Squirrels in North Dakota: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking

What are the most useful ID markers for squirrels in North Dakota?

Focus on size, tail shape, and coloration. Fox squirrels are large (18-27 inches) with a bushy tail and reddish-brown body. Gray squirrels are smaller (15-20 inches) with a gray body and white belly. Look for tufted ears on gray squirrels in winter. For detailed comparisons, see oursquirrel identification page.

In North Dakota, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.

Red squirrels are the smallest (7-8 inches total length, 2.5-4.5 ounces) and have a distinctive reddish coat with a white underside. Their tails are proportionally shorter than those of fox and gray squirrels. In North Dakota, red squirrels are found primarily in conifer stands, especially in the northwestern regions. They are vocal and territorial, often giving loud alarm calls when disturbed. Ground squirrels (genus Spermophilus) may also be seen, but they are much smaller (4-6 inches) with horizontal stripes and shorter, less bushy tails.

Where in North Dakota do people usually notice squirrels first?

Squirrels are most often seen in eastern North Dakota, especially along the Red River Valley and in the Turtle Mountains. They also thrive in urban parks, golf courses, and farmsteads with mature trees. Check out theNorth Dakota wildlife overviewfor more habitat details.

The eastern third of North Dakota, including counties like Traill, Cass, and Pembina, has the highest squirrel densities because of greater forest cover and more oak, hickory, and walnut trees. Urban centers like Bismarck and Fargo have established squirrel populations in parks and residential neighborhoods. Smaller towns along river corridors often support healthy populations in riparian cottonwoods and ash. Western North Dakota is drier and has fewer trees, so squirrel sightings are rarer and concentrated near water features and shelterbelts.

What is the best season or time window for confident squirrel sightings?

Early morning (dawn to 9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) from April through October offer the best odds. Spring and fall are peak activity periods as squirrels gather food. Winter sightings are possible on mild days but less reliable. For seasonal tips, exploreNorth Dakota wildlife patterns.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

Spring (April-May) brings squirrels out after winter dormancy, making them visible as they forage and establish nesting territories. Late summer (August-September) shows high activity as young squirrels become independent and all animals begin caching food for winter. Autumn is arguably the prime season for observation, with trees bare enough to spot nests but enough cool weather to keep squirrels active. Winter activity peaks during warm, sunny afternoons when squirrels emerge from their dreys to feed from cached stores. Midday winter viewing is more productive than early morning when temperatures are coldest.

How can I tell apart the different squirrel species in North Dakota?

Three species occur: fox squirrel (largest, reddish-brown, prefers open woods), eastern gray squirrel (medium, gray with white belly, favors dense forests), and red squirrel (small, reddish, white belly, often in conifers). Ground squirrels are smaller and have striped backs but are a different group. Tail shape and ear tufts help separate them.

Fox Squirrels can be identified by their large frame, bushy tail, and distinct two-tone coloration. The head is often yellow or gray, the back is reddish-brown, and the belly is orange or rust-colored. The tail is large and bushy, roughly 7-9 inches long. Fox squirrels use their bushy tails for balance and as a blanket in cool weather.

Eastern Gray Squirrels have a slender frame, gray upperparts, and a pure white or cream-colored belly. Their tails are gray with white tips and hair tips, creating a distinctive "frosted" appearance. In winter, they develop prominent tufts on their ears. The tail is about 7-8 inches long.

Red Squirrels have a rust-red coat, prominent ear tufts year-round, and a characteristic white ring around their eyes. Their tails are smaller and fluffier than those of fox or gray squirrels. In North Dakota, red squirrels are less common than the other two species and are usually found in conifer forests.

Ground Squirrels (such as the thirteen-lined ground squirrel) are often confused with true squirrels but are actually different. They are much smaller, have horizontal stripes rather than solid coloration, and spend more time on the ground. Their tails are shorter and less fluffy.

What do squirrels in North Dakota eat and where do they nest?

Squirrels feed on acorns, walnut, sunflower seeds, and bird feeder fare. They nest in tree cavities or build leaf dreys high in branches. Nesting peaks in late winter and late summer. For more on squirrel behavior, checksquirrel nesting habits.

