4 Types of Squirrels in Louisiana
Louisiana hosts three main squirrel species: the eastern gray, fox, and southern flying squirrel. The eastern gray is the most common and visible statewide, thriving in urban parks, yards, and wooded neighborhoods. Fox squirrels are larger and prefer open pine forests, especially in central and western regions. Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal and elusive but live across mature forests throughout the state. Understanding which species you might encounter and how to identify each one is the foundation for any Louisiana squirrel-watching trip. Start your search in any city park or backyard with mature oak or pine trees, particularly early morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 4
- species recorded
- April, March, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
4 types of squirrels recorded in Louisiana
4 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Louisiana 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
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4
Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
4,465 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Louisiana, most often in April, March, May.
Louisiana hosts three main squirrel species: the eastern gray, fox, and southern flying squirrel. The eastern gray is the most common and visible statewide, thriving in urban parks, yards, and wooded neighborhoods. Fox squirrels are larger and prefer open pine forests, especially in central and western regions. Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal and elusive but live across mature forests throughout the state. Understanding which species you might encounter and how to identify each one is the foundation for any Louisiana squirrel-watching trip. Start your search in any city park or backyard with mature oak or pine trees, particularly early morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active.
What are the most common squirrel species in Louisiana?
Louisiana has three resident squirrel species, each with distinct features. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the one you will most likely see. It has gray fur with a white belly and a bushy tail that makes it easy to spot in trees. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is noticeably larger, with a mix of rust, gray, and black on its back, and often a rusty or whitish belly. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is small and strictly nocturnal, rarely seen by chance, but present in mature forests across the state. The main lookalike issue is between the eastern gray and fox squirrel, especially in areas where their ranges overlap, so learning the size and coloration differences is useful for accurate identification.
Where in the state do you usually notice them first?
Most people spot squirrels in their own backyard or while walking through city parks. Eastern grays are abundant in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and smaller towns throughout Louisiana. They adapt well to suburban environments and are often seen in residential yards with oak and pecan trees. Fox squirrels are more frequent in the longleaf pine forests of central and western Louisiana, particularly around Kisatchie National Forest and the Cane River region. If you are near large oaks, pecans, or pine trees, you have good odds of spotting at least an eastern gray. Check out theLouisiana wildlifepage for more habitat details.
What is the best time of day or season for squirrel sightings?
Squirrels are active year-round in Louisiana, but the best chance to see them is early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset). During the hot midday, they rest in the shade or in their nests. Late summer and fall are prime times because squirrels are gathering and storing nuts in preparation for winter, making them more visible and active. Winter mornings after a cold snap often drive them to feeders or open areas searching for cached food. Spring brings young squirrels venturing out, though they remain wary of humans and predators. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell apart the eastern gray squirrel from the fox squirrel?
Size is the quickest clue. Fox squirrels are noticeably bigger, about 20 inches long including tail, while eastern grays are typically about 18 inches. Look at the face: fox squirrels have a broader, more rounded head and often a reddish or orangish wash on the belly and face. Gray squirrels have a white belly and a narrower, more pointed face. In Louisiana, the fox squirrel's tail is often less bushy than the gray's. Also, fox squirrels tend to spend more time on the ground foraging for nuts and food, while eastern grays are frequent tree climbers and are more acrobatic in the canopy.
Are flying squirrels common in Louisiana?
The southern flying squirrel is present in mature hardwood forests across Louisiana, but it is strictly nocturnal and therefore rarely seen by casual observers. They are small, about 10 inches long, with distinctive loose skin between their front and back legs that allows them to glide from tree to tree. They have large eyes, big ears, and a flattened tail, and are often mistaken for a bat at first glance. If you want to see one, install a nest box on a wooded property or go on a night hike with a headlamp. They are not aggressive and are harmless to humans and pets. Learn more about flying squirrels and their relatives on the/animals/squirrelhub.
How do Louisiana squirrels prepare for winter?
Squirrels do not hibernate, but they prepare extensively for winter by gathering and burying nuts and seeds in the fall, a behavior called caching. A single squirrel can bury thousands of acorns, pecans, and pine seeds in scattered locations across its territory. They rely on their excellent memory to find these caches in winter, though they do not recover all of them, which inadvertently helps regenerate forests. Eastern grays and fox squirrels both prepare in this way. In mild Louisiana winters, they may emerge frequently to feed on cached nuts and any available fresh food. By late winter, their fat reserves decline and they become visibly thinner. Their fluffy tails serve as insulation and also help with balance during winter tree navigation.
What do Louisiana squirrels eat throughout the year?
