Squirrels in Minnesota: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking

1. What Are the Most Common Squirrels in Minnesota?

Minnesota has four main squirrel species. The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the one you'll most often see in towns and suburbs. It has a bushy, gray tail with white edges. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is larger, with a rusty belly and a thicker tail. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are smaller, noisier, and prefer conifer forests. Flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) are nocturnal and rarely seen, but they glide between trees in northern Minnesota.

2. Where in Minnesota Do People Notice Squirrels First?

Most people spot squirrels in their own backyard or a neighborhood park. In the Twin Cities, places like Minnehaha Park and the Mississippi River gorge have high gray squirrel activity. In central Minnesota, Itasca State Park offers good fox squirrel sightings around oak stands. Up north, red squirrels are common in the Superior National Forest. For flying squirrels, head to a mature forest after dark with a flashlight.

3. What Is the Best Season or Time Window for Confident Squirrel Sightings?

Squirrels are active year-round, but your best odds are in early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 to 6 p.m.). Fall is prime time because they are busy gathering acorns and you can hear leaves rustle. Spring also works well after snow melt. In winter, look for tracks in fresh snow and check bird feeders. Flying squirrels are active only at night and are seen most often in summer.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. How to Tell Squirrel Species Apart?

Focus on three field marks: size, tail, and belly color. Gray squirrel: medium, gray body, white-tipped tail, white belly. Fox squirrel: large (up to two feet including tail), rusty orange belly, bushy tail with orange edges. Red squirrel: small (half the size of a gray), reddish coat, white belly, often chatters loudly. Flying squirrel: small, gray brown, flattened tail, and a membrane (patagium) visible when gliding.

5. What Signs Indicate Squirrel Activity?

Look for leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks, especially in oaks and maples. Chewed pine cones or stripped bark on branches mean red squirrels were feeding. On the ground, dig marks near buried acorns show gray squirrel caching. In winter, tracks in snow show a bounding pattern with four toe prints. If you hear loud barks or clicks from the treetops, a squirrel is alerting to your presence.

6. Where Should I Start My Squirrel Watching in Minnesota?

Start close to home: any park with mature oak or hickory trees. In the metro, try Afton State Park or William O'Brien State Park. For a classic North Woods experience, drive the Gunflint Trail and listen for red squirrels scolding you. If you're after flying squirrels, visit the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center near Finland, Minnesota, where they host night hikes. Check theMinnesota wildlife pagefor more spot suggestions.

7. Show Off Your Squirrel Finds with Wildlife Gear

After a day of watching squirrels, you might want to celebrate with some themed apparel. The Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt features a gray squirrel design printed on soft cotton. It's a subtle way to share your interest without shouting. For a retro vibe, the Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt adds a classic look. Both make great conversation starters at the park. See all options on ourt-shirts page.

### Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel

This front-only printed tee uses high quality 100% cotton and is made to order. The squirrel graphic captures the alert posture you see in the field.Check Price and Availability

### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt

A budget friendly option with a worn in look. The simple design works for casual wear or a gift.Check Price and Availability

### 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

9. Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels in Minnesota

**Do squirrels hibernate in Minnesota?** No, they remain active all winter. Gray and fox squirrels hole up in nests for a few days during cold snaps but emerge on mild days. Red squirrels stash food in middens and stay active. Flying squirrels sometimes enter torpor but wake to eat.

**Are there black squirrels in Minnesota?** Yes, a melanistic (black) phase of the gray squirrel occurs occasionally. They are rare but have been reported in the Twin Cities suburbs and near the St. Croix River.

**What do squirrels eat in Minnesota?** Acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, maple seeds, and bird feeder seeds. Red squirrels prefer pine cones and fungi. Flying squirrels eat nuts and insects.

**Can I feed squirrels in Minnesota?** It is generally allowed but discouraged in parks to prevent habituation. In your yard, unshelled peanuts or black oil sunflower seeds are fine in small amounts. Never feed them processed human food.

**When do squirrels have babies in Minnesota?** Gray and fox squirrels have two litters: one in late winter (February March) and one in summer (July August). Red squirrels breed once a year in early spring. Flying squirrels have litters in April and August.

For more identification tips, visit oursquirrel species page.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.