Squirrels in New Hampshire: where to look and what signs to watch for

Where are squirrels most likely found in New Hampshire?

Squirrels thrive throughout New Hampshire, from the White Mountains to the seacoast. You will find them in mixed hardwood forests, suburban yards, and even city parks. The highest densities are in areas with plenty of oak and hickory trees, which provide their favorite foods. Check out our /animals/squirrel page for more on their habitat preferences.

See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.

In New Hampshire, 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.

What time of day are squirrels most active?

Squirrels are diurnal, with peak activity in the early morning (around sunrise) and late afternoon (before sunset). They tend to rest during the midday heat in summer, but on cool days they may stay active longer. Plan your spotting trips for these windows for the best odds.

See ourSquirrels guidefor the next step.

Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around time-of-day or seasonal behavior, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in New Hampshire. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.

How can you identify squirrel tracks and signs?

Look for four-toed front tracks and five-toed hind tracks in mud or snow. Squirrel droppings are small, oval pellets. You will also find chewed nut shells and stripped pine cones at feeding sites. Listen for barking calls and rustling leaves. For more detailed tracking tips, visit our /wildlife/new-hampshire guide.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

What are the different squirrel species in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is home to three common tree squirrels: the Eastern gray squirrel, the red squirrel, and the Northern flying squirrel. Gray squirrels are most visible in towns, while red squirrels prefer coniferous forests. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and rarely seen by casual observers.

Where are the best places to spot squirrels in New Hampshire?

Top spots include the White Mountain National Forest, Pawtuckaway State Park, and urban greenspaces like Manchester's Livingston Park. Any area with mature nut trees is worth a look. For more location ideas, check our /wildlife/new-hampshire page.

Show your squirrel spotting pride with wildlife shirts

After a successful day of spotting, you can commemorate it with a squirrel-themed shirt. Here are a few options from our /t-shirts collection:

Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel

This soft 100% cotton tee features a realistic gray squirrel illustration, perfect for wearing on your next outing.Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt

A classic vintage-style shirt that any squirrel watcher would appreciate.Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift.

A fun, unique squirrel design for those who want something more playful.Check Price and Availability

When is the best season for squirrel watching?

Squirrels are active year-round, but autumn is prime time as they gather and bury nuts for the coming winter. Spring is also an excellent window when young squirrels emerge from their nests for the first time. During the heat of summer, they may be less active during the day, while in winter, you will see them most often on milder, sunny mornings.

What do squirrels eat in New Hampshire?

Their diet consists primarily of acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, and seeds from various trees. They also eat fungi, berries, and occasionally bird eggs or insects when other food is scarce. In suburban areas, they are notorious for raiding bird feeders, especially for sunflower seeds and corn. Knowing these food sources can help you predict where they will be active.

Do squirrels hibernate in New Hampshire?

No, squirrels in New Hampshire remain active throughout the winter. They do not hibernate like bears or groundhogs. Instead, they rely on the caches of food they buried during the fall. While they may sleep longer during extremely cold spells or heavy snow, they will emerge to forage whenever the weather permits.

How can I attract squirrels to my yard?

Providing a dedicated squirrel feeder with sunflower seeds, corn, or peanuts is the most effective way to attract them. Leaving standing dead trees, known as snags, can provide valuable nesting sites. Planting nut-bearing trees like oaks and hickories will ensure a long-term food source that keeps them coming back to your backyard year after year.

Are squirrels common in New Hampshire?

Yes, they are abundant throughout the state and are one of the most frequently seen mammals. Their ability to adapt to both wild forests and human-dominated landscapes has allowed them to thrive. Whether you are in a quiet mountain town or a busy city park, you are almost certain to encounter these energetic animals.

How can I tell a red squirrel from a gray squirrel?

Red squirrels are significantly smaller and have a reddish-brown coat with a white belly. They are most often found in coniferous forests and are known for their loud, chattering calls. Gray squirrels are larger, have a primarily gray coat, and are the species most common in suburban yards and hardwood forests. Both have bushy tails, but the gray squirrel's is noticeably larger.