5 Types of Squirrels in Delaware
Squirrels do show up in Delaware, 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. Delaware is home to three main squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel (the most common), the fox squirrel (larger and rustier, found in southern forests), and the southern flying squirrel (nocturnal and elusive). Each species prefers different habitat types and seasons, so understanding their ecology will improve your spotting success.
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, June, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
5 types of squirrels recorded in Delaware
5 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Delaware 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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2
3
4
5
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,512 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Delaware, most often in May, June, April.
Squirrels do show up in Delaware, 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. Delaware is home to three main squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel (the most common), the fox squirrel (larger and rustier, found in southern forests), and the southern flying squirrel (nocturnal and elusive). Each species prefers different habitat types and seasons, so understanding their ecology will improve your spotting success.
What squirrel species live in Delaware?
The most common is the eastern gray squirrel, found statewide in parks, suburbs, and woodlands. The fox squirrel is larger with a rusty belly and is more restricted to southern Delaware, especially around forests and farmlands. It thrives in open pine and oak woods. The southern flying squirrel is nocturnal and often overlooked, but present in mature woodlands with tree cavities and dense canopy cover. All three are permanent residents and active year-round, though their visibility changes by season.
How can you tell an eastern gray squirrel from a fox squirrel?
Eastern gray squirrels are smaller (9-12 inches body length) with a bushy, gray tail and white belly. Fox squirrels are larger (10-15 inches body length) with a reddish-brown body, a rusty or orange belly, and a thicker, less bushy tail. In Delaware, fox squirrels are often seen in coastal plains' pine and oak forests. The belly color is the quickest field mark: if it is white, it is a gray squirrel; if it is orange or rusty, it is likely a fox squirrel. Tail shape also differs: gray squirrels have a lighter, fluffier tail, while fox squirrels have a darker, more compact tail.
Where in Delaware are you most likely to see each species?
Eastern gray squirrels are everywhere: suburban backyards, city parks, and woodlands. Fox squirrels are most likely in southern Delaware's forests, such as Redden State Forest or along the Nanticoke River. Flying squirrels require a quiet, wooded setting with old trees; tryCape Henlopen State Parkat dusk.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season for squirrel sightings?
Squirrels are active year-round, but your best odds are in early fall (September-October) when they gather acorns and are more visible, and in late winter (February-March) during mating chases. Mornings from 6-9 AM and late afternoons from 4-6 PM are the most reliable windows. In winter, fewer leaves make tail spotting easier, though cold reduces overall activity. Spring (April-May) brings playful juveniles to trees, offering good viewing opportunities.
What are the key field marks for identifying flying squirrels?
Southern flying squirrels have a loose flap of skin (patagium) between wrist and ankle, large dark eyes, and a flattened tail used as a rudder during glides. They are only active at night. Listen for soft chirping sounds in tree canopies. Use a flashlight with a red filter to spot them gliding between trees. Their body length is only 8-10 inches, making them much smaller than gray or fox squirrels. Watch for them in old-growth timber near cavities in oak and hickory trees.
Which lookalikes might confuse you?
The fox squirrel can be mistaken for a gray squirrel from a distance, but check the belly color: gray squirrels have white bellies, fox squirrels have rusty orange. Young gray squirrels are slightly smaller but share the same belly color. Chipmunks are smaller with stripes and move close to the ground. The only other tree squirrel in Delaware is the rare eastern fox squirrel, but it is similar to the fox squirrel. Rabbits and groundhogs are terrestrial and easily separated by tail shape and size.
What squirrel watching tips can improve your odds?
Move slowly and avoid sudden noise. Stand near oak, hickory, or walnut trees. Carry binoculars to spot tail shapes and belly colors (8x42 works well). In winter, look for leaf nests (dreys) high in deciduous trees. For the best overview, check oursquirrel ID hubfor more tips. Early morning is always best, as squirrels feed during cooler parts of the day and rest during midday heat.
Diet and behavior patterns in Delaware?
