Squirrels in New Mexico: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking

1. What squirrel species live in New Mexico?

New Mexico has three commonly seen squirrels. The **Abert's squirrel** (Sciurus aberti) is a tree squirrel found in ponderosa pine forests, easily identified by its blackish-gray coat, white belly, and long ear tufts in winter. The **rock squirrel** (Otospermophilus variegatus) is a large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and a bushy tail, frequenting rocky outcrops and canyons. The **Arizona gray squirrel** (Sciurus arizonensis) is a smaller, pale gray squirrel restricted to the Gila National Forest and nearby mountain ranges. A fourth species, the **eastern fox squirrel**, has been introduced in urban areas like Albuquerque.

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2. How to tell apart Abert's squirrel from other tree squirrels?

The Abert's squirrel is the only tree squirrel in New Mexico with prominent ear tufts (visible most of the year). Its coat is dark charcoal gray with a white belly and a white-tipped tail. In contrast, the Arizona gray squirrel has shorter ears without tufts, a paler gray back, and a lighter underside; it also lacks the white tail fringe. Look for Abert's squirrels in ponderosa pines, where they feed on pine cones and bark. Their nests (dreys) are large leaf-and-stick balls high in the canopy.

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3. Where in New Mexico are rock squirrels most likely seen?

Rock squirrels are widespread across the state, from the eastern plains to the western mountains, but they are most often seen in rocky habitats: canyon walls, cliff bases, boulder fields, and stone fences. Popular locations include the **Sandia Mountains** near Albuquerque, **Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument**, and **City of Rocks State Park**. They are also common in suburban areas where they dig burrows under sidewalks or patios. Unlike tree squirrels, rock squirrels spend most of their time on the ground and often perch on rocks.

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4. When is the best time of year to spot squirrels in New Mexico?

Squirrels are active year-round, but the best viewing windows are early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) from **March to October**. Spring and summer offer the most activity as squirrels forage for food and raise young. Abert's squirrels are most visible in winter when they come down to feed on pine cones after snowfall. Rock squirrels reduce activity in mid-summer heat and may become dormant in cold spells.

5. What do Abert's squirrels eat and how to identify their nests?

Abert's squirrels primarily eat ponderosa pine seeds, buds, and bark, as well as mushrooms and occasionally insects. They strip bark from pine branches to drink sap, leaving distinctive twig clusters on the forest floor. Their nests, called dreys, are basketball-sized balls of twigs and leaves wedged in the crotches of pine trees. Unlike the messy leaf nests of gray squirrels, Abert's dreys are compact and often lined with pine needles. Look for them at heights of 15-50 feet.

6. How to differentiate Arizona gray squirrels from eastern gray squirrels?

Arizona gray squirrels (Sciurus arizonensis) look similar to eastern gray squirrels but have a distinctly **paler** gray coat with a white belly and a narrower tail. Their ears are smaller and lack tufts. Eastern gray squirrels (introduced in some New Mexico towns) have a silver-gray back, pure white belly, and a broader, more bushy tail. Range is the key clue: Arizona grays are limited to the **Gila, Mogollon, and Pinos Altos ranges** in southwestern New Mexico, while eastern grays appear only in urban areas like Las Cruces and Roswell.

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8. Plan your squirrel search with local wildlife tools

Use the widget above to find recent squirrel sightings and hotspot maps in New Mexico. It pulls data from local sources to help you target active areas.

9. Frequently asked questions about New Mexico squirrels

**Are there flying squirrels in New Mexico?** Yes, the **southern flying squirrel** (Glaucomys volans) occurs in the Sacramento and Guadalupe Mountains, but it is nocturnal and rarely seen. Look for them in mixed-conifer forests.

**Do rock squirrels climb trees?** Occasionally, but they prefer rocky terrain. They are strong climbers when escaping predators but spend most time on the ground.

**Which squirrel species is easiest to photograph?** Rock squirrels are the tamest and often habituated to humans at parks, making them easier to approach. Use a telephoto lens for best results.

**Where can I see Abert's squirrels reliably?** Try the **Santa Fe National Forest** along Forest Road 102 or the **Lincoln National Forest** near Ruidoso. Look for ponderosa pines with clipped twigs on the ground.

**How do I keep squirrels out of my bird feeder?** Use baffles, weight-activated feeders, or offer safflower seed. Rock squirrels are persistent; you may need a cage around the feeder.

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