with grayish-brown fur and a white belly. Their tail has a silvery fringe. Fox squirrels are larger (20-24 inches) and can be rusty orange, gray, or brown with a reddish belly. Fox squirrels also have a bushier tail with black-tipped hairs. Look at the head: gray squirrels have a narrower face, while fox squirrels have a broader, more useful skull. A reliable field mark is the ear tuft. During winter (October through April), gray squirrels develop prominent white tufts on their ears. Fox squirrels lack these tufts year-round. Watch the tail posture too: gray squirrels often hold their tail more vertically when alarmed, while fox squirrels flatten theirs. In mixed woodlands where both species coexist, size alone is the quickest separator. For more ID tips, check oursquirrel identification guide.
What does a southern flying squirrel look like?
Southern flying squirrels are tiny (8-10 inches total length) with a grayish-brown back and white belly. Their most distinctive feature is a loose flap of skin (patagium) between the wrist and ankle, used for gliding. They have large, dark eyes adapted for night vision. Active only at night, you won't see them during the day unless you use a flashlight or set up a nest box. They are often heard as soft chirps in the dark. The patagium is hairless and stretches from the wrist to the ankle, allowing them to glide up to 150 feet between trees. Unlike the other two squirrel species, flying squirrels have a flat tail that acts as a rudder during flight. Their fur is extremely soft and dense for warmth in tree cavities. Listen for their calls at dusk and dawn near old-growth oak and hickory stands.
What are common lookalikes for squirrels in Arkansas?
The eastern chipmunk is the most frequent lookalike. Chipmunks are smaller (7-9 inches) with five dark stripes on their back and a shorter, less bushy tail. Ground squirrels are absent from Arkansas, so any small squirrel-like animal with stripes is likely a chipmunk. The gray squirrel and fox squirrel are sometimes confused in mixed habitats, but size and belly color are reliable field marks. If you see a dark squirrel, it may be a melanistic eastern gray, which is rare but occurs. Melanistic grays are born from normal gray parents and are sometimes called black squirrels. Young gray squirrels also pose an ID challenge because they are smaller than adults. Compare body proportions and tail thickness rather than size alone in spring and early summer.
How to plan a squirrel watching trip in Arkansas?
Start with a morning visit to a local park or wildlife management area. Bring binoculars and a field guide. The Ozark region offers excellent hardwood forests. Consider checkingArkansas spotted reportsfor recent sightings. Here is a helpful tool for your trip:
This widget helps you find nearby squirrel watching hotspots. Scout ahead by looking for oak and hickory stands, and listen for rustling leaves. Wear neutral colors (gray, brown, or olive) to avoid startling animals. Move slowly and pause frequently to scan branches and the forest floor. Early morning visits to areas with fresh acorn drop improve odds dramatically. Afternoon trips work best in cooler months when squirrels remain active. Bring a notebook to record behavior patterns, this improves your ability to predict where animals will be on future visits.
How do squirrel behaviors help with identification in the field?
Each squirrel species shows distinct movement and foraging patterns. Eastern gray squirrels often forage on the ground and make distinctive chattering alarm calls. Fox squirrels spend more time in open spaces and produce a louder, hoarser bark. Both climb with rapid, jerky movements. Southern flying squirrels move only at night and are silent unless alarmed. Watching a squirrel eat is informative: gray squirrels often hold food close to their body with both front paws. Fox squirrels are pickier and drop more rejected shells, creating visible litter beneath trees. Gray squirrels also produce a distinctive tail flicking during aggressive encounters. Fox squirrels perform a horizontal tail wave during threat displays. These behavioral differences can confirm identity even when fur coloration is unclear due to lighting or distance.
What is the best habitat to search for each squirrel species?
Eastern gray squirrels prefer dense hardwood forests with continuous canopy cover, especially in the Ozark highlands where oak, hickory, and walnut dominate. They also thrive in urban and suburban parks with mature shade trees. Fox squirrels favor mixed pine-hardwood forests, open woodlots, and agricultural edges where they can move between scattered trees. Their preference for more open habitat makes them easier to spot from a distance. Southern flying squirrels require old-growth or mature secondary forest with abundant tree cavities for nesting. They are most common in the Ouachita mountains and the western Ozarks. Chipmunks (the most common lookalike) prefer rocky outcrops and brushy understory, often near streams. Searching these specific habitat types greatly increases your chances of finding the target species and reduces confusion with lookalikes.
Why do Arkansas squirrel species look so different across the state?
Forest type explains most regional variation. The Ozark plateau in northern Arkansas contains dense hardwood forests ideal for gray squirrels. The Ouachita mountains in western Arkansas host flying squirrels in old-growth pine-oak mixes. The Arkansas Delta and southeastern lowlands have more open, agricultural landscapes where fox squirrels thrive. This separation means that gray squirrels dominate urban parks in central Arkansas, while fox squirrels are reliably found in rural rice and soybean country. When you encounter an unusual-looking squirrel, consider what forest type you are standing in. A very large, rusty-colored squirrel in an open oak grove is almost certainly a fox squirrel. A small, gray animal in a dense deciduous forest is almost certainly an eastern gray. Understanding these ecological patterns is one of the most reliable identification tools available to field observers.
