Squirrels in North Carolina in May
Yes, May is a good month to see squirrels in North Carolina. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 2,461 of the 24,942 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 July 2, 2026.
Good month for squirrels in North Carolina
9.9%
of yearly sightings
2,461
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
24,942
verified records a year
April 15.1%, May 9.9%, June 7.2%. Busiest month is April at 15.1%.
24,942 verified observations of squirrels in North Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
April
3,758 records (15.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2,147 | 8.6% |
| February | 2,266 | 9.1% |
| Marchpeak | 2,632 | 10.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 3,758 | 15.1% |
| May | 2,461 | 9.9% |
| June | 1,790 | 7.2% |
| July | 1,076 | 4.3% |
| August | 979 | 3.9% |
| September | 2,067 | 8.3% |
| Octoberpeak | 2,641 | 10.6% |
| November | 2,083 | 8.4% |
| December | 1,042 | 4.2% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 19,074 |
| Groundhog | 2,114 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 1,890 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 676 |
| American Red Squirrel | 547 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 320 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 10 |
In North Carolina, May carries 9.9% of the year's squirrels sightings, about 1.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from April (15.1%) into May, and it heads toward June (7.2%) after. The busiest month is April (15.1%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The squirrels most often recorded in North Carolina are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Groundhog and Eastern Chipmunk. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which squirrels you are most likely to see
- Eastern Gray Squirrel19,074 records
- Groundhog2,114 records
- Eastern Chipmunk1,890 records
- Eastern Fox Squirrel676 records
- American Red Squirrel547 records
- Southern Flying Squirrel320 records
Plan your squirrel trip in North Carolina
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 North Carolina.
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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 North Carolina in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 2,461 of the 24,942 verified squirrels sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 9.9% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see squirrels in North Carolina?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though April and October is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for squirrels in North Carolina?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, October and March, based on 24,942 verified observations.
Which squirrels are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Groundhog and Eastern Chipmunk, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See squirrels in North Carolina in other months
More wildlife in North Carolina