Squirrels in New York in October
Yes, October is a good month to see squirrels in New York. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 4,179 of the 42,378 sightings logged across the year (9.9%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for squirrels in New York
9.9%
of yearly sightings
4,179
records in October
#5
busiest month of 12
42,378
verified records a year
September 11.2%, October 9.9%, November 5.5%. Busiest month is April at 14.5%.
42,378 verified observations of squirrels in New York, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in New York
Peak month
April
6,164 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,720 | 4.1% |
| February | 1,749 | 4.1% |
| March | 2,872 | 6.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 6,164 | 14.5% |
| Maypeak | 5,697 | 13.4% |
| June | 4,633 | 10.9% |
| July | 3,366 | 7.9% |
| August | 2,911 | 6.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 4,728 | 11.2% |
| October | 4,179 | 9.9% |
| November | 2,334 | 5.5% |
| December | 2,025 | 4.8% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 25,573 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 7,891 |
| Groundhog | 5,343 |
| American Red Squirrel | 2,683 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 288 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 62 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 34 |
In New York, October carries 9.9% of the year's squirrels sightings, about 1.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from September (11.2%) into October, and it heads toward November (5.5%) after. The busiest month is April (14.5%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The squirrels most often recorded in New York are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which squirrels you are most likely to see
- Eastern Gray Squirrel25,573 records
- Eastern Chipmunk7,891 records
- Groundhog5,343 records
- American Red Squirrel2,683 records
- Southern Flying Squirrel288 records
- Northern Flying Squirrel62 records
Plan your squirrel trip in New York
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
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Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main squirrel viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best squirrel viewing area in New York.
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Broader backupBook a squirrel tour in New York
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
Can you see squirrels in New York in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 4,179 of the 42,378 verified squirrels sightings logged in New York across the year, which is 9.9% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see squirrels in New York?+
October is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though April and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for squirrels in New York?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, May and September, based on 42,378 verified observations.
Which squirrels are you most likely to see in New York?+
The most-recorded species in New York are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.