What squirrel-themed gear can I find on Easy Street Markets?
Show your love for Arkansas squirrels with these picks:
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() A quality 100% cotton tee featuring a gray squirrel design. Comfortable for field wear or casual outings. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A retro style shirt perfect for squirrel fans. Great conversation starter on the trail. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686 []() A fun design with multiple squirrel motifs. Lightweight and soft for everyday wear. Check Price and Availability
For more options, browse oursquirrel t-shirt collection.
Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Arkansas?
Are there flying squirrels in Arkansas? Yes, the southern flying squirrel is native to Arkansas. They are nocturnal and rarely seen by casual observers, but they are present in significant numbers throughout forested areas, especially in the Ouachita and Ozark mountains.
Do squirrels hibernate in Arkansas? No, Arkansas squirrels remain active all year. They may reduce activity during severe winter weather but do not truly hibernate. They rely on cached acorns and nuts buried in fall to survive winter.
What do Arkansas squirrels eat? Their diet includes acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, seeds, berries, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. Fox squirrels are more selective about nut species than gray squirrels.
How can I attract squirrels to my yard? Provide a reliable food source like black oil sunflower seeds, and ensure there are trees or nest boxes for shelter. Check ourwildlife feeding guidefor tips.
Can you keep an Arkansas squirrel as a pet? No, all native Arkansas squirrel species are protected by state wildlife law. Keeping any wild squirrel is illegal without a special permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of squirrels live in Arkansas?+
Arkansas is home to three primary squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common, found in hardwood forests and suburban areas. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) prefers more open woodlands and is often seen in rural areas. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal and lives in mature forests with tree cavities. Less common sightings include the eastern chipmunk, which is often mistaken for a small squirrel. Gray squirrels range from 17 to 20 inches in total length (including tail), while fox squirrels are noticeably larger at 20 to 24 inches. Flying squirrels are the smallest at just 8 to 10 inches. Each species has adapted to specific forest types across the state, making habitat recognition a key tool for identification.
Where in Arkansas are you most likely to see squirrels?+
Squirrels are widespread across Arkansas. For reliable sightings, visit state parks such asPetit Jean State Parkor the Ozark National Forest. Suburban backyards with oak or hickory trees also attract them. TheArkansas wildlife pageprovides more details on prime locations. Gray squirrels thrive in the Ozark and Ouachita mountain regions, where oak and hickory hardwoods dominate. Fox squirrels prefer the lower-density woodlands and agricultural areas of the Arkansas Delta and southeastern lowlands. The Buffalo National River area is an excellent location for observing multiple species. State wildlife management areas near Hot Springs and eastern pine stands host active populations year-round.
When is the best time to spot squirrels in Arkansas?+
Squirrels are active year-round, but their peak activity occurs in early morning and late afternoon. Fall is especially good because they gather acorns and are more visible. Winter mornings offer clear views in deciduous forests after leaf drop. Spring and summer bring young squirrels out, but summer heat can reduce midday activity. The best odds are between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. September through November marks the highest visibility window as squirrels stockpile mast crops and move more openly. Winter viewing improves after November when tree canopies thin. Spring mornings (March through May) show increased juvenile activity, though competition with leaf-out makes sightings less predictable than fall. Rain often triggers activity as worms and insects emerge. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you tell apart an eastern gray squirrel from a fox squirrel?+
Eastern gray squirrels are smaller (17-20 inches including tail) with grayish-brown fur and a white belly. Their tail has a silvery fringe. Fox squirrels are larger (20-24 inches) and can be rusty orange, gray, or brown with a reddish belly. Fox squirrels also have a bushier tail with black-tipped hairs. Look at the head: gray squirrels have a narrower face, while fox squirrels have a broader, more useful skull. A reliable field mark is the ear tuft. During winter (October through April), gray squirrels develop prominent white tufts on their ears. Fox squirrels lack these tufts year-round. Watch the tail posture too: gray squirrels often hold their tail more vertically when alarmed, while fox squirrels flatten theirs. In mixed woodlands where both species coexist, size alone is the quickest separator. For more ID tips, check oursquirrel identification guide.
What does a southern flying squirrel look like?+
Southern flying squirrels are tiny (8-10 inches total length) with a grayish-brown back and white belly. Their most distinctive feature is a loose flap of skin (patagium) between the wrist and ankle, used for gliding. They have large, dark eyes adapted for night vision. Active only at night, you won't see them during the day unless you use a flashlight or set up a nest box. They are often heard as soft chirps in the dark. The patagium is hairless and stretches from the wrist to the ankle, allowing them to glide up to 150 feet between trees. Unlike the other two squirrel species, flying squirrels have a flat tail that acts as a rudder during flight. Their fur is extremely soft and dense for warmth in tree cavities. Listen for their calls at dusk and dawn near old-growth oak and hickory stands.
