Squirrels in Rhode Island: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, squirrels are common throughout Rhode Island. The eastern gray squirrel is the species you will most often see, but red squirrels and flying squirrels also live here. Each species has distinct identifying features: gray squirrels are larger with a thick bushy tail and gray coat, red squirrels are smaller and rusty-colored with prominent ear tufts, and flying squirrels are nocturnal with a flattened tail and large eyes. Start by checking wooded parks and suburban backyards, especially in the morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active. Urban areas, coniferous forests, and oak-hickory woodlands all support different squirrel populations, so your location within the state will influence which species you encounter first.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- June, May, April
- peak months
Diet, source GloBI
What squirrels eat
Recorded prey and food of the squirrel, from the Global Biotic Interactions database, limited to species that occur in the United States. This is what squirrels have actually been observed eating, not a list for any one place.
- American elm
- American hophornbeam
- American subevergreen oak complex
- apple
- box elder
- common hazel
- Common Sunflower
- eastern white pine
- Elaphomyces granulatus
- European beech
- green ash
- Hard Maples
- northern red oak
- red maple
Feeding records from the Global Biotic Interactions (GloBI) database. Common names resolved from iNaturalist.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,325 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Rhode Island, most often in June, May, April.
Yes, squirrels are common throughout Rhode Island. The eastern gray squirrel is the species you will most often see, but red squirrels and flying squirrels also live here. Each species has distinct identifying features: gray squirrels are larger with a thick bushy tail and gray coat, red squirrels are smaller and rusty-colored with prominent ear tufts, and flying squirrels are nocturnal with a flattened tail and large eyes. Start by checking wooded parks and suburban backyards, especially in the morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active. Urban areas, coniferous forests, and oak-hickory woodlands all support different squirrel populations, so your location within the state will influence which species you encounter first.
What are the key identification markers for squirrels in Rhode Island?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread, with gray fur, a white belly, and a bushy tail. Red squirrels are smaller, reddish-brown, and have a white eye ring. Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal, with gray-brown fur and a patagium (skin flap) for gliding. Look for tail shape and size to separate them: gray squirrels have a thick, rounded tail; red squirrels have a thinner, more pointed tail.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where in Rhode Island are you most likely to see squirrels first?
Your best odds are in any area with mature oak or hickory trees. Start at Lincoln Woods State Park, Arcadia Management Area, or simply your own backyard in suburbs like Barrington or East Greenwich. Gray squirrels are bold in parks and will approach for food. Red squirrels prefer coniferous forests, so check the understory in places like George Washington Management Area.
See ourSquirrels guidefor the next step.
What is the best season or time for confident squirrel sightings?
Early morning (sunrise to 9 AM) and late afternoon (3 PM to dusk) are prime activity windows. In autumn, squirrels are busy gathering acorns and are less wary. Winter sightings are also good on mild days when they emerge to feed. Spring brings young squirrels out of nests, but they stay close to cover. Summer midday heat reduces activity.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do Rhode Island's squirrels differ from similar species?
The most common lookalike is the eastern chipmunk, which is smaller with stripes on its back and face. The red squirrel can be confused with a young gray squirrel, but reds have a distinct rusty color and loud chattering call. The northern flying squirrel is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits, but look for gliding between trees at dusk. Learn to separate them by focusing on size, tail shape, and habitat preference.
What behavior clues help identify Rhode Island squirrels?
Gray squirrels often feed on the ground and will freeze with their tail arched over their back when alarmed. Red squirrels are territorial and will chase other squirrels away, often making sharp 'chrrr' sounds. Flying squirrels are silent and nocturnal; you might only see them by listening for soft scratching in tree cavities. Watch for leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks for gray squirrels, while red squirrels use conifer nests closer to the trunk.
Can you identify squirrel species by their sounds and calls?
Yes, sound is one of the most reliable identification tools. Eastern gray squirrels make low barking and chattering sounds, especially when alarmed. Red squirrels produce a loud, rapid 'chrrr-chrrr-chrrr' call that is unmistakable and can be heard from a distance; they are the noisiest Rhode Island squirrels. Flying squirrels are nearly silent, only emitting soft chirps or scratches as they move through trees at night. Learning these vocalizations will help you identify species even before you see them, and can alert you to their presence in areas where sightings are rare.
What gear can improve your squirrel watching experience?
Carrying binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens helps you observe without disturbing them. A quiet spot and patience work best for close sightings. If you want to wear something that shows your appreciation for these animals, consider a squirrel-themed shirt from Easy Street Markets.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() This tee features a detailed gray squirrel design, perfect for your next outing. The 100% cotton fabric is comfortable for long walks. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A classic retro style for everyday wear. Great for showing your interest in squirrels. Check Price and Availability
Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee []() A simple, bold squirrel graphic that works well for casual wear or as a gift. Check Price and Availability
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
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
Which parks and trails offer the best squirrel watching in Rhode Island?
For reliable