Squirrels in Maryland: where to look and what signs to watch for
Yes, squirrels are common across Maryland. You can spot them in parks, backyards, and forests statewide. Start your search in any wooded area with mature trees, especially oak and hickory stands. Look for active mid-morning or late afternoon activity.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Groundhog 路 Public domain CC0
Eastern Gray Squirrel 路 Mike Ostrowski CC BY-SA
Eastern Gray Squirrel 路 froggymum CC BY
- 6
- species recorded
- 14,138
- GBIF records
- April, May, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of squirrels recorded in Maryland
6 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Maryland 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
17,591 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Maryland, most often in April, May, June.
When squirrel are recorded in Maryland
Yes, squirrels are common across Maryland. You can spot them in parks, backyards, and forests statewide. Start your search in any wooded area with mature trees, especially oak and hickory stands. Look for active mid-morning or late afternoon activity.
Where are squirrels most likely found in Maryland?
Squirrels are widespread in Maryland, from the Appalachian Plateau to the Coastal Plain. Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Suburban parks and neighborhoods with mature trees also hold good populations. Focus on areas with a mix of tall trees for shelter and open ground for foraging.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
What time of day and season offers the best squirrel spotting?
Squirrels are dawn and dusk active, especially during fall acorn season. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) give the best viewing windows. In Maryland, autumn through early winter is prime time as they cache nuts. Spring is good for seeing young squirrels emerge.
See ourSquirrels guidefor the next step.
What tracks, movements, or habitat clues can a beginner use?
Look for four-toed front prints and five-toed hind prints in mud or snow. Squirrel tracks often show a bounding pattern with paired prints. Watch for chewed nutshells and half-eaten acorns under trees. Listen for chattering and rustling leaves. Dreys (leaf nests) in branch forks are a clear sign of occupancy.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell the difference between gray and fox squirrels in Maryland?
Eastern gray squirrels are silver-gray with white bellies and bushy tails. Fox squirrels are larger, with a reddish-brown body and a more orange tint. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlots and park-like settings, while grays are more common in deep woods. Check the face: fox squirrels have a broader, more rounded snout.
What do squirrels eat and where do they nest?
Squirrels eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally bird eggs. Their primary foods are acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts. They build leaf nests called dreys high in tree branches, or use tree cavities. In winter, they rely on cached food stashes. You can often spot them carrying a single nut or acorn in their mouths.
Show off your squirrel sightings with wildlife tees from Easy Street Markets
After a day of spotting squirrels in Maryland, why not wear your interest? Easy Street Markets offers a range of squirrel-themed shirts that let you share your wildlife passion.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
This soft 100% cotton tee features a detailed gray squirrel print. Perfect for a day in the field or casual wear.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A classic vintage-style design for anyone who enjoys watching squirrels. Great value and easy to pair with outdoor gear.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt.
A fun, lighthearted shirt that captures the quirky side of squirrel watching. Makes a good gift for fellow spotters.Check Price and Availability
Browse our full selection ofsquirrel shirtsand other wildlife gear.
Frequently Asked Questions about squirrels in Maryland
**Are there black squirrels in Maryland?** Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel, especially common in the Washington D.C. suburbs and parts of central Maryland.
**Do squirrels hibernate in Maryland?** No, squirrels are active year-round, but they become less active during extreme cold. They rely on stored food and shared nests to survive winter.
**What is the best time of year to see baby squirrels?** Two litters are typical: one in late winter (February-March) and another in late summer (August-September). Look for small squirrels near the nest in early spring.
**How can I attract squirrels to my yard for viewing?** Provide a feeder with unsalted peanuts or sunflower seeds, and ensure a source of fresh water. Place it near a tree or fence for quick escape cover.
**Can I spot squirrels in Baltimore or Washington D.C. parks?** Yes, city parks like Druid Hill Park in Baltimore and Rock Creek Park in D.C. have healthy squirrel populations. Look near large oak trees and picnic areas.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Maryland: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Maryland
14,138 verified squirrel records have been logged in Maryland, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Maryland?+
Squirrels are widespread in Maryland, from the Appalachian Plateau to the Coastal Plain. Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Suburban parks and neighborhoods with mature trees also hold good populations. Focus on areas with a mix of tall trees for shelter and open ground for foraging. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where can you see squirrels in Maryland?+
Squirrels are widespread in Maryland, from the Appalachian Plateau to the Coastal Plain. Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Suburban parks and neighborhoods with mature trees also hold good populations. Focus on areas with a mix of tall trees for shelter and open ground for foraging. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Maryland?+
Squirrels are widespread in Maryland, from the Appalachian Plateau to the Coastal Plain. Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests with oak, hickory, and beech trees. Suburban parks and neighborhoods with mature trees also hold good populations. Focus on areas with a mix of tall trees for shelter and open ground for foraging. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Maryland