What are common lookalikes for squirrels in Arkansas?+
The eastern chipmunk is the most frequent lookalike. Chipmunks are smaller (7-9 inches) with five dark stripes on their back and a shorter, less bushy tail. Ground squirrels are absent from Arkansas, so any small squirrel-like animal with stripes is likely a chipmunk. The gray squirrel and fox squirrel are sometimes confused in mixed habitats, but size and belly color are reliable field marks. If you see a dark squirrel, it may be a melanistic eastern gray, which is rare but occurs. Melanistic grays are born from normal gray parents and are sometimes called black squirrels. Young gray squirrels also pose an ID challenge because they are smaller than adults. Compare body proportions and tail thickness rather than size alone in spring and early summer.
How to plan a squirrel watching trip in Arkansas?+
Start with a morning visit to a local park or wildlife management area. Bring binoculars and a field guide. The Ozark region offers excellent hardwood forests. Consider checkingArkansas spotted reportsfor recent sightings. Here is a helpful tool for your trip: This widget helps you find nearby squirrel watching hotspots. Scout ahead by looking for oak and hickory stands, and listen for rustling leaves. Wear neutral colors (gray, brown, or olive) to avoid startling animals. Move slowly and pause frequently to scan branches and the forest floor. Early morning visits to areas with fresh acorn drop improve odds dramatically. Afternoon trips work best in cooler months when squirrels remain active. Bring a notebook to record behavior patterns, this improves your ability to predict where animals will be on future visits.
How do squirrel behaviors help with identification in the field?+
Each squirrel species shows distinct movement and foraging patterns. Eastern gray squirrels often forage on the ground and make distinctive chattering alarm calls. Fox squirrels spend more time in open spaces and produce a louder, hoarser bark. Both climb with rapid, jerky movements. Southern flying squirrels move only at night and are silent unless alarmed. Watching a squirrel eat is informative: gray squirrels often hold food close to their body with both front paws. Fox squirrels are pickier and drop more rejected shells, creating visible litter beneath trees. Gray squirrels also produce a distinctive tail flicking during aggressive encounters. Fox squirrels perform a horizontal tail wave during threat displays. These behavioral differences can confirm identity even when fur coloration is unclear due to lighting or distance.
What is the best habitat to search for each squirrel species?+
Eastern gray squirrels prefer dense hardwood forests with continuous canopy cover, especially in the Ozark highlands where oak, hickory, and walnut dominate. They also thrive in urban and suburban parks with mature shade trees. Fox squirrels favor mixed pine-hardwood forests, open woodlots, and agricultural edges where they can move between scattered trees. Their preference for more open habitat makes them easier to spot from a distance. Southern flying squirrels require old-growth or mature secondary forest with abundant tree cavities for nesting. They are most common in the Ouachita mountains and the western Ozarks. Chipmunks (the most common lookalike) prefer rocky outcrops and brushy understory, often near streams. Searching these specific habitat types greatly increases your chances of finding the target species and reduces confusion with lookalikes.
Why do Arkansas squirrel species look so different across the state?+
Forest type explains most regional variation. The Ozark plateau in northern Arkansas contains dense hardwood forests ideal for gray squirrels. The Ouachita mountains in western Arkansas host flying squirrels in old-growth pine-oak mixes. The Arkansas Delta and southeastern lowlands have more open, agricultural landscapes where fox squirrels thrive. This separation means that gray squirrels dominate urban parks in central Arkansas, while fox squirrels are reliably found in rural rice and soybean country. When you encounter an unusual-looking squirrel, consider what forest type you are standing in. A very large, rusty-colored squirrel in an open oak grove is almost certainly a fox squirrel. A small, gray animal in a dense deciduous forest is almost certainly an eastern gray. Understanding these ecological patterns is one of the most reliable identification tools available to field observers.
What squirrel-themed gear can I find on Easy Street Markets?+
Show your love for Arkansas squirrels with these picks: ### Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() A quality 100% cotton tee featuring a gray squirrel design. Comfortable for field wear or casual outings. Check Price and Availability ### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A retro style shirt perfect for squirrel fans. Great conversation starter on the trail. Check Price and Availability ### Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686 []() A fun design with multiple squirrel motifs. Lightweight and soft for everyday wear. Check Price and Availability For more options, browse oursquirrel t-shirt collection.
Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Arkansas?+
Are there flying squirrels in Arkansas? Yes, the southern flying squirrel is native to Arkansas. They are nocturnal and rarely seen by casual observers, but they are present in significant numbers throughout forested areas, especially in the Ouachita and Ozark mountains. Do squirrels hibernate in Arkansas? No, Arkansas squirrels remain active all year. They may reduce activity during severe winter weather but do not truly hibernate. They rely on cached acorns and nuts buried in fall to survive winter. What do Arkansas squirrels eat? Their diet includes acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, seeds, berries, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. Fox squirrels are more selective about nut species than gray squirrels. How can I attract squirrels to my yard? Provide a reliable food source like black oil sunflower seeds, and ensure there are trees or nest boxes for shelter. Check ourwildlife feeding guidefor tips. Can you keep an Arkansas squirrel as a pet? No, all native Arkansas squirrel species are protected by state wildlife law. Keeping any wild squirrel is illegal without a special permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Arkansas