5 Types of Squirrels in New Jersey

1. What types of squirrels live in New Jersey?

New Jersey hosts four main squirrel types: Eastern Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, Red Squirrel, and two flying squirrel species (Southern and Northern). The Eastern Gray is everywhere, while Fox Squirrels are mainly in the south, Red Squirrels in the north, and flying squirrels statewide but nocturnal.

See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.

2. What are the most useful ID markers for New Jersey squirrels?

Focus on size, tail shape, and color. Eastern Gray: gray body, white belly, bushy silver-tipped tail. Fox Squirrel: larger (up to 2 lbs), reddish-brown, white-tipped tail. Red Squirrel: small (10-12 inches), reddish-brown, white belly, often with ear tufts. Flying squirrels have a gliding membrane (patagium) and large eyes; they're smaller and nocturnal.

See ourSquirrels guidefor the next step.

3. Where in New Jersey are you most likely to see each type?

Eastern Grays are common in suburban backyards and parks statewide. Fox Squirrels are best looked for in the Pine Barrens and Cape May County. Red Squirrels favor northern hardwood forests in Sussex and Passaic counties. Flying squirrels are in mature woodlands across the state but you will need a flashlight at dusk.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. What is the best season or time of day for squirrel sightings in New Jersey?

Squirrels are active year-round, but fall (September to November) offers the best odds because they are busy gathering acorns and hickory nuts. Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4-6 p.m.) are peak feeding times. Flying squirrels are only active at night, so your best bet is around dusk.

5. How do you tell a gray squirrel from a fox squirrel?

Size and tail color are the clearest differences. Fox squirrels are noticeably larger and heavier. Their tail has white-tipped hairs, whereas the Eastern Gray's tail is silver-gray all over. In New Jersey, fox squirrels are mostly found south of the Raritan River, so location helps too.

6. Are flying squirrels common in New Jersey?

Yes, both Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels live here, but they are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. Look for them in forests with plenty of dead snags for nesting. Listen for high-pitched chirps at dusk, or set up a feeder with sunflower seeds to attract them after dark.

7. Fox Squirrel details and habitat

The Fox Squirrel is New Jersey's largest tree squirrel, reaching lengths of 19-29 inches with a 7-11 inch tail. They weigh significantly more than Eastern Grays, up to 2 pounds or slightly more. Their fur varies from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, and their underside is often lighter. The hallmark trait is the white-tipped tail and white-tipped ears. In New Jersey, populations are most stable in Cape May County and the southern Pine Barrens, where older oak and hickory forests provide acorns and food caches. They are solitary and territorial, often staying high in canopy trees. Listen for a loud, alarming bark if you hear one. They prefer open parkland with scattered mature trees rather than dense forest. Spring is the breeding season, and you may see them chasing in trees March through May.

8. Red Squirrel habits and seasonal changes

Red Squirrels are the scrappier cousins, weighing only 5-12 ounces and measuring 12-14 inches in total length. They are highly territorial and vocal, giving sharp, machine-gun-like chatter calls. Their signature feature is the tuft of fur on their ear tips, especially prominent in winter. In New Jersey, red squirrels thrive in coniferous and mixed hardwood forests in the northern counties like Sussex, Passaic, and Warren, where evergreens and hickory mast provide year-round food. Their summer coat is bright reddish-brown with white underparts; in winter, they develop a thicker coat and more prominent ear tufts. Unlike Eastern Grays, red squirrels are more solitary and less likely to visit yards unless near evergreen plantings. They are aggressive toward other squirrels and will chase away larger gray squirrels from food sources. Listen for their distinctive alarm calls in pine forests.

9. Flying squirrel behavior and night observation

New Jersey's two flying squirrel species, the Southern Flying Squirrel and Northern Flying Squirrel, are among the most mysterious squirrels to observe. Both possess a special membrane (patagium) that stretches from front to hind legs, allowing them to glide up to 50 feet between trees. They have enormous eyes relative to their tiny bodies (8-10 inches long), which they use to navigate in near-total darkness. At night, their eyes glow red or greenish in a flashlight beam. Flying squirrels are highly social and sometimes nest in groups, unlike other squirrel species. They feed on nuts, seeds, fungi, and insects. To observe them, visit Stokes State Forest or the New Jersey Pine Barrens after sunset. Playback recordings of their high-pitched chip sounds may attract them, though this practice is best left to experienced birders and naturalists. They are generally not aggressive and are less commonly seen than other squirrels due to their nocturnal habits.

10. Where can you find squirrel-themed gear to show off your sightings?

If you want to wear your squirrel spotting pride, check out theWild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel.

This tee features a realistic gray squirrel graphic, perfect for field enthusiasts.Check Price and Availability

Another nice option is theSquirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt.

A simple retro design that any squirrel watcher would appreciate.Check Price and Availability

For more styles, browse the full collection atEasy Street Markets T-shirts.

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

11. Frequently asked questions about New Jersey squirrels

**Are there black squirrels in New Jersey?** Yes, black morphs of the Eastern Gray Squirrel occur, especially in northern counties like Bergen and Passaic. They are the same species, just a color variation.

**Do squirrels hibernate in New Jersey?** No, squirrels stay active all winter. They cache food and may hole up for a few days during storms, but they do not truly hibernate.

**What should I feed backyard squirrels?** Unsalted peanuts, black oil sunflower seeds, and raw corn on the cob are good choices. Avoid salted or flavored items.

**Can you see flying squirrels in New Jersey state parks?** Yes, Stokes State Forest and the Pine Barrens have good populations. Visit after sunset and listen for soft chirps.

**What is the best oak species for attracting squirrels in New Jersey?** White oak and red oak produce acorns and mast that squirrels seek. Planting or preserving mature oak trees in your area supports all squirrel species.

**How do you distinguish a Northern from a Southern Flying Squirrel in New Jersey?** Northern Flying Squirrels are slightly larger (10 inches vs. 8 inches), have warmer golden-brown coloring on their backs, and bigger feet. Both are very difficult to tell apart in the dark without a sharp eye and binoculars.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

12. Regional hotspots for specific squirrel types in New Jersey

For Eastern Gray Squirrels, visit any urban or suburban park statewide, like Central Park in Newark, Island Beach State Park's picnic areas, or neighborhood backyards with mature oaks. For Fox Squirrels, make the trip to Cape May County, the Pinelands National Reserve, and forests south of Route 1. For Red Squirrels, target the northern ridge forests of Sussex County, especially around High Point State Park, and the forests around Stokes State Forest in Delaware Water Gap. For flying squirrels, your best bets are Stokes State Forest (mature hemlocks and oaks), the New Jersey Pine Barrens (mixed conifer and hardwood), and Wharton State Forest. These areas have the mature trees, canopy diversity, and minimal light pollution that flying squirrels need. Bring binoculars, a red-filtered flashlight to preserve night vision, and a field notebook to record sightings. Early evening visits (dusk to two hours after sunset) are most productive for flying squirrels. Midday visits work better for Eastern Grays and Fox Squirrels.