Squirrels in New Mexico: where to look and what signs to watch for
Squirrels are common across New Mexico, from mountain forests to city parks. This guide covers where to find them, when they are most active, and the field signs that reveal their presence. Start with the high-elevation forests for Abert's squirrels or urban areas for fox squirrels.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Abert's Squirrel · nmoorhatch CC BY
Abert's Squirrel · Tom Kennedy CC BY
Gunnison's Prairie Dog · Loren Cassin Sackett CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 19,331
- GBIF records
- July, June, May
- peak months
Yes, squirrels are in New Mexico. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
20 types of squirrels recorded in New Mexico
20 squirrel species have a verified observation record in New Mexico 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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Also recorded in New Mexico
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Spotted Ground SquirrelXerospermophilus spilosoma | Xerospermophilus spilosoma | 151 |
| 14 | Cliff ChipmunkNeotamias dorsalis | Neotamias dorsalis | 148 |
| 15 | Texas Antelope SquirrelAmmospermophilus interpres | Ammospermophilus interpres | 132 |
| 16 | Rio Grande Ground SquirrelIctidomys parvidens | Ictidomys parvidens | 82 |
| 17 | Arizona Gray SquirrelSciurus arizonensis | Sciurus arizonensis | 50 |
| 18 | Gray-collared ChipmunkNeotamias cinereicollis | Neotamias cinereicollis | 40 |
| 19 | Thirteen-lined Ground SquirrelIctidomys tridecemlineatus | Ictidomys tridecemlineatus | 28 |
| 20 | Harris' Antelope SquirrelAmmospermophilus harrisii | Ammospermophilus harrisii | 16 |
Plus 2 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
9,445 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in New Mexico, most often in July, June, May.
When squirrel are recorded in New Mexico
Squirrels are common across New Mexico, from mountain forests to city parks. This guide covers where to find them, when they are most active, and the field signs that reveal their presence. Start with the high-elevation forests for Abert's squirrels or urban areas for fox squirrels.
1. Where are squirrels most likely in New Mexico?
Your best odds are in the ponderosa pine forests of the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, and Jemez mountains for Abert's squirrels. Rock squirrels favor rocky canyons and cliffs, while fox squirrels dominate urban spaces like Albuquerque and Santa Fe parks. Start with public lands such as the Santa Fe National Forest or the Sandia Mountains.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In New Mexico, 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. What time of day and season are squirrels most active?
Squirrels are strictly diurnal. Look for them in the first few hours after sunrise and again in the late afternoon before dusk. They are less active during midday heat or heavy snow. Spring and fall see the highest feeding activity, making those seasons ideal for spotting.
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 Mexico. 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.
3. What field signs and tracks should a beginner look for?
Chewed pine cones with ragged scales, stripped bark at the base of trees, and small dig marks in soil are classic squirrel signs. Tracks show four toes on the front foot and five on the hind foot, with a characteristic bounding pattern that leaves paired hind prints ahead of front prints. Listen for sharp barking calls and rustling leaf litter.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How can you identify the different squirrel species in New Mexico?
The Abert's squirrel is unmistakable with its long ear tufts, black back stripe, and white belly. Rock squirrels are larger, with a bushy tail and grayish-brown body. Eastern fox squirrels are stocky with reddish sides and a wide tail. Color and ear tufts are the quickest clues.
5. Which public lands offer the best squirrel spotting?
Try the Santa Fe National Forest near the Pecos Wilderness, the Cibola National Forest in the Manzano Mountains, and the Sandia Crest area. For easier access, visit urban parks like Roosevelt Park in Albuquerque or the Santa Fe Railyard. Always check local regulations for wildlife viewing.
6. What Easy Street Markets picks fit this page?
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6. How can you attract squirrels to your yard for closer views?
Set up a feeder with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and in-shell nuts. Provide a shallow water source and plant oaks or pines. Place feeders near trees for cover. Avoid processed foods and keep feeders clean to prevent disease. Patience and consistency work best.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in New Mexico: July, June, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in New Mexico
19,331 verified squirrel records have been logged in New Mexico, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Mexico
- Bandelier National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Capulin Volcano National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- El Malpais National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- El Morro National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in New Mexico?+
Your best odds are in the ponderosa pine forests of the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, and Jemez mountains for Abert's squirrels. Rock squirrels favor rocky canyons and cliffs, while fox squirrels dominate urban spaces like Albuquerque and Santa Fe parks. Start with public lands such as the Santa Fe National Forest or the Sandia Mountains. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico?+
Your best odds are in the ponderosa pine forests of the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, and Jemez mountains for Abert's squirrels. Rock squirrels favor rocky canyons and cliffs, while fox squirrels dominate urban spaces like Albuquerque and Santa Fe parks. Start with public lands such as the Santa Fe National Forest or the Sandia Mountains. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico?+
Your best odds are in the ponderosa pine forests of the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, and Jemez mountains for Abert's squirrels. Rock squirrels favor rocky canyons and cliffs, while fox squirrels dominate urban spaces like Albuquerque and Santa Fe parks. Start with public lands such as the Santa Fe National Forest or the Sandia Mountains. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico
Common questions about squirrels