Squirrels in Nevada: where to look and what signs to watch for
Yes, squirrels are widespread across Nevada, from the Great Basin to the Mojave. Your best odds are in pi帽on-juniper woodlands and urban parks, especially during early morning. Look for drey nests in tree forks and listen for chattering calls.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Round-tailed Ground Squirrel 路 Stan Shebs CC BY-SA
Yellow-bellied Marmot 路 Public domain CC0
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel 路 Skyler Principe CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 10,821
- GBIF records
- June, July, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
20 types of squirrels recorded in Nevada
20 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Nevada across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 20 shown is recorded as introduced to Nevada rather than native, and 1 is endemic to Nevada, found here and effectively nowhere else.
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Also recorded in Nevada
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Eastern Fox SquirrelIntroducedSciurus niger | Sciurus niger | 56 |
| 14 | Least ChipmunkNeotamias minimus | Neotamias minimus | 45 |
| 15 | Yellow-pine ChipmunkNeotamias amoenus | Neotamias amoenus | 44 |
| 16 | Cliff ChipmunkNeotamias dorsalis | Neotamias dorsalis | 37 |
| 17 | Long-eared ChipmunkNeotamias quadrimaculatus | Neotamias quadrimaculatus | 37 |
| 18 | Panamint ChipmunkNeotamias panamintinus | Neotamias panamintinus | 26 |
| 19 | Piute Ground SquirrelUrocitellus mollis | Urocitellus mollis | 12 |
| 20 | Wyoming Ground SquirrelUrocitellus elegans | Urocitellus elegans | 11 |
Plus 4 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
4,964 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Nevada, most often in June, July, May.
When squirrel are recorded in Nevada
Yes, squirrels are widespread across Nevada, from the Great Basin to the Mojave. Your best odds are in pi帽on-juniper woodlands and urban parks, especially during early morning. Look for drey nests in tree forks and listen for chattering calls.
1. Where are squirrels most likely in Nevada?
Squirrels are most common in the pi帽on-juniper woodlands of central and eastern Nevada, as well as along the Sierra Nevada's eastern slopes. Urban areas like Reno and Las Vegas host rock squirrels and eastern fox squirrels in parks and neighborhoods. Start with state parks such as Cathedral Gorge or Valley of Fire near water sources or shade trees.
In Nevada, squirrels 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.
2. When is the best time of day to see squirrels?
Squirrels are diurnal and most active in the first few hours after sunrise and again in the late afternoon before sunset. During the hot Nevada summer, they become less active midday. In winter, they may appear mid-morning after the cold lifts. Listen for scratching in leaf litter or barking calls to locate them.
3. How can I identify squirrel tracks and signs?
Squirrel tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the rear, with a bound pattern leaving small paired prints. Look for gnawed pine cones (scales scattered at the base), stripped bark on junipers, and drey nests: messy balls of leaves high in tree forks. Chewed irrigation lines or bird feeder spillage also signal their presence.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What squirrel species live in Nevada?
Nevada hosts several species. The rock squirrel is common in southern deserts, the Belding's ground squirrel inhabits high-elevation meadows, and the golden-mantled ground squirrel appears in pine forests. Tree squirrels include the western gray squirrel in the Sierra and the introduced eastern fox squirrel in towns. Thesquirrelhub has detailed ID guides for each.
5. What squirrel behavior should I watch for?
Watch for food caching: squirrels bury pi帽on nuts or acorns in small holes, often returning to the same spots. Tail flicking and chattering warn of danger. In spring, you might see juveniles venturing from nests. Ground squirrels whistle and dive into burrows when alarmed. These behaviors are easiest to observe from a quiet spot in a park likeNevada's wildlife areas.
6. Where do squirrels nest and sleep in Nevada?
Tree squirrels build leaf nests (dreys) in tree forks 20-40 feet up, often using oak or pine. They also use tree cavities. Ground squirrels dig burrows with multiple entrances, often near rocks or logs. In winter, tree squirrels may share nests for warmth, while ground squirrels hibernate underground.
7. Squirrel-themed shirts for your next outing
If you want to show off your squirrel spotting pride, check out these wildlife-themed shirts from Easy Street Markets.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee
A soft 100% cotton tee featuring a gray squirrel design, perfect for casual wear on hikes or around town.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A classic vintage-style shirt that makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys watching squirrels.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Funny Squirrel Shirt.
A fun, graphic tee for squirrel fans, available in multiple sizes.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife apparel, check out thet-shirtscategory.
9. Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Nevada
**Are there ground squirrels in Nevada?** Yes, several species including the Belding's, golden-mantled, and rock squirrels. They are common in open areas.
**Do squirrels hibernate in Nevada?** Ground squirrels hibernate during winter; tree squirrels remain active but less so.
**What do Nevada squirrels eat?** Pi帽on nuts, acorns, seeds, berries, and occasionally insects or bird eggs.
**Can I feed squirrels in Nevada parks?** It's best not to, as artificial feeding can cause dependency and health issues.
**Where can I report a squirrel sighting?** Use iNaturalist or contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife to contribute to citizen science.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Nevada: June, July, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Nevada
10,821 verified squirrel records have been logged in Nevada, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Nevada
- Death Valley National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Great Basin National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Nevada?+
Squirrels are most common in the pi帽on-juniper woodlands of central and eastern Nevada, as well as along the Sierra Nevada's eastern slopes. Urban areas like Reno and Las Vegas host rock squirrels and eastern fox squirrels in parks and neighborhoods. Start with state parks such as Cathedral Gorge or Valley of Fire near water sources or shade trees. In Nevada, squirrels 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.
Where can you see squirrels in Nevada?+
Squirrels are most common in the pi帽on-juniper woodlands of central and eastern Nevada, as well as along the Sierra Nevada's eastern slopes. Urban areas like Reno and Las Vegas host rock squirrels and eastern fox squirrels in parks and neighborhoods. Start with state parks such as Cathedral Gorge or Valley of Fire near water sources or shade trees. In Nevada, squirrels 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.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Nevada?+
Squirrels are most common in the pi帽on-juniper woodlands of central and eastern Nevada, as well as along the Sierra Nevada's eastern slopes. Urban areas like Reno and Las Vegas host rock squirrels and eastern fox squirrels in parks and neighborhoods. Start with state parks such as Cathedral Gorge or Valley of Fire near water sources or shade trees. In Nevada, squirrels 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Nevada