Squirrels in New Hampshire: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, squirrels are common across New Hampshire, with the eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel being the two species you are most likely to encounter. While they are found in nearly every backyard and woodlot, identifying them correctly requires a quick look at their size, tail shape, and coat color. Gray squirrels dominate the southern hardwood forests and suburban areas, while red squirrels are the masters of the northern conifer stands and high-elevation woods. This guide helps you separate these active rodents and find the best spots for a successful sighting.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 6
- species recorded
- June, May, September
- peak months
Diet, source GloBI
What squirrels eat
Recorded prey and food of the squirrel, from the Global Biotic Interactions database, limited to species that occur in the United States. This is what squirrels have actually been observed eating, not a list for any one place.
- American elm
- American hophornbeam
- American subevergreen oak complex
- apple
- box elder
- common hazel
- Common Sunflower
- eastern white pine
- Elaphomyces granulatus
- European beech
- green ash
- Hard Maples
- northern red oak
- red maple
Feeding records from the Global Biotic Interactions (GloBI) database. Common names resolved from iNaturalist.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
5,942 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in New Hampshire, most often in June, May, September.
When squirrel are recorded in New Hampshire
Yes, squirrels are common across New Hampshire, with the eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel being the two species you are most likely to encounter. While they are found in nearly every backyard and woodlot, identifying them correctly requires a quick look at their size, tail shape, and coat color. Gray squirrels dominate the southern hardwood forests and suburban areas, while red squirrels are the masters of the northern conifer stands and high-elevation woods. This guide helps you separate these active rodents and find the best spots for a successful sighting.
What are the most useful ID markers for squirrels in New Hampshire?
For eastern gray squirrels, look for a bushy tail that is almost as long as the body, with white or gray edges. They weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds. Red squirrels are smaller, about half that size, with a reddish coat and a white belly. They also have ear tufts in winter. A key field mark is that red squirrels often twitch their tails nervously and are much more vocal. For more details on squirrel identification, see oursquirrel animal hub.
Where in the state do people usually notice squirrels first?
Most sightings happen near homes, especially where bird feeders or oak trees are present. In towns like Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth, gray squirrels are everywhere. In the White Mountains and northern forests, red squirrels become more common. Your best odds are in any park with mature hardwoods. For a broader look at NH wildlife, visit ourNew Hampshire wildlife page.
What is the best season for confident squirrel sightings?
Squirrels are active year-round, but fall is prime time. This is when they are gathering nuts for the winter and you can see them moving constantly. Early morning, just after sunrise, and late afternoon give you the most activity. In winter, they are still out on milder days, especially around feeders. During summer, look for them resting on branches in the heat of the day. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Where should you look for squirrels in New Hampshire?
State parks like Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, and Franconia Notch have healthy squirrel populations. Even a short walk in your local cemetery or town forest can produce sightings. Focus on areas with nut-bearing trees like oaks, hickories, and beeches. If you are planning a trip, use ourstate wildlife hubto find nearby spots known for diverse wildlife activity.
How do you tell apart eastern gray squirrels and red squirrels?
Size is the quickest clue, as gray squirrels are noticeably larger. Color can be tricky because some gray squirrels have reddish tones, but red squirrels have a consistent rusty back and a white eye ring. The tail of a gray squirrel is thick and rounded, while a red squirrel's tail is narrower and often held flat. Listen for red squirrels' loud, chattering scold calls, which are much more frequent than those of the gray squirrel.
Are there flying squirrels in New Hampshire?
Yes, but you will rarely see them because they are nocturnal. The southern flying squirrel lives in the southern half of the state, with grayish-brown fur and a flat tail. They glide between trees at night rather than truly flying. To spot one, try a quiet walk at dusk near old woodpecker holes or nest boxes. Your best chance is in the seacoast region or along the Merrimack Valley.
Show off your squirrel sightings with wildlife apparel
Once you have identified a squirrel, why not wear your find? Easy Street Markets has shirts that celebrate these creatures. The **Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt** features a gray squirrel design on high-quality cotton. Another option is the **Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt** for a classic look. Check all options on ourt-shirts page.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
A soft 100% cotton tee with a front print of a gray squirrel. Great for casual wear or as a gift for fellow squirrel watchers.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A classic retro design for squirrel fans. Affordable and lightweight.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt.
