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

What are the most common squirrel species in New York?

New York is home to three main squirrel species, each with its own range and behavior. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the one you see most often across the entire state, with its distinctive gray coat and large bushy tail. Red Squirrels are smaller, about half the size, with reddish-brown fur and a white belly. In winter, they often show white ear tufts that make them even more distinctive. Southern Flying Squirrels are truly nocturnal and have a flap of skin called a patagium between their front and hind legs that allows them to glide. Gray Squirrels are highly adaptable and live in both forest and urban settings. Reds prefer conifer forests and are less common in cities. Flying Squirrels are elusive and live in mature hardwood and mixed forests with plenty of cavities for nesting. For more details, visit oursquirrel identification hub.

Where in New York do squirrels live?

Squirrels thrive across New York's diverse habitats, from sea-level wetlands to mountain forests. Eastern Gray Squirrels are found statewide, in forests, suburban backyards, city parks, and even street trees in Manhattan. In the Adirondacks and Catskills, look for Red Squirrels in dense conifer stands and spruce-fir forests where they have less competition from larger grays. Gray Squirrels prefer hardwood forests with oak and hickory trees that provide abundant acorns. They are common along the Hudson River valley and throughout the lower Hudson region. Even in Manhattan, you can find them in Central Park and smaller green spaces like Washington Square Park and Madison Square Park. Southern Flying Squirrels live in mature forests with large cavity trees, particularly in the eastern and northern parts of the state. In Long Island, Gray Squirrels dominate suburban parks and pine barrens. Check ourNew York wildlife pagefor more local spots.

When is the best time to spot squirrels?

Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for squirrel activity, especially in spring and fall when they are gathering food and most visible. In fall, you might see them frantically burying acorns and hickory nuts for winter storage, with dozens of caches hidden across their territory. In winter, they stay active but come out during warmer parts of the day, often between 10 AM and 3 PM when temperatures rise. Spring brings renewal activity as they emerge from winter torpor and mate. Summer is quieter as they retreat to shade during hot afternoons. After rain, squirrels often venture out, possibly because insects and soft vegetation become more accessible. Red Squirrels are more active at dawn and dusk than Gray Squirrels. Southern Flying Squirrels are most active in the hour after sunset. For more on squirrel behavior, see oursquirrel page.

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How can you tell gray squirrels from red squirrels?

Eastern Gray Squirrels and Red Squirrels differ in several key ways that make identification straightforward once you know what to look for. Eastern Gray Squirrels are significantly larger, weighing 16-24 ounces and measuring 17-20 inches with tail. Their fur is gray-brown on the back and white on the belly. Red Squirrels are much smaller, weighing only 5-8 ounces and measuring just 12-14 inches with tail. They have reddish-brown fur with a white eye ring and often show prominent white ear tufts in winter. The tail of a Red Squirrel is less bushy and sometimes appears to have a black stripe along the edge. Red Squirrels are also more vocal, making harsh chittering and trilling sounds. Gray Squirrels are relatively quiet except for alarm calls. In the Adirondacks and northern forests, you may see both species, but grays tend to be in lower elevations while reds prefer higher, cooler areas with conifers. I've seen reds more often in the Adirondacks and grays in city parks. For lookalike tips, visit ourNew York wildlife page.

Which animals look like squirrels?

Several small mammals can be mistaken for squirrels, so knowing the differences helps with identification. Chipmunks are smaller, with distinctive stripes running down their back and face, and they have flatter, less fluffy tails than squirrels. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are much larger and live primarily in burrows rather than trees. Flying squirrels are rarely seen because they are nocturnal and glide rather than climb visibly. Muskrats can be confused with young squirrels near water but are larger and aquatic. If you see a small brown mammal climbing a tree, check the tail: chipmunks have flat, less fluffy tails with distinct stripes. Look also at size and behavior. Squirrels are more acrobatic and faster than other small mammals. Chipmunks are ground-feeders and hoard food in cheek pouches visible on their faces. For more help, refer to oursquirrel identification guide.

What field marks matter most?

