Squirrels in Maryland: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, squirrels are everywhere in Maryland. The state hosts four main species: eastern gray, fox, red, and southern flying squirrels. For quick identification, check the tail: gray squirrels have a bushy, gray tail with white edges, while fox squirrels have a more reddish, less fluffy tail. Red squirrels are tiny with a rusty back, and flying squirrels are the smallest and hardest to spot, active only at night. Start looking in any wooded park or backyard during fall through early spring when activity peaks.
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
- April, May, June
- peak months
Diet, source GloBI
What squirrels eat
Recorded prey and food of the squirrel, from the Global Biotic Interactions database, limited to species that occur in the United States. This is what squirrels have actually been observed eating, not a list for any one place.
- American elm
- American hophornbeam
- American subevergreen oak complex
- apple
- box elder
- common hazel
- Common Sunflower
- eastern white pine
- Elaphomyces granulatus
- European beech
- green ash
- Hard Maples
- northern red oak
- red maple
Feeding records from the Global Biotic Interactions (GloBI) database. Common names resolved from iNaturalist.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
17,532 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Maryland, most often in April, May, June.
Yes, squirrels are everywhere in Maryland. The state hosts four main species: eastern gray, fox, red, and southern flying squirrels. For quick identification, check the tail: gray squirrels have a bushy, gray tail with white edges, while fox squirrels have a more reddish, less fluffy tail. Red squirrels are tiny with a rusty back, and flying squirrels are the smallest and hardest to spot, active only at night. Start looking in any wooded park or backyard during fall through early spring when activity peaks.
1. What are the most common squirrel species in Maryland?
Maryland is home to four squirrel species you're likely to encounter. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most widespread and can be found in almost any wooded area, including suburban backyards. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is larger and favors more open woodlands, especially in the western part of the state. The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) sticks to coniferous forests, mainly in Garrett County. Finally, the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal and rarely seen, but lives in mature forests statewide.
2. How do you tell apart gray squirrels and fox squirrels?
Size and tail shape are your best field marks. Fox squirrels are noticeably larger, with a body length of 18 to 27 inches compared to the gray's 15 to 20 inches. The fox squirrel's tail is less bushy and often has a reddish or orange tint, while the gray squirrel's tail looks like a fluffy gray plume with white tips. Face-wise, fox squirrels have a broader, more rounded head and sometimes white ear tufts. In Maryland, fox squirrels are most common in the Piedmont and western regions, while grays dominate everywhere else. If you observe the squirrel from a distance, note the habitat: fox squirrels prefer scattered trees and open woodlands, while grays thrive in dense urban parks and suburban yards.
3. Where in Maryland are you most likely to see each species?
For eastern grays, try any park in the Baltimore-Washington corridor or your own backyard. Fox squirrels favor the more open oak-hickory forests of western Maryland, especially in Frederick and Washington counties. Red squirrels are restricted to high-elevation spruce-fir forests like those in the Dolly Sods area. Flying squirrels are best detected by their presence at bird feeders at night; look for smaller, gray-brown bodies and a distinct gliding membrane. Start checking the Maryland DNR website for specific county sightings.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for squirrel sightings in Maryland?
Fall is prime time. From September through November, squirrels are hyperactive, gathering acorns and hickory nuts for winter. Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best odds of seeing them on the ground or in low branches. Winter can be good too, especially on mild days, but activity drops in cold snaps. Spring brings a second peak as they forage for new growth and mate. Summer heat often pushes them into dense cover, so sightings are more limited. Late afternoon before dusk also provides opportunities when squirrels resume activity after midday rest.
5. What animals are commonly mistaken for squirrels in Maryland?
The eastern chipmunk is the most common lookalike. Chipmunks are smaller, have five dark stripes down their back, and carry their tail flat rather than bushy. Groundhogs (woodchucks) are also mistaken but are much larger, stockier, and live in burrows rather than trees. The rare Allegheny woodrat is sometimes confused with a squirrel, but it has a longer, less bushy tail and prefers rocky habitats. For more on separating these species, check oursquirrel identification hub.
6. How can you identify a red squirrel in Maryland?
Red squirrels are small, about half the size of a gray squirrel, with a rusty-red back and a white belly. They have a distinct white eye ring and a narrow, bushy tail that they often flick rapidly. Listen for their loud, chatter-like alarm calls, which are one of the easiest ways to detect them in dense forest. In Maryland, they are almost exclusively found in coniferous forests, particularly in the mountainous western counties like Garrett. They are more active during the day than flying squirrels but are still less commonly seen than grays. Their smaller size and bold coloring make them distinctive once you spot one.
