Squirrels in Michigan in October
Yes, October is a good month to see squirrels in Michigan. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 1,853 of the 22,559 sightings logged across the year (8.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for squirrels in Michigan
8.2%
of yearly sightings
1,853
records in October
#6
busiest month of 12
22,559
verified records a year
September 10%, October 8.2%, November 4.7%. Busiest month is May at 14.2%.
22,559 verified observations of squirrels in Michigan, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Michigan
Peak month
May
3,196 records (14.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 797 | 3.5% |
| February | 876 | 3.9% |
| March | 1,501 | 6.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 3,080 | 13.7% |
| Maypeak | 3,196 | 14.2% |
| Junepeak | 2,925 | 13% |
| July | 2,389 | 10.6% |
| August | 1,687 | 7.5% |
| September | 2,263 | 10% |
| October | 1,853 | 8.2% |
| November | 1,061 | 4.7% |
| December | 931 | 4.1% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 5,428 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 4,992 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 4,875 |
| American Red Squirrel | 3,663 |
| Groundhog | 2,256 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 504 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 200 |
| Least Chipmunk | 113 |
In Michigan, October carries 8.2% of the year's squirrels sightings, about 0.1 points below an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from September (10%) into October, and it heads toward November (4.7%) after. The busiest month is May (14.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The squirrels most often recorded in Michigan are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which squirrels you are most likely to see
- Eastern Gray Squirrel5,428 records
- Eastern Fox Squirrel4,992 records
- Eastern Chipmunk4,875 records
- American Red Squirrel3,663 records
- Groundhog2,256 records
- Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel504 records
Plan your squirrel trip in Michigan
Start with live tours near Isle Royale National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
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Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main squirrel viewing area.
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Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
Can you see squirrels in Michigan in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 1,853 of the 22,559 verified squirrels sightings logged in Michigan across the year, which is 8.2% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see squirrels in Michigan?+
October is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though May and April is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for squirrels in Michigan?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, April and June, based on 22,559 verified observations.
Which squirrels are you most likely to see in Michigan?+
The most-recorded species in Michigan are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See squirrels in Michigan in other months
More wildlife in Michigan