Focusing on key identifying features will help you quickly recognize any squirrel you encounter. The tail is arguably the most distinctive field mark: Gray Squirrels have a large, very bushy tail they flick when alarmed, often held upright. Red Squirrels have a narrower tail with less volume. Coat color is equally important: grayish versus reddish-brown. Watch behavior too. Red Squirrels are more vocal and territorial, often scolding intruders with harsh chirps and trills. Gray Squirrels are generally quieter. Body size is a reliable secondary clue, as grays are substantially larger. Ear tufts are visible on Red Squirrels in winter but absent on Gray Squirrels. Eye rings, if present, indicate a Red Squirrel. For a deeper dive, check outsquirrel field marks.

Show your squirrel pride with wildlife tees

After a day of spotting, why not wear your interest? Easy Street Markets offers a few squirrel-themed shirts that make great conversation starters.

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Browse more options on ourt-shirts page.

Frequently asked questions about New York squirrels

**Are there flying squirrels in New York?** Yes, Southern Flying Squirrels live in the state, but they are nocturnal and rarely seen. Look for them in mature forests with cavities. They glide between trees using their patagium and are most active at night. You might spot one with a spotlight if you search oak or hickory forests from late evening to midnight.

**Do squirrels hibernate in New York?** Gray and Red Squirrels do not truly hibernate. They stay active all winter, relying on cached food buried in the fall. They enter a light torpor on very cold days but wake periodically to feed.

**What is the best time of day to see squirrels?** Early morning and late afternoon, especially after a rain or in cooler weather. Midday activity decreases in summer but increases in fall and winter.

**How can I attract squirrels to my yard?** Provide a mix of nuts like acorns and walnuts, and ensure a nearby water source. Avoid feeding them processed foods. Native oak and hickory trees will naturally draw squirrels.

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How do squirrel sounds help with identification?

Vocalizations are a reliable way to identify squirrel species, especially when visual sighting is difficult. Eastern Gray Squirrels produce a soft, clicking sound and a loud alarm bark when threatened. Red Squirrels are far more vocal, with harsh chittering trills, scolding calls that can last several seconds, and rapid chipping sounds that carry across forests. Their calls are higher-pitched and more intense than Gray Squirrels. Southern Flying Squirrels emit soft chirping sounds at night and rarely make loud calls. Learning these vocalizations helps you identify species by sound alone, especially valuable for nocturnal flying squirrels. Recording squirrel calls on your phone can help you confirm species identification later. In urban areas, Gray Squirrels often approach humans more boldly because they are accustomed to cities, while Red Squirrels remain wary.

What seasonal changes affect squirrel appearance and behavior?

Squirrels undergo several changes across New York's four seasons. In spring, both Gray and Red Squirrels shed their winter coats, appearing thinner and less fluffy temporarily. Spring is peak mating season, and territorial males chase females noisily through branches. In summer, squirrels maintain a lighter summer coat and spend more time in shade during heat. Lactating females are often visible carrying nesting material or food for young. Fall brings the most dramatic behavioral change: intense acorn and nut gathering. Squirrels become hyperactive and less cautious as they bury thousands of seeds. Their coats thicken in preparation for winter. In winter, their fur becomes denser and longer, creating the fluffiest appearance. Activity decreases but never stops entirely. Red Squirrels show white ear tufts most prominently in winter. This seasonal rhythm makes certain times better for observing specific behaviors and appearance differences.

Where can you see New York squirrels without leaving the city?

New York City offers excellent squirrel-watching opportunities without traveling to forests. Central Park is the premier urban squirrel habitat, with hundreds of Gray Squirrels throughout 843 acres. The park's mix of mature oaks, hickories, and pines provides ideal habitat and food sources. Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village hosts a dense squirrel population and offers close observation opportunities. Madison Square Park near the Flatiron Building has active squirrels and excellent visibility from benches. Riverside Park along the Hudson River has fewer crowds and allows quieter observation. Tompkins Square Park on the Lower East Side has a well-established squirrel population. The High Line improved park offers views from above, sometimes revealing squirrel activity in trees below. Gramercy Park, though restricted to residents, is rumored to host particularly bold squirrels. Most NYC parks have squirrels, but these offer the best combination of population density and human access.