7. How do flying squirrels in Maryland look different from other species?
Southern flying squirrels are the smallest Maryland squirrel, weighing just 2 to 3 ounces compared to a gray squirrel's 14 to 21 ounces. Their most distinctive feature is the furry gliding membrane (called a patagium) that stretches between their front and hind legs, visible when they leap. They have large eyes adapted for low-light conditions, soft gray-brown fur, and a flattened tail that acts as a rudder during glides. Unlike other squirrels, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal and rarely seen in daylight. To spot one, check near your bird feeders at dusk and night, or listen for their faint chirping calls in mature forests.
8. What specific features help identify squirrels from a distance?
Tail characteristics are the fastest identifier. A bushy, fluffy tail with white edges screams eastern gray. A less bushy, rusty-tinted tail points to fox squirrel. A thin, twitchy tail on a tiny body indicates red squirrel. Ear tufts (small points on the head) appear on fox squirrels and red squirrels but not grays. Size matters too: if it looks enormous compared to nearby birds, it's a fox squirrel. If it's tiny and moving through brush quickly with a chatter call, it's a red. Watch the posture as well: grays often stand upright with front paws tucked, while fox squirrels sprawl more horizontally on branches. Flying squirrels are so rare and nocturnal that distance identification is nearly impossible without binoculars.
9. Squirrel-themed gear for your next outing
If you enjoy squirrel spotting or just want to show off your interest, Easy Street Markets has a range of shirts and apparel. Here are a few top picks:
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() A clean gray squirrel design on a soft cotton tee, perfect for your next walk in the woods. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A retro-style tee that grabs attention without being too loud. Great for casual wear. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. []() A fun option for any squirrel lover, with a playful take on these bushy-tailed animals. Check Price and Availability
Browse the full collection ofsquirrel t-shirtsfor more choices.
10. How do you spot the difference between a juvenile and adult squirrel?
Juvenile squirrels are noticeably smaller than adults, with slightly duller fur coloration and thinner tails that aren't fully filled out. Young grays may appear grayer or darker overall compared to the brighter white-edged tail of adults. Juvenile fox squirrels show less pronounced coloring and lack the orange or reddish tones that develop with age. Babies of all species tend to be clumsier and more cautious in movement. The best time to see juveniles is in late spring and early summer when the current year's litter emerges from nests. By late fall, most juveniles have developed adult characteristics, making age harder to determine.
11. Are there any color variations within Maryland squirrel populations?
Melanistic (black) eastern gray squirrels do occur in Maryland, though they're rare and most common in suburban areas around Washington, D.C. These are the same species as gray squirrels, just with a genetic variation that produces dark fur. Some gray squirrels also show rusty or brownish tones mixed into their normally gray coats. Fox squirrels exhibit the most color variation, ranging from reddish-orange to nearly black, with some individuals showing a salt-and-pepper grizzled appearance. Red squirrels are always reddish-brown, but their undertail colors can range from orange to pale yellow. Flying squirrels are uniformly gray-brown with no significant color polymorphism. Learning these variations helps with confident identification, especially if your first sighting is an atypical color form.
12. Frequently asked questions about squirrel identification in Maryland
**Can you identify a flying squirrel by sight alone during the day?** Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, so daytime sightings are virtually impossible. If you think you've seen one during daylight, it was likely a red squirrel or young gray. **What's the easiest way to tell if you saw a fox squirrel or a gray squirrel?** Size and tail are the fastest identifiers. Fox squirrels are noticeably larger with less fluffy, reddish-tinged tails. Gray squirrels have puffy gray-and-white tails and are smaller overall. **Do gray squirrels have ear tufts?** Adult eastern grays lack the pointed ear tufts seen on fox squirrels and red squirrels, though some individuals show slight fur on their ears. **How quickly can you identify a squirrel species in the field?** With practice, most field birders ID common grays and fox squirrels in seconds using tail and size alone. Red squirrels take a bit longer due to rarity. Flying squirrels require night observation and binoculars. **Are there any squirrel species in Maryland I'm unlikely to ever see?** Yes, flying squirrels are present but so rare and nocturnal that most residents never spot one. Red squirrels are also uncommon, confined to high elevations in Garrett County.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common squirrel species in Maryland?+
Maryland is home to four squirrel species you're likely to encounter. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most widespread and can be found in almost any wooded area, including suburban backyards. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is larger and favors more open woodlands, especially in the western part of the state. The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) sticks to coniferous forests, mainly in Garrett County. Finally, the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal and rarely seen, but lives in mature forests statewide.
2. How do you tell apart gray squirrels and fox squirrels?+
Size and tail shape are your best field marks. Fox squirrels are noticeably larger, with a body length of 18 to 27 inches compared to the gray's 15 to 20 inches. The fox squirrel's tail is less bushy and often has a reddish or orange tint, while the gray squirrel's tail looks like a fluffy gray plume with white tips. Face-wise, fox squirrels have a broader, more rounded head and sometimes white ear tufts. In Maryland, fox squirrels are most common in the Piedmont and western regions, while grays dominate everywhere else. If you observe the squirrel from a distance, note the habitat: fox squirrels prefer scattered trees and open woodlands, while grays thrive in dense urban parks and suburban yards.