A humorous graphic tee that makes a great conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
What are the key field marks for New Hampshire squirrels?
Focus on three things: size, tail color, and habitat. A large squirrel with a white-edged tail in a hardwood forest is an eastern gray. A smaller, rusty-red squirrel with a white eye ring in a hemlock or pine stand is a red squirrel. If you see a squirrel at night gliding between trees, it is one of our two flying squirrel species, which are much more common than people realize.
Can you find black squirrels in New Hampshire?
Black squirrels are actually a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. While they are rare in New Hampshire, they are occasionally spotted in the southern part of the state. They have the same body shape and behavior as the gray squirrel but possess a genetic mutation that results in dark fur. Seeing one is a highlight for many local wildlife watchers.
Frequently asked questions about squirrels in New Hampshire
**Can you find fox squirrels in New Hampshire?** Fox squirrels are not common in New Hampshire; the eastern gray squirrel is the dominant large species. Some may appear near the Massachusetts border but most sightings are gray or red.
**What should I do if I find a baby squirrel?** Leave it alone unless it is injured. The mother often returns. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if it is clearly orphaned.
**Do squirrels carry diseases in New Hampshire?** Squirrels can carry rabies, but it is rare. Avoid handling them. You can still watch them safely from a distance.
**Where can I learn about other animals in NH?** Check ourdeerandfoxpages for more spotting tips.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most useful ID markers for squirrels in New Hampshire?+
For eastern gray squirrels, look for a bushy tail that is almost as long as the body, with white or gray edges. They weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds. Red squirrels are smaller, about half that size, with a reddish coat and a white belly. They also have ear tufts in winter. A key field mark is that red squirrels often twitch their tails nervously and are much more vocal. For more details on squirrel identification, see oursquirrel animal hub.
Where in the state do people usually notice squirrels first?+
Most sightings happen near homes, especially where bird feeders or oak trees are present. In towns like Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth, gray squirrels are everywhere. In the White Mountains and northern forests, red squirrels become more common. Your best odds are in any park with mature hardwoods. For a broader look at NH wildlife, visit ourNew Hampshire wildlife page.
What is the best season for confident squirrel sightings?+
Squirrels are active year-round, but fall is prime time. This is when they are gathering nuts for the winter and you can see them moving constantly. Early morning, just after sunrise, and late afternoon give you the most activity. In winter, they are still out on milder days, especially around feeders. During summer, look for them resting on branches in the heat of the day. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Where should you look for squirrels in New Hampshire?+
State parks like Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, and Franconia Notch have healthy squirrel populations. Even a short walk in your local cemetery or town forest can produce sightings. Focus on areas with nut-bearing trees like oaks, hickories, and beeches. If you are planning a trip, use ourstate wildlife hubto find nearby spots known for diverse wildlife activity.
How do you tell apart eastern gray squirrels and red squirrels?+
Size is the quickest clue, as gray squirrels are noticeably larger. Color can be tricky because some gray squirrels have reddish tones, but red squirrels have a consistent rusty back and a white eye ring. The tail of a gray squirrel is thick and rounded, while a red squirrel's tail is narrower and often held flat. Listen for red squirrels' loud, chattering scold calls, which are much more frequent than those of the gray squirrel.
Are there flying squirrels in New Hampshire?+
Yes, but you will rarely see them because they are nocturnal. The southern flying squirrel lives in the southern half of the state, with grayish-brown fur and a flat tail. They glide between trees at night rather than truly flying. To spot one, try a quiet walk at dusk near old woodpecker holes or nest boxes. Your best chance is in the seacoast region or along the Merrimack Valley.
What are the key field marks for New Hampshire squirrels?+
Focus on three things: size, tail color, and habitat. A large squirrel with a white-edged tail in a hardwood forest is an eastern gray. A smaller, rusty-red squirrel with a white eye ring in a hemlock or pine stand is a red squirrel. If you see a squirrel at night gliding between trees, it is one of our two flying squirrel species, which are much more common than people realize.
Can you find black squirrels in New Hampshire?+
Black squirrels are actually a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. While they are rare in New Hampshire, they are occasionally spotted in the southern part of the state. They have the same body shape and behavior as the gray squirrel but possess a genetic mutation that results in dark fur. Seeing one is a highlight for many local wildlife watchers.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in New Hampshire