The diet varies by season and species. Acorns and pecans are the primary foods in fall and winter. In spring and summer, squirrels eat buds, leaves, flowers, fungi, and insects. Many raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds and other seeds. Young squirrels born in spring rely on their mother's milk for several weeks before transitioning to solid food. Fox squirrels and eastern grays eat similar diets, though fox squirrels forage more on the ground. Southern flying squirrels eat acorns, seeds, insects, and fungi, and they are known to strip bark from young trees to access the nutritious inner layer. Providing native oak and pecan trees in your yard naturally supports local squirrel populations.
What predators do Louisiana squirrels face?
Squirrels in Louisiana face predation from several sources at different life stages. Raptors, particularly red-tailed hawks and the occasional eagle, hunt squirrels from the air. Foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and feral cats hunt them on the ground, especially young squirrels. Snakes and raccoons target eggs and young in nests. Road traffic is also a significant cause of death in suburban areas. Squirrels rely on their speed, agility, and ability to climb high into trees to escape predators. Southern flying squirrels use their gliding ability to escape threats in a way ground-foragers cannot. A healthy ecosystem with dense forest cover provides the best survival conditions.
What squirrel-themed apparel can you wear while spotting?
If you want to show your appreciation for squirrels while out in the field, comfortable outdoor clothing is essential. Consider this Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee.
[]()
This shirt features a realistic gray squirrel design that fits well for both men and women. It is made from 100% cotton and works for a day in the park.
Check Price and Availability
Another option is the Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt.
[]()
Its retro style appeals to anyone who spends time watching squirrels. For a full selection, browse the/t-shirtscategory.
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
What else do people ask about squirrels in Louisiana?
**Are there black squirrels in Louisiana?** Yes, but they are just a color morph (melanistic variant) of the eastern gray squirrel. You might see them in some suburban areas, though they are less common than the standard gray. The black coloration does not affect their behavior or survival.
**Do squirrels carry diseases in Louisiana?** Squirrels can carry ticks and fleas, but the risk of disease transmission to humans is low. Avoid handling wild squirrels or allowing pets to contact them. Wash your hands after touching areas where squirrels have been active.
**What do Louisiana squirrels eat in urban areas?** Mainly acorns, pecans, and pine seeds from native trees. They also raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, and will eat ornamental nuts from landscaping trees. They occasionally damage wooden structures, siding, and wiring while seeking shelter or nesting sites.
**When do squirrels nest and breed in Louisiana?** They breed twice a year: early spring (February-March) and late summer (June-July). Nests (called dreys) are visible in winter after leaves fall. They are large, roughly spherical structures made from leaves, twigs, and bark. A female may have 3-5 young per litter, and babies are typically weaned by summer and fall respectively.
**Can you legally feed wild squirrels in Louisiana?** There are no state laws prohibiting feeding squirrels on your own property, but many wildlife experts recommend against it as it may encourage dependence and overpopulation in small areas. If you do provide food, use natural nuts and seeds, not processed human food.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common squirrel species in Louisiana?+
Louisiana has three resident squirrel species, each with distinct features. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the one you will most likely see. It has gray fur with a white belly and a bushy tail that makes it easy to spot in trees. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is noticeably larger, with a mix of rust, gray, and black on its back, and often a rusty or whitish belly. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is small and strictly nocturnal, rarely seen by chance, but present in mature forests across the state. The main lookalike issue is between the eastern gray and fox squirrel, especially in areas where their ranges overlap, so learning the size and coloration differences is useful for accurate identification.
Where in the state do you usually notice them first?+
Most people spot squirrels in their own backyard or while walking through city parks. Eastern grays are abundant in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and smaller towns throughout Louisiana. They adapt well to suburban environments and are often seen in residential yards with oak and pecan trees. Fox squirrels are more frequent in the longleaf pine forests of central and western Louisiana, particularly around Kisatchie National Forest and the Cane River region. If you are near large oaks, pecans, or pine trees, you have good odds of spotting at least an eastern gray. Check out theLouisiana wildlifepage for more habitat details.
What is the best time of day or season for squirrel sightings?+
Squirrels are active year-round in Louisiana, but the best chance to see them is early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset). During the hot midday, they rest in the shade or in their nests. Late summer and fall are prime times because squirrels are gathering and storing nuts in preparation for winter, making them more visible and active. Winter mornings after a cold snap often drive them to feeders or open areas searching for cached food. Spring brings young squirrels venturing out, though they remain wary of humans and predators. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell apart the eastern gray squirrel from the fox squirrel?+
Size is the quickest clue. Fox squirrels are noticeably bigger, about 20 inches long including tail, while eastern grays are typically about 18 inches. Look at the face: fox squirrels have a broader, more rounded head and often a reddish or orangish wash on the belly and face. Gray squirrels have a white belly and a narrower, more pointed face. In Louisiana, the fox squirrel's tail is often less bushy than the gray's. Also, fox squirrels tend to spend more time on the ground foraging for nuts and food, while eastern grays are frequent tree climbers and are more acrobatic in the canopy.