3. Where in Maryland are you most likely to see each species?+
For eastern grays, try any park in the Baltimore-Washington corridor or your own backyard. Fox squirrels favor the more open oak-hickory forests of western Maryland, especially in Frederick and Washington counties. Red squirrels are restricted to high-elevation spruce-fir forests like those in the Dolly Sods area. Flying squirrels are best detected by their presence at bird feeders at night; look for smaller, gray-brown bodies and a distinct gliding membrane. Start checking the Maryland DNR website for specific county sightings. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for squirrel sightings in Maryland?+
Fall is prime time. From September through November, squirrels are hyperactive, gathering acorns and hickory nuts for winter. Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best odds of seeing them on the ground or in low branches. Winter can be good too, especially on mild days, but activity drops in cold snaps. Spring brings a second peak as they forage for new growth and mate. Summer heat often pushes them into dense cover, so sightings are more limited. Late afternoon before dusk also provides opportunities when squirrels resume activity after midday rest.
5. What animals are commonly mistaken for squirrels in Maryland?+
The eastern chipmunk is the most common lookalike. Chipmunks are smaller, have five dark stripes down their back, and carry their tail flat rather than bushy. Groundhogs (woodchucks) are also mistaken but are much larger, stockier, and live in burrows rather than trees. The rare Allegheny woodrat is sometimes confused with a squirrel, but it has a longer, less bushy tail and prefers rocky habitats. For more on separating these species, check oursquirrel identification hub.
6. How can you identify a red squirrel in Maryland?+
Red squirrels are small, about half the size of a gray squirrel, with a rusty-red back and a white belly. They have a distinct white eye ring and a narrow, bushy tail that they often flick rapidly. Listen for their loud, chatter-like alarm calls, which are one of the easiest ways to detect them in dense forest. In Maryland, they are almost exclusively found in coniferous forests, particularly in the mountainous western counties like Garrett. They are more active during the day than flying squirrels but are still less commonly seen than grays. Their smaller size and bold coloring make them distinctive once you spot one.
7. How do flying squirrels in Maryland look different from other species?+
Southern flying squirrels are the smallest Maryland squirrel, weighing just 2 to 3 ounces compared to a gray squirrel's 14 to 21 ounces. Their most distinctive feature is the furry gliding membrane (called a patagium) that stretches between their front and hind legs, visible when they leap. They have large eyes adapted for low-light conditions, soft gray-brown fur, and a flattened tail that acts as a rudder during glides. Unlike other squirrels, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal and rarely seen in daylight. To spot one, check near your bird feeders at dusk and night, or listen for their faint chirping calls in mature forests.
8. What specific features help identify squirrels from a distance?+
Tail characteristics are the fastest identifier. A bushy, fluffy tail with white edges screams eastern gray. A less bushy, rusty-tinted tail points to fox squirrel. A thin, twitchy tail on a tiny body indicates red squirrel. Ear tufts (small points on the head) appear on fox squirrels and red squirrels but not grays. Size matters too: if it looks enormous compared to nearby birds, it's a fox squirrel. If it's tiny and moving through brush quickly with a chatter call, it's a red. Watch the posture as well: grays often stand upright with front paws tucked, while fox squirrels sprawl more horizontally on branches. Flying squirrels are so rare and nocturnal that distance identification is nearly impossible without binoculars.
10. How do you spot the difference between a juvenile and adult squirrel?+
Juvenile squirrels are noticeably smaller than adults, with slightly duller fur coloration and thinner tails that aren't fully filled out. Young grays may appear grayer or darker overall compared to the brighter white-edged tail of adults. Juvenile fox squirrels show less pronounced coloring and lack the orange or reddish tones that develop with age. Babies of all species tend to be clumsier and more cautious in movement. The best time to see juveniles is in late spring and early summer when the current year's litter emerges from nests. By late fall, most juveniles have developed adult characteristics, making age harder to determine.
11. Are there any color variations within Maryland squirrel populations?+
Melanistic (black) eastern gray squirrels do occur in Maryland, though they're rare and most common in suburban areas around Washington, D.C. These are the same species as gray squirrels, just with a genetic variation that produces dark fur. Some gray squirrels also show rusty or brownish tones mixed into their normally gray coats. Fox squirrels exhibit the most color variation, ranging from reddish-orange to nearly black, with some individuals showing a salt-and-pepper grizzled appearance. Red squirrels are always reddish-brown, but their undertail colors can range from orange to pale yellow. Flying squirrels are uniformly gray-brown with no significant color polymorphism. Learning these variations helps with confident identification, especially if your first sighting is an atypical color form.
Keep exploring
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