Eastern gray and fox squirrels eat acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, seeds, berries, and occasionally bird eggs. Southern flying squirrels prefer seeds, nuts, fungi, and insects. All three are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) to some degree, though flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal. In Delaware, squirrels cache thousands of nuts in fall to survive winter, so October and November are prime watching months. Their behavior shifts when food is abundant: they move less in peak mast years and range wider when nuts are scarce.
How nesting seasons affect Delaware squirrel activity?
Eastern gray and fox squirrels breed twice yearly: winter breeding (December-February) produces spring litters, and summer breeding (May-July) produces late summer litters. During mating season, males chase females through trees with acrobatic leaps, creating visible activity. Nursing females require more food and are more active foragers. Flying squirrels breed once yearly (March-April), so spring is the best time to hear their calls and spot them moving between trees. Nesting activity peaks in March-April and again in August-September as adults prepare maternity dreys.
Conservation status of Delaware squirrels?
All three Delaware squirrel species remain stable and are not federally protected. Eastern gray squirrels are abundant and thriving across North America. Fox squirrels have recovered in Delaware after historical declines and are no longer considered rare. Southern flying squirrels are harder to count because of their nocturnal nature, but forest surveys suggest steady populations in mature woodlands. Delaware has no squirrel hunting season, so populations face minimal direct harvest pressure. The main threat is habitat loss from residential development and fragmentation of old-growth forests that flying squirrels depend on.
Where can you find squirrel-themed apparel?
After a day of squirrel spotting, show off your interest with a gray squirrel graphic tee. The Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee features a realistic print on 100% cotton.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() This hand-made tee uses high quality 100% cotton with a front-only design. Perfect for casual wear or as a talking point with other squirrel watchers. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A relaxed-fit tee with a retro squirrel design for everyday wear. Check Price and Availability
For more options, browse oursquirrel t-shirt collection.
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686 []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Delaware?
**Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Delaware?** No, it is illegal to keep native wildlife without a permit. Enjoy them outdoors. **What do Delaware squirrels eat?** Acorns, walnuts, seeds, berries, and sometimes bird eggs. Flying squirrels also eat fungi and insects. **Are there black squirrels in Delaware?** Black morph eastern gray squirrels are occasionally seen in the northern part of the state, especially in New Castle County. **When do squirrels have babies in Delaware?** Two litters per year for gray and fox squirrels: February-March and August-September. Flying squirrels have one litter in spring.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Delaware?+
The most common is the eastern gray squirrel, found statewide in parks, suburbs, and woodlands. The fox squirrel is larger with a rusty belly and is more restricted to southern Delaware, especially around forests and farmlands. It thrives in open pine and oak woods. The southern flying squirrel is nocturnal and often overlooked, but present in mature woodlands with tree cavities and dense canopy cover. All three are permanent residents and active year-round, though their visibility changes by season.
How can you tell an eastern gray squirrel from a fox squirrel?+
Eastern gray squirrels are smaller (9-12 inches body length) with a bushy, gray tail and white belly. Fox squirrels are larger (10-15 inches body length) with a reddish-brown body, a rusty or orange belly, and a thicker, less bushy tail. In Delaware, fox squirrels are often seen in coastal plains' pine and oak forests. The belly color is the quickest field mark: if it is white, it is a gray squirrel; if it is orange or rusty, it is likely a fox squirrel. Tail shape also differs: gray squirrels have a lighter, fluffier tail, while fox squirrels have a darker, more compact tail.
Where in Delaware are you most likely to see each species?+
Eastern gray squirrels are everywhere: suburban backyards, city parks, and woodlands. Fox squirrels are most likely in southern Delaware's forests, such as Redden State Forest or along the Nanticoke River. Flying squirrels require a quiet, wooded setting with old trees; tryCape Henlopen State Parkat dusk. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season for squirrel sightings?+
Squirrels are active year-round, but your best odds are in early fall (September-October) when they gather acorns and are more visible, and in late winter (February-March) during mating chases. Mornings from 6-9 AM and late afternoons from 4-6 PM are the most reliable windows. In winter, fewer leaves make tail spotting easier, though cold reduces overall activity. Spring (April-May) brings playful juveniles to trees, offering good viewing opportunities.
What are the key field marks for identifying flying squirrels?+
Southern flying squirrels have a loose flap of skin (patagium) between wrist and ankle, large dark eyes, and a flattened tail used as a rudder during glides. They are only active at night. Listen for soft chirping sounds in tree canopies. Use a flashlight with a red filter to spot them gliding between trees. Their body length is only 8-10 inches, making them much smaller than gray or fox squirrels. Watch for them in old-growth timber near cavities in oak and hickory trees.
Which lookalikes might confuse you?+
The fox squirrel can be mistaken for a gray squirrel from a distance, but check the belly color: gray squirrels have white bellies, fox squirrels have rusty orange. Young gray squirrels are slightly smaller but share the same belly color. Chipmunks are smaller with stripes and move close to the ground. The only other tree squirrel in Delaware is the rare eastern fox squirrel, but it is similar to the fox squirrel. Rabbits and groundhogs are terrestrial and easily separated by tail shape and size.
What squirrel watching tips can improve your odds?+
Move slowly and avoid sudden noise. Stand near oak, hickory, or walnut trees. Carry binoculars to spot tail shapes and belly colors (8x42 works well). In winter, look for leaf nests (dreys) high in deciduous trees. For the best overview, check oursquirrel ID hubfor more tips. Early morning is always best, as squirrels feed during cooler parts of the day and rest during midday heat.
Diet and behavior patterns in Delaware?+
Eastern gray and fox squirrels eat acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, seeds, berries, and occasionally bird eggs. Southern flying squirrels prefer seeds, nuts, fungi, and insects. All three are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) to some degree, though flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal. In Delaware, squirrels cache thousands of nuts in fall to survive winter, so October and November are prime watching months. Their behavior shifts when food is abundant: they move less in peak mast years and range wider when nuts are scarce.
How nesting seasons affect Delaware squirrel activity?+
Eastern gray and fox squirrels breed twice yearly: winter breeding (December-February) produces spring litters, and summer breeding (May-July) produces late summer litters. During mating season, males chase females through trees with acrobatic leaps, creating visible activity. Nursing females require more food and are more active foragers. Flying squirrels breed once yearly (March-April), so spring is the best time to hear their calls and spot them moving between trees. Nesting activity peaks in March-April and again in August-September as adults prepare maternity dreys.
Conservation status of Delaware squirrels?+
All three Delaware squirrel species remain stable and are not federally protected. Eastern gray squirrels are abundant and thriving across North America. Fox squirrels have recovered in Delaware after historical declines and are no longer considered rare. Southern flying squirrels are harder to count because of their nocturnal nature, but forest surveys suggest steady populations in mature woodlands. Delaware has no squirrel hunting season, so populations face minimal direct harvest pressure. The main threat is habitat loss from residential development and fragmentation of old-growth forests that flying squirrels depend on.
Where can you find squirrel-themed apparel?+
After a day of squirrel spotting, show off your interest with a gray squirrel graphic tee. The Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee features a realistic print on 100% cotton. ### Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() This hand-made tee uses high quality 100% cotton with a front-only design. Perfect for casual wear or as a talking point with other squirrel watchers. Check Price and Availability ### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A relaxed-fit tee with a retro squirrel design for everyday wear. Check Price and Availability For more options, browse oursquirrel t-shirt collection. ### Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686 []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Delaware?+
**Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Delaware?** No, it is illegal to keep native wildlife without a permit. Enjoy them outdoors. **What do Delaware squirrels eat?** Acorns, walnuts, seeds, berries, and sometimes bird eggs. Flying squirrels also eat fungi and insects. **Are there black squirrels in Delaware?** Black morph eastern gray squirrels are occasionally seen in the northern part of the state, especially in New Castle County. **When do squirrels have babies in Delaware?** Two litters per year for gray and fox squirrels: February-March and August-September. Flying squirrels have one litter in spring. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Delaware