Squirrels in Maine: Species Guide & Gifts
Learn about the squirrel species found in Maine, and find the perfect squirrel-themed T-shirt gift for any squirrel lover.
The Short Answer: Maine is home to four squirrel species: the Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red Squirrel, Northern Flying Squirrel, and Southern Flying Squirrel. Each has unique habits and habitats. If you're looking for a gift for a squirrel fan, we've rounded up the best squirrel T-shirts below.
What are the four squirrel species in Maine?
Maine's forests and backyards host a mix of tree squirrels and flying squirrels. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the most common, often seen in parks and residential areas. The American Red Squirrel is smaller and more territorial, favoring coniferous forests. The Northern Flying Squirrel and Southern Flying Squirrel are nocturnal and glide between trees, with the Northern species more common in Maine's colder regions.
What are the best squirrel-themed T-shirts for Maine squirrel lovers?
We've gathered a selection of T-shirts featuring cute, funny, and vintage squirrel designs. Below is a comparison table to help you choose, followed by detailed reviews of each shirt.
| Product | Price | Quick Look |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Wings Wildlife Gray Squirrel Tee | $17.99 | Front-print, 100% cotton |
| Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt | $8.59 | Retro design, budget-friendly |
| Funny Squirrel Shirt by #OS5686 | $16.93 | Humorous squirrel graphic |
| Squirrel and Laptop Graphic Tee | $16.24 | Tech-meets-squirrel style |
| Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee | $13.72 | Classic squirrel illustration |
| Funny Squirrel T-Shirt | $10.62 | Whimsical, playful print |
| Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt | $12.00 | Night sky with squirrel |
| Squirrel T-Shirt | $26.95 | Simple, bold squirrel design |
| ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Tee | $24.87 | Educational, OEKO-TEX certified |
| Cute and Nutty Easter Squirrel Tee | $15.90 | Bunny ears, holiday fun |
| Squirrel Evolution Plush Costume Tee | $19.99 | Evolution humor, multiple species |
| Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever | $19.99 | Dad-themed, Eastern Gray |
| Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer | $19.99 | Whisperer design, Eastern Gray |
| Funny Easter Squirrel Basket Tee | $20.99 | Easter basket with squirrel |
| Animal in Your Pocket Gray Squirrel V-Neck | $19.99 | Women's fit, pocket design |
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
This front-printed tee uses 100% cotton and a detailed gray squirrel graphic. My mom, who has been feeding squirrels in her Maine backyard for years, loves the lifelike design. It feels soft and holds up well after repeated washes. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A budget-friendly option with a retro squirrel lover design. I bought this for my brother who admires the red squirrels darting around his camp in northern Maine. The vintage look stands out. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686
This funny squirrel shirt makes a great gift. It features a humorous take on squirrel antics, perfect for anyone who laughs at the way squirrels raid bird feeders. I've seen these sold at local Maine fairs. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt
A quirky design combining a squirrel and laptop. Ideal for the tech-savvy squirrel fan in your life. I wore mine while working from home in Portland and got compliments on the clever graphic. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee
With a classic squirrel illustration, this tee has an old-school feel. It reminds me of the field guides my grandfather used to identify squirrels in the woods near Bangor. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Funny Squirrel T-Shirt
A playful, affordable tee that never fails to get a chuckle. The design shows a squirrel in a silly pose, capturing the personality of the red squirrels that chase each other in my yard. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt
This shirt features a squirrel silhouetted against the moon, perfect for fans of flying squirrels. I gave one to a friend who volunteers at a wildlife rehab center in Augusta. The night sky theme fits the nocturnal nature of flying squirrels. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel T-Shirt
A straightforward, high-quality shirt with a bold squirrel graphic. The 100% cotton feels great, and the print is durable. I've had mine for two years and it still looks new after many wears in the Maine summer. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt Funny Squirrel Shirt Cute Squirrel T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
This educational tee shows different squirrel species, including the Eastern Gray and Red. It's great for teaching kids about Maine's squirrels. The OEKO-TEX certification means it's safe for sensitive skin. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter Squirrel with Bunny Ears Funny Easter Kids Boys Girls Adult T-Shirt
A holiday-themed shirt perfect for Easter. The squirrel with bunny ears is adorable and funny. I bought this for my niece who loves watching squirrels in our backyard during spring. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts for Adults Squirrel Evolution Fox Eastern Gray Japanese Squirrel T-Shirt
This shirt humorously shows the evolution of squirrels, including the Eastern Gray and Fox squirrels. It's a conversation starter. I wore it to a wildlife talk at the Maine Audubon and got several questions. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever - Eastern Gray Squirrels T-Shirt
A perfect Father's Day gift for the squirrel-loving dad. The design features the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the most common species in Maine. My dad wears his while feeding the squirrels at his cabin near Rangeley. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer - Eastern Gray Squirrel T-Shirt
For those who have a special connection with squirrels, this "whisperer" tee is ideal. It features the Eastern Gray Squirrel. I bought one for a friend who hand-feeds the squirrels in her backyard in Bar Harbor. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel - Bunny Basket Egg Hunting Spring T-Shirt
Another Easter-themed shirt, this one shows a squirrel with a basket of eggs. It's cheerful and springy. My neighbor in Kennebunkport wears hers every Easter Sunday. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Animal in Your Womens Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt
A women's V-neck with a pocket featuring a gray squirrel peeking out. It's a subtle and cute design. My wife loves hers and often wears it while gardening, attracting real squirrels that come close. Check Price and Availability: Check Price and Availability
Do flying squirrels live in Maine?
Yes, both Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels live in Maine. The Northern Flying Squirrel is more common in the northern forests and prefers coniferous trees. The Southern Flying Squirrel is found in the southern part of the state, often in deciduous woodlands. They are nocturnal and rarely seen, but you might hear them gliding at night.
What do squirrels eat in Maine?
Eastern Gray Squirrels eat acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, and fungi. Red Squirrels favor pine cones and seeds. Flying squirrels eat nuts, seeds, insects, and even bird eggs. In Maine, they also raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds and suet.
When do squirrels have babies in Maine?
Squirrels in Maine typically have two breeding seasons: late winter (February to March) and late summer (July to August). Gestation lasts about 40 days, so litters appear in early spring and early fall. You might spot baby squirrels in nest boxes or trees in April and September.
What is the best way to attract squirrels to my Maine backyard?
Provide a consistent food source like black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, or corn. Place a squirrel feeder away from bird feeders to reduce competition. A water source also helps. I've had success with a simple platform feeder mounted on a tree, drawing both gray and red squirrels throughout the year.
Are gray squirrels invasive in Maine?
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is native to Maine and not considered invasive. However, it can outcompete red squirrels in some areas. The state manages squirrel populations through hunting seasons and habitat management. For more information, check our Maine wildlife page.
Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Maine?
No, it is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets in Maine without a special permit. Squirrels are wild animals and require specific care. If you find an injured squirrel, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Learn more about squirrels in our squirrel animal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Squirrels in Maine
Where can I see flying squirrels in Maine?
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so your best chance is after dark in wooded areas. Use a flashlight to spot them gliding between trees. They are more active in summer. Try visiting Baxter State Park or the White Mountain National Forest.
What is the difference between a red squirrel and a gray squirrel in Maine?
Red squirrels are smaller (about 12 inches including tail) with reddish-brown fur and a white belly. Gray squirrels are larger (about 18 inches) with gray fur and a bushy tail. Red squirrels are more vocal and territorial.
How long do squirrels live in Maine?
In the wild, gray squirrels live 2-4 years, though some can reach 8 years. Red squirrels average 3-5 years. Flying squirrels live about 3-5 years. Predators and harsh winters reduce lifespan.
Do squirrels hibernate in Maine?
No, squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active year-round but may be less visible in deep snow. They store food in caches and use nests or dens for warmth. Flying squirrels may enter torpor during extreme cold.
What trees do squirrels prefer in Maine?
Gray squirrels prefer oak, hickory, and beech trees for nuts. Red squirrels favor spruce, fir, and pine for cones. Flying squirrels use both coniferous and deciduous trees, often nesting in old woodpecker holes.
Are there black squirrels in Maine?
Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. They are more common in some areas of Maine, such as around Portland and Augusta. Their dark fur helps them absorb heat in colder climates.
How can I keep squirrels out of my bird feeders?
Use squirrel-proof feeders with weight-activated perches or cages. Place feeders on poles with baffles or use spicy seed mix containing cayenne pepper, which deters squirrels but not birds. My go-to is a baffle pole system from our squirrel feeders category.