Are flying squirrels common in Louisiana?+
The southern flying squirrel is present in mature hardwood forests across Louisiana, but it is strictly nocturnal and therefore rarely seen by casual observers. They are small, about 10 inches long, with distinctive loose skin between their front and back legs that allows them to glide from tree to tree. They have large eyes, big ears, and a flattened tail, and are often mistaken for a bat at first glance. If you want to see one, install a nest box on a wooded property or go on a night hike with a headlamp. They are not aggressive and are harmless to humans and pets. Learn more about flying squirrels and their relatives on the/animals/squirrelhub.
How do Louisiana squirrels prepare for winter?+
Squirrels do not hibernate, but they prepare extensively for winter by gathering and burying nuts and seeds in the fall, a behavior called caching. A single squirrel can bury thousands of acorns, pecans, and pine seeds in scattered locations across its territory. They rely on their excellent memory to find these caches in winter, though they do not recover all of them, which inadvertently helps regenerate forests. Eastern grays and fox squirrels both prepare in this way. In mild Louisiana winters, they may emerge frequently to feed on cached nuts and any available fresh food. By late winter, their fat reserves decline and they become visibly thinner. Their fluffy tails serve as insulation and also help with balance during winter tree navigation.
What do Louisiana squirrels eat throughout the year?+
The diet varies by season and species. Acorns and pecans are the primary foods in fall and winter. In spring and summer, squirrels eat buds, leaves, flowers, fungi, and insects. Many raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds and other seeds. Young squirrels born in spring rely on their mother's milk for several weeks before transitioning to solid food. Fox squirrels and eastern grays eat similar diets, though fox squirrels forage more on the ground. Southern flying squirrels eat acorns, seeds, insects, and fungi, and they are known to strip bark from young trees to access the nutritious inner layer. Providing native oak and pecan trees in your yard naturally supports local squirrel populations.
What predators do Louisiana squirrels face?+
Squirrels in Louisiana face predation from several sources at different life stages. Raptors, particularly red-tailed hawks and the occasional eagle, hunt squirrels from the air. Foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and feral cats hunt them on the ground, especially young squirrels. Snakes and raccoons target eggs and young in nests. Road traffic is also a significant cause of death in suburban areas. Squirrels rely on their speed, agility, and ability to climb high into trees to escape predators. Southern flying squirrels use their gliding ability to escape threats in a way ground-foragers cannot. A healthy ecosystem with dense forest cover provides the best survival conditions.
What squirrel-themed apparel can you wear while spotting?+
If you want to show your appreciation for squirrels while out in the field, comfortable outdoor clothing is essential. Consider this Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee. []() This shirt features a realistic gray squirrel design that fits well for both men and women. It is made from 100% cotton and works for a day in the park. Check Price and Availability Another option is the Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt. []() Its retro style appeals to anyone who spends time watching squirrels. For a full selection, browse the/t-shirtscategory. ### 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
What else do people ask about squirrels in Louisiana?+
**Are there black squirrels in Louisiana?** Yes, but they are just a color morph (melanistic variant) of the eastern gray squirrel. You might see them in some suburban areas, though they are less common than the standard gray. The black coloration does not affect their behavior or survival. **Do squirrels carry diseases in Louisiana?** Squirrels can carry ticks and fleas, but the risk of disease transmission to humans is low. Avoid handling wild squirrels or allowing pets to contact them. Wash your hands after touching areas where squirrels have been active. **What do Louisiana squirrels eat in urban areas?** Mainly acorns, pecans, and pine seeds from native trees. They also raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, and will eat ornamental nuts from landscaping trees. They occasionally damage wooden structures, siding, and wiring while seeking shelter or nesting sites. **When do squirrels nest and breed in Louisiana?** They breed twice a year: early spring (February-March) and late summer (June-July). Nests (called dreys) are visible in winter after leaves fall. They are large, roughly spherical structures made from leaves, twigs, and bark. A female may have 3-5 young per litter, and babies are typically weaned by summer and fall respectively. **Can you legally feed wild squirrels in Louisiana?** There are no state laws prohibiting feeding squirrels on your own property, but many wildlife experts recommend against it as it may encourage dependence and overpopulation in small areas. If you do provide food, use natural nuts and seeds, not processed human food. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Louisiana