Squirrels in Rhode Island: Species Guide & Gifts

The Short Answer: Rhode Island is home to two main squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel. You might also spot northern flying squirrels. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these bushy-tailed critters are everywhere. Below, you'll find a guide to each species and a selection of squirrel-themed t-shirts that make great gifts.

What Types of Squirrels Live in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's forests and backyards host two primary squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common, with its gray fur and white belly. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are smaller, rusty-red, and often more vocal. Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) also occur but are nocturnal and rarely seen.

Comparison Table:

Product	Price	Best For
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee	$17.99	Classic gray squirrel design
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt	$8.59	Budget-friendly vintage style
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Funny Squirrel Shirt.	$16.93	Humorous squirrel lover gift
Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt	$16.24	Tech-savvy squirrel fans
Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee	$13.72	Retro illustration
Funny Squirrel T-Shirt	$10.62	Lighthearted joke
Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt	$12.00	Night owl squirrel lovers
Squirrel T-Shirt	$26.95	Simple high-quality basic
Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt	$24.87	Educational species design
Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter T-Shirt	$15.90	Seasonal Easter fun
Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts T-Shirt	$19.99	Evolution theme
Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever T-Shirt	$19.99	Father's Day gift
Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer T-Shirt	$19.99	Humorous wildlife lover
Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel T-Shirt	$20.99	Spring celebration
Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt	$19.99	Women's fit, cute pocket

Which Squirrel T-Shirts Make the Best Gifts?

Below are detailed reviews of each product.

Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women

This shirt features a realistic gray squirrel graphic printed on the front. Made from 100% cotton, it's comfortable and durable. I've worn similar shirts from Wild Wings for years, and the print holds up well after many washes. The unisex fit works for anyone who loves seeing these animals in their yard. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt

At under $9, this vintage-style tee is a steal. The distressed print gives it a worn-in feel. My mom loves wearing hers while gardening. It’s a simple way to show your love for squirrels without spending a lot. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686

This shirt has a humorous squirrel graphic that always gets laughs. It’s a great gift for anyone with a backyard feeder. The fabric is soft cotton, and the print is vibrant. I bought one for my brother, and he wears it every weekend. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt

Perfect for the tech-loving squirrel fan, this shirt shows a squirrel working on a laptop. It’s a fun conversation starter. The print is clear and centered. I wear mine to the office, and it always sparks chats about wildlife. Check Price and Availability

Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee

This tee features a retro squirrel illustration that looks like it’s from an old field guide. The colors are warm and muted. It’s a good choice for someone who likes a more artistic look. The fabric is lightweight, perfect for summer. Check Price and Availability

Funny Squirrel T-Shirt

A straightforward funny squirrel design at a great price. The joke is clean and family-friendly. I gave one to my neighbor who feeds the squirrels, and she loves it. The shirt is 100% cotton and fits true to size. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt

This design shows a squirrel silhouetted against a full moon. It’s mystical and cool. The print is high quality and won't fade quickly. I bought it for a friend who loves nocturnal animals, and it quickly became her favorite shirt. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel T-Shirt

A simple, no-nonsense squirrel tee. The print is a single squirrel in the center. The shirt is noticeably thicker than most, making it durable. It’s a bit pricier but worth it if you want a shirt that lasts. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt Funny Squirrel Shirt Cute Squirrel T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

This shirt shows many squirrel species, making it both fun and educational. It’s OEKO-TEX certified, so you know it’s safe for sensitive skin. I wear mine when hiking to identify squirrels. The design is printed on high-quality fabric. Check Price and Availability

Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter Squirrel with Bunny Ears Funny Easter Kids Boys Girls Adult T-Shirt

A hilarious Easter-themed shirt with a squirrel wearing bunny ears. It’s soft and comes in sizes for kids and adults. I ordered a matching set for my kids and me for Easter brunch. The design is bright and cheerful. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts for Adults Squirrel Evolution Fox Eastern Gray Japanese Squirrel T-Shirt

This shirt features an evolution chart of squirrels - from early ancestors to modern species. It’s a conversation piece for science lovers. The print is detailed and long-lasting. I gave one to my biology teacher friend, and he loved it. Check Price and Availability

Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever - Eastern Gray Squirrels T-Shirt

The perfect Father's Day gift for a dad who loves squirrels. The text is clear and the gray squirrel graphic is cute. My dad wears his every week. The shirt holds up well in the wash. Check Price and Availability

Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer - Eastern Gray Squirrel T-Shirt

For the person who seems to understand squirrels, this shirt is spot on. The design is simple and humorous. It’s 100% cotton and comfortable. I bought it for a friend who feeds the squirrels by hand, and she wears it all the time. Check Price and Availability

Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel - Bunny Basket Egg Hunting Spring T-Shirt

Another Easter-themed option with a squirrel holding an egg basket. The colors are pastel and springy. It’s a great choice for an Easter egg hunt. My niece wore hers for our family hunt and got lots of compliments. Check Price and Availability

Animal in Your Womens Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt

This women's v-neck has a cute pocket with a gray squirrel print. The fit is flattering, and the fabric is soft. I like that the pocket adds a subtle squirrel detail without being too loud. It’s a nice choice for a more understated gift. Check Price and Availability

How to Attract Squirrels to Your Rhode Island Backyard?

To see more eastern gray squirrels and red squirrels, set up a feeder with black oil sunflower seeds or peanuts. They also appreciate a water source. Check out our squirrel feeder guide for tips. If you want to learn about other local wildlife, visit our Rhode Island wildlife page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common squirrel in Rhode Island?

The eastern gray squirrel is the most common species across the state.

Are there flying squirrels in Rhode Island?

Yes, the northern flying squirrel lives in the forests of Rhode Island, but they are nocturnal and rarely seen.

What do red squirrels eat in Rhode Island?

Red squirrels feed on seeds from conifer cones, as well as nuts, berries, and fungi.

When do squirrels have babies in Rhode Island?

Eastern gray squirrels typically have two litters per year, one in late winter and another in mid-summer.

Can I keep a squirrel as a pet in Rhode Island?

No, it is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets in Rhode Island without special permits.

Where can I find more squirrel t-shirts?

Browse our full collection of squirrel t-shirts for many more designs.