Squirrels in Nebraska: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For
Yes, squirrels are widespread across Nebraska, and finding them is straightforward. The eastern gray squirrel and fox squirrel are the most common species statewide. Gray squirrels prefer denser woodlands, while fox squirrels thrive in open woodland with scattered trees. Both are abundant in eastern Nebraska along the Platte River valley, where deciduous forests provide ideal habitat. Look for them in parks, neighborhoods with mature trees, and natural areas with oak, hickory, and walnut. The best viewing window is early morning or late afternoon when they forage most actively. In cities like Omaha and Lincoln, squirrels are so common in parks and residential areas that spotting them requires only a short walk through any area with large trees. Seasonal activity peaks in fall when they visibly cache food and in spring when mating season makes them bolder. All three native species are active year-round in Nebraska, though winter activity depends on stored food and weather. Start with the Platte River corridor if you're unfamiliar with where squirrels concentrate, but don't overlook your own neighborhood, Nebraska squirrels adapt readily to suburban settings.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Eastern Fox Squirrel 路 Bennett Grappone CC BY
Least Chipmunk 路 Colin Croft CC BY
Eastern Fox Squirrel 路 gordotuomi CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 4,705
- GBIF records
- April, May, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of squirrels recorded in Nebraska
6 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Nebraska across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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6
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,917 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Nebraska, most often in April, May, June.
When squirrel are recorded in Nebraska
Yes, squirrels are widespread across Nebraska, and finding them is straightforward. The eastern gray squirrel and fox squirrel are the most common species statewide. Gray squirrels prefer denser woodlands, while fox squirrels thrive in open woodland with scattered trees. Both are abundant in eastern Nebraska along the Platte River valley, where deciduous forests provide ideal habitat. Look for them in parks, neighborhoods with mature trees, and natural areas with oak, hickory, and walnut. The best viewing window is early morning or late afternoon when they forage most actively. In cities like Omaha and Lincoln, squirrels are so common in parks and residential areas that spotting them requires only a short walk through any area with large trees. Seasonal activity peaks in fall when they visibly cache food and in spring when mating season makes them bolder. All three native species are active year-round in Nebraska, though winter activity depends on stored food and weather. Start with the Platte River corridor if you're unfamiliar with where squirrels concentrate, but don't overlook your own neighborhood, Nebraska squirrels adapt readily to suburban settings.
Are there squirrels in Nebraska?
Yes. Eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and southern flying squirrels all inhabit Nebraska. The first two are common and easy to find; the third is nocturnal and rarely observed. Gray and fox squirrels are present statewide, with populations strongest in eastern Nebraska's deciduous forests and along the Platte River. They also thrive in urban parks, suburban neighborhoods, and any area with mature trees that provide acorns and seeds. Their year-round presence means you can spot them in any season.
What squirrel species live in Nebraska?
Nebraska hosts three main squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel is the most recognizable: medium-sized with gray fur on the back, white belly, and a thick bushy tail. They weigh 16 to 20 ounces and prefer dense forest and urban parks. The fox squirrel is larger (1.5 to 2.5 pounds) with reddish-brown or orange fur, and often an orange or yellow belly. Fox squirrels prefer more open woodland and edge habitat. The southern flying squirrel is small (2 to 3 ounces), nocturnal, and equipped with a membrane between front and back legs that lets it glide between trees. Flying squirrels are rarely seen because they only move at night. All three species are native to Nebraska and protected by state law.
Where should I go to see squirrels in Nebraska?
Squirrels thrive in Nebraska's deciduous woodlands, especially in the eastern part of the state. The Platte River valley and urban parks like Omaha's Fontenelle Forest and Lincoln's Pioneers Park are reliable spots. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands with scattered trees, while gray squirrels favor denser forest. Check out oursquirrel hubfor more habitat details. Start with areas that have oak, hickory, and walnut trees, as these provide food and shelter.
In Nebraska, squirrel sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
What time of day are squirrels most active?
Squirrels are most active during early morning and late afternoon, especially in the first few hours after sunrise and before sunset. They rest during midday heat, though you may see them on overcast days. In fall, they become more active throughout the day as they gather and store food. For seasonal patterns, visit ourNebraska wildlife pageto see how other animals' activity overlaps.
What signs and tracks do squirrels leave?