Diet varies by season and availability. In spring, squirrels eat buds, catkins, and tender shoots. Summer diet includes mushrooms, berries, and insects. Fall and winter rely on cached acorns, walnuts, pine seeds, and hickory nuts. In urban areas, squirrels readily consume bird seed, nuts from feeders, and garden produce.

Nests, called dreys, are built from twigs, leaves, and shredded bark woven into a ball shape. A typical drey is 8-12 inches in diameter with a thick outer wall for insulation. Squirrels often have multiple nests scattered throughout their territory. Winter nests are more tightly constructed and lined with soft materials. Cavity nests, found in tree holes, provide additional shelter and are preferred for winter. Nesting begins in December-February for spring litters and again in June-August for fall litters. Young squirrels spend 8-10 weeks in the nest before becoming independent.

Planning Your Squirrel Watching Trip in North Dakota

Bring binoculars and dress in muted colors. Visit state parks like Fort Ransom or Icelandic State Park. Move slowly and listen for leaf rustling. Here is a tool to plan your route:

Use it to find nearby hotspots and get driving directions.

What gear or clothing can make squirrel watching more enjoyable?

A comfortable cotton t-shirt can show your interest while you are out. Try the **Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel**:

Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() This 100% cotton tee features a front-only gray squirrel design. Perfect for casual wear or a day in the field. Check Price and Availability

Or the **Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt** ### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A budget friendly option with a retro look. Great for squirrel lovers of all ages. Check Price and Availability

Browse more options at ourwildlife t-shirt collection.

Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686 []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability

Are squirrels in North Dakota active in winter?

Yes, but activity drops. Squirrels rely on cached food and may emerge on warmer days (above freezing) to feed. The best winter sightings occur during sunny afternoons. They do not hibernate but may stay in nests during cold snaps.

Unlike hibernators, squirrels remain active throughout winter. They prepare by caching thousands of acorns and seeds in scattered locations across their territory during fall. This behavior, called scatter-hoarding, serves as a natural form of forest regeneration. Squirrels never use all cached nuts; forgotten ones grow into trees. During winter storms or extreme cold, squirrels may remain in their nests for days, relying on body heat and cached food. Mild winter days see increased activity as squirrels venture out to check cache sites and consume stored food. Biologists have found that squirrels have excellent spatial memory and can relocate many of their buried caches even under snow.

What is the difference between a fox squirrel and a gray squirrel in North Dakota?

Fox squirrels are larger (up to 27 inches) with a reddish-brown back and orange belly. Gray squirrels are smaller, gray overall with a white belly. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands and parklike areas; gray squirrels favor denser forests with taller trees.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

Behaviorally, fox squirrels are more solitary and vocal than gray squirrels. They are ground foragers and spend considerable time on the forest floor. Gray squirrels are more arboreal and tend to stay higher in the canopy. Fox squirrels thrive in the scattered oak groves and shelterbelts of North Dakota, while gray squirrels depend on continuous forest canopy. Both species can coexist, but geographic ranges and habitat preferences keep them separated in most parts of the state.

Can I attract squirrels to my North Dakota backyard or property?

Planting oak and hickory trees supports natural food sources over the long term. Adding squirrel feeders filled with unsalted nuts or sunflower seeds brings quick results. Provide water sources and nesting boxes. Avoid pesticides and encourage native understory plants that produce berries and seeds. Keep feeders filled consistently through fall and winter when natural food is scarce. Position feeders at least 6-8 feet from structures to prevent access to roofs and gutters. Clean feeders every two weeks to reduce disease risk. Squirrels attracted to feeders become accustomed to human presence, making observation easier. Dense shrubs and brush piles provide shelter and cover, which encourages squirrels to stay longer on your property.

What sounds do squirrels in North Dakota make and what do they mean?

Fox and gray squirrels produce clicking and chattering vocalizations, especially during territorial disputes or alarm situations. The alarm bark is a sharp, loud 'quack' or 'chuck' sound that alerts other squirrels to predator presence. Red squirrels are particularly vocal, giving loud, rapid chatter calls that can dominate forest soundscapes. Tail flicking accompanies many vocalizations and signals an animal's emotional state. Rapid tail twitching indicates agitation or excitement, while a slowly moving tail suggests calm behavior. Learning to recognize these sounds helps identify squirrel presence even when visual confirmation is difficult. Many observers report that once they learn the alarm call, they become much better at spotting squirrels before they flee.