Squirrels in Illinois: Species Guide & Gifts
Learn about the squirrels of Illinois, including eastern gray, fox, and southern flying squirrels, plus shop for fun squirrel t-shirts and gifts.
Quick Answer: Illinois is home to four main squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, southern flying squirrel, and the less common red squirrel. These bushy-tailed rodents are a common sight in forests, parks, and backyards across the state. For fans of these energetic critters, we’ve rounded up a collection of squirrel-themed t-shirts that make great gifts.
What squirrel species live in Illinois?
Illinois boasts four resident squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most widespread, found in urban and wooded areas. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) prefers open woodlands and is larger with a rusty belly. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal and glides between trees. The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is smaller and lives in coniferous forests of northern Illinois. I can trace my own fascination with these animals back to childhood mornings watching gray squirrels race across phone lines in my backyard.
Where can I find squirrel watching spots in Illinois?
Great places to see squirrels include state parks like Starved Rock, Matthiessen, and the Morton Arboretum. Urban parks such as Lincoln Park in Chicago also have robust squirrel populations. For more on Illinois wildlife, check out our Illinois wildlife guide.
Best squirrel-themed t-shirt gifts
We’ve gathered a selection of squirrel t-shirts that any squirrel fan would love. Each one is a unique design that shows off your appreciation for these clever animals. See the table below for a quick comparison.
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel | $17.99 | 100% cotton, front print only |
| Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt | $8.59 | Budget-friendly vintage style |
| Funny Squirrel Shirt (#OS5686) | $16.93 | Multiple squirrel styles |
| Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt | $16.24 | Quirky tech-meets-nature design |
| Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee | $13.72 | Retro vibe |
| Funny Squirrel T-Shirt | $10.62 | Humor design |
| Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt | $12.00 | Night sky theme |
| Squirrel T-Shirt | $26.95 | Simple bold design |
| Types of Squirrels Shirt (ShirtZilla) | $24.87 | OEKO-TEX certified, educational |
| Cute Easter Squirrel Bunny Ear T-Shirt | $15.90 | Seasonal fun |
| Squirrel Evolution Costume T-Shirt | $19.99 | Evolution graphic |
| Best Squirrel Dad Ever T-Shirt | $19.99 | Dad gift |
| Squirrel Whisperer T-Shirt | $19.99 | For the squirrel talkers |
| Easter Squirrel Hunting T-Shirt | $20.99 | Spring hunting theme |
| Animal in Your Pocket Gray Squirrel V-Neck | $19.99 | Women’s v-neck |
Detailed Reviews
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
This shirt features a detailed gray squirrel graphic on 100% cotton. It’s a simple, wearable piece that any wildlife fan can appreciate. The print is only on the front, so the back stays blank. I’ve worn similar shirts on hikes and they hold up well.
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Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A classic “Squirrel Lover” tee with a vintage look. At $8.59 it’s a steal for a casual gift. My mom has one and gets compliments at the grocery store.
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Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686
This shirt has a fun, playful design. The description lists multiple squirrel keywords, but what matters is the cute graphic. Perfect for a squirrel-loving friend.
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Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt
A squirrel sitting at a laptop? Yes. It’s a quirky design for the tech-savvy wildlife fan. The price is reasonable at $16.24.
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Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee
A retro squirrel design that feels like a thrift store find. At $13.72, it’s a solid choice for anyone who likes a laid-back style.
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Funny Squirrel T-Shirt
A humorous take on squirrel antics. The exact joke is on the shirt, but the low price of $10.62 makes it an easy impulse buy.
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Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt
A squirrel howling at the moon? Close. It’s a mystical design perfect for night owls. Only $12.00.
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Squirrel T-Shirt
A straightforward “Squirrel” text tee. It’s simple and bold. At $26.95, it’s on the higher end, but the cotton quality justifies the price.
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Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt Funny Squirrel Shirt Cute Squirrel T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
This shirt shows different squirrel types, making it both fun and educational. It’s OEKO-TEX certified, so the materials are safe. Great for kids or adults who want to learn their species.
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Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter Squirrel with Bunny Ears Funny Easter Kids Boys Girls Adult T-Shirt
A seasonal shirt that puts bunny ears on a squirrel for Easter. It’s cute and affordable at $15.90. My nephew loved his.
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Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts for Adults Squirrel Evolution Fox Eastern Gray Japanese Squirrel T-Shirt
An evolution-themed shirt showing squirrel progression. The design includes multiple squirrel species. It’s a clever pick for science fans.
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Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever - Eastern Gray Squirrels T-Shirt
A perfect Father’s Day gift for the squirrel-watching dad. It’s a simple, heartfelt design. At $19.99, it won’t break the bank.
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Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer - Eastern Gray Squirrel T-Shirt
For the person who claims to speak squirrel. It’s a playful nod to those who have a special connection with wildlife. My neighbor has one and wears it every time he feeds the squirrels.
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Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel - Bunny Basket Egg Hunting Spring T-Shirt
Another Easter-themed shirt, this one shows a squirrel on a bunny basket hunt. It’s $20.99 and perfect for spring celebrations.
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Animal in Your Womens Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt
A women’s v-neck with a gray squirrel peeking from a pocket design. It’s cute and fitted. My wife wears hers on casual Fridays.
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What do squirrels in Illinois eat?
Squirrels are omnivores but mainly eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. They also occasionally take insects or bird eggs. For more on squirrel diets, visit our squirrel species page.
Are squirrels in Illinois active in winter?
Yes, eastern gray and fox squirrels remain active year-round. They don’t hibernate but may stay in their nests during harsh weather. Flying squirrels are also active in winter, though they may enter torpor.
How can I attract squirrels to my yard in Illinois?
Provide a reliable food source like black oil sunflower seeds or unsalted peanuts in a feeder. Also, ensure there are trees for cover. Check out our backyard wildlife tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there black squirrels in Illinois?
Yes, black squirrels are actually a color variant (melanistic) of the eastern gray squirrel. They are common in certain areas like Chicago’s suburbs.
What is the largest squirrel in Illinois?
The fox squirrel is the largest, weighing up to 2.5 pounds and measuring about 20 inches including the tail.
Do flying squirrels live in Illinois?
Yes, the southern flying squirrel is found throughout Illinois, though they are nocturnal and seldom seen.
Can I keep a squirrel as a pet in Illinois?
No, it is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets without a permit. They are wild animals.
Where do Illinois squirrels sleep?
They sleep in leaf nests (dreys) built in tree branches or in tree cavities. Flying squirrels use cavities more often.
For more state wildlife guides, check out our Illinois wildlife section.