Look for squirrel tracks in soft soil or snow: front prints show four toes, hind prints show five. You'll also see chewed nutshells, gnawed pinecones, and leaf nests (dreys) high in tree branches. Scratch marks on tree bark and disturbed leaf litter are common clues. These signs are easier to spot in winter when leaves are gone. Predators like hawks may also be nearby; seehawks in Nebraskafor connection.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify different squirrel species in Nebraska?
Nebraska hosts three main squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel is gray with a white belly and a bushy tail. The fox squirrel is larger, with reddish-brown fur and orange belly. The southern flying squirrel is nocturnal and rarely seen, but it has a membrane between legs for gliding. Check size, color, and tail shape for identification. For more on squirrel diversity, visit thesquirrel hub.
Plan your squirrel watching trip
Use the tool above to find nearby parks and trails that are good for squirrel spotting. Focus on areas with mature oak or hickory trees. Bring binoculars and a field guide. Early spring and fall are excellent times to see them gathering food.
What do squirrels in Nebraska eat?
Squirrels in Nebraska primarily eat nuts, seeds, and acorns from oak, hickory, and walnut trees. They also eat fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects. In urban areas, they may raid bird feeders. Their food caching behavior is key to their survival through winter. For more on their diet and how it affects spotting, see ourNebraska wildlife page.
Are squirrels in Nebraska active year-round?
Yes, squirrels are active all year in Nebraska, but their behavior changes with seasons. In winter, they rely on stored food and may be less active during cold snaps. In spring, they become more visible as they search for mates and new food sources. Summer brings early morning activity, and fall is peak food-gathering time. Check oursquirrel hubfor more seasonal tips.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
How do squirrels prepare for Nebraska winters?
Starting in late summer, squirrels enter a period of intense food gathering called hyperphagia, where they eat almost constantly to build fat reserves. They create caches (storage sites) of nuts and seeds buried underground or hidden in tree cavities. A single squirrel may create hundreds of cache sites across its home range. Interestingly, squirrels don't remember every cache location, so forgotten acorns sprout as new oak trees, squirrels are inadvertent forest gardeners. In winter, they rely on these caches and may enter brief periods of torpor (reduced activity) during the coldest days, but they do not true hibernate. This caching behavior is why fall is the best season to observe intensive squirrel activity in Nebraska parks and natural areas.
Where can you find squirrel-themed gear and apparel?
After a day of spotting, consider showing off your interest with squirrel-themed shirts. Ourt-shirtscategory features several great options.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel
This 100% cotton tee features a detailed gray squirrel design printed on the front. It's a comfortable way to celebrate your sightings.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A retro-style design that any squirrel fan will appreciate.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
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Nebraska: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Nebraska
4,705 verified squirrel records have been logged in Nebraska, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Nebraska
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Homestead National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
- Missouri National Recreational River 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Niobrara National Scenic River 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Nebraska?+
Nebraska hosts three main squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel is the most recognizable: medium-sized with gray fur on the back, white belly, and a thick bushy tail. They weigh 16 to 20 ounces and prefer dense forest and urban parks. The fox squirrel is larger (1.5 to 2.5 pounds) with reddish-brown or orange fur, and often an orange or yellow belly. Fox squirrels prefer more open woodland and edge habitat. The southern flying squirrel is small (2 to 3 ounces), nocturnal, and equipped with a membrane between front and back legs that lets it glide between trees. Flying squirrels are rarely seen because they only move at night. All three species are native to Nebraska and protected by state law.
Where can you see squirrels in Nebraska?+
Yes. Eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and southern flying squirrels all inhabit Nebraska. The first two are common and easy to find; the third is nocturnal and rarely observed. Gray and fox squirrels are present statewide, with populations strongest in eastern Nebraska's deciduous forests and along the Platte River. They also thrive in urban parks, suburban neighborhoods, and any area with mature trees that provide acorns and seeds. Their year-round presence means you can spot them in any season.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Nebraska?+
Yes. Eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and southern flying squirrels all inhabit Nebraska. The first two are common and easy to find; the third is nocturnal and rarely observed. Gray and fox squirrels are present statewide, with populations strongest in eastern Nebraska's deciduous forests and along the Platte River. They also thrive in urban parks, suburban neighborhoods, and any area with mature trees that provide acorns and seeds. Their year-round presence means you can spot them in any season.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Nebraska