Squirrels in Minnesota in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see squirrels in Minnesota. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 2,736 of the 19,293 sightings logged across the year (14.2%), 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.
Peak month for squirrels in Minnesota
14.2%
of yearly sightings
2,736
records in May
#1
busiest month of 12
19,293
verified records a year
April 12.6%, May 14.2%, June 11.4%. Busiest month is May at 14.2%.
19,293 verified observations of squirrels in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
May
2,736 records (14.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 984 | 5.1% |
| February | 994 | 5.2% |
| March | 1,170 | 6.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,426 | 12.6% |
| Maypeak | 2,736 | 14.2% |
| Junepeak | 2,192 | 11.4% |
| July | 1,771 | 9.2% |
| August | 1,498 | 7.8% |
| September | 1,952 | 10.1% |
| October | 1,618 | 8.4% |
| November | 963 | 5% |
| December | 989 | 5.1% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 7,630 |
| American Red Squirrel | 4,454 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 3,327 |
| Groundhog | 982 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 969 |
| Franklin's Ground Squirrel | 754 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 271 |
| Least Chipmunk | 151 |
In Minnesota, May carries 14.2% of the year's squirrels sightings, about 5.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (12.6%) into May, and it heads toward June (11.4%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The squirrels most often recorded in Minnesota are Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which squirrels you are most likely to see
- Eastern Gray Squirrel7,630 records
- American Red Squirrel4,454 records
- Eastern Chipmunk3,327 records
- Groundhog982 records
- Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel969 records
- Franklin's Ground Squirrel754 records
Plan your squirrel trip in Minnesota
Start with live tours near Grand Portage National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Grand Portage National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main squirrel viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Grand Portage National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best squirrel viewing area in Minnesota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a squirrel tour in Minnesota
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
Can you see squirrels in Minnesota in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 2,736 of the 19,293 verified squirrels sightings logged in Minnesota across the year, which is 14.2% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see squirrels in Minnesota?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of May, April and June.
What month is best for squirrels in Minnesota?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, April and June, based on 19,293 verified observations.
Which squirrels are you most likely to see in Minnesota?+
The most-recorded species in Minnesota are Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See squirrels in Minnesota in other months
More wildlife in Minnesota