Squirrels in Minnesota: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Minnesota hosts four common squirrel species: eastern gray, fox, red, and northern flying squirrel. The eastern gray is the one you'll see most often in backyards and city parks. Start your search in any wooded area, especially near oak trees or bird feeders.
Minnesota hosts four common squirrel species: eastern gray, fox, red, and northern flying squirrel. The eastern gray is the one you'll see most often in backyards and city parks. Start your search in any wooded area, especially near oak trees or bird feeders.
1. What species of squirrels live in Minnesota?
Minnesota has four regularly occurring squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most widespread, especially in southern and central parts of the state. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is larger with a rusty belly and prefers open woodlands. The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is smaller, louder, and sticks to coniferous forests in the north. The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is nocturnal and glides between trees in mature forests. A fifth species, the southern flying squirrel, may appear rarely along the Mississippi River.
2. How can you tell the difference between gray and fox squirrels in the field?
Size and color are your best clues. Fox squirrels are noticeably larger, with a body length up to 12 inches and a rusty orange belly, while eastern grays are smaller with a white belly. The tail of a fox squirrel is often tipped with white or red, whereas the gray's tail is edged with white. Habitat also helps: fox squirrels prefer more open areas like oak savannas and park edges, while grays thrive in denser suburban settings. OurMinnesota wildlife hubhas more context on where these overlap.
3. Where in Minnesota are you most likely to see each type?
Eastern grays dominate the Twin Cities metro area and south, frequenting bird feeders and oaks. Fox squirrels are common in the southern and western parts of the state, especially in state parks like Blue Mounds and along the Minnesota River valley. Red squirrels are best found in the north woods near Itasca State Park or along the Superior Hiking Trail. Northern flying squirrels require quiet, older forests and are most often detected at night in places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Start with your nearest park for grays or fox squirrels, then travel north for reds.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to spot them?
Squirrels are active year-round, but the best window for confident sightings is early morning or late afternoon from late summer through fall. September to November is prime because squirrels are busy gathering and storing food, making them more visible. In winter, they are less active but can still be seen on mild days, especially around feeders. Red squirrels are especially vocal during late winter mating season (February-March). For flying squirrels, you have to go out at dusk with a flashlight - their eyeshine gives them away.
5. What do flying squirrels look like and where do they live?
Flying squirrels don't actually fly; they glide using a furred membrane between their front and back legs. The northern flying squirrel is about the size of a red squirrel, with a grayish-brown back, white belly, and large dark eyes for night vision. They live in mature forests with plenty of dead snags and cavities, mostly in the northern third of Minnesota. Look for them at dusk by standing quietly near a stand of old aspens or pines. You can learn more about squirrel identification on ouranimals/squirrelpage.
6. How do you identify a red squirrel compared to other small squirrels?
Red squirrels are smaller than grays (about 12 inches total including tail) with a reddish-brown coat and a white eye ring. Their tails are less bushy and often have a black tip. They are highly territorial and make a distinctive chattering call, often scolding you from a branch. They prefer conifer forests but will also use mixed woods. In Minnesota, you'll hear them before you see them in places like the Chippewa National Forest.
7. What gear can help you enjoy squirrel watching in Minnesota?
A comfortable shirt that shows your interest in squirrels can make outdoor trips more fun. Consider these field-tested options:
### Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
A high-quality cotton tee featuring a realistic gray squirrel design, perfect for your next park visit or nature walk.Check Price and Availability
### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A retro-style shirt that celebrates the squirrels you spot, with a worn-in look that pairs well with field gear.Check Price and Availability
Browse more squirrel-themed apparel on ourt-shirtspage.
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A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. Are there any rare squirrel species in Minnesota?
The southern flying squirrel is considered rare and is only occasionally documented in the far south, near the Mississippi River. It looks almost identical to the northern flying squirrel, but is slightly smaller and has a belly that is more cream-colored than white. The Minnesota DNR tracks sightings; if you think you've seen one, report it to your local naturalist. For comparison, visit oursquirrel ID resource.
9. What is the best way to attract squirrels for photography in Minnesota?
Set up a feeder with black oil sunflower seeds in a quiet corner of your yard, near a tree trunk where they feel safe. Morning light is best for photos. Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) to catch them in motion.Minnesota wildlife hubshave more tips on local species. If you want to identify your backyard visitors, thesquirrel identification guideis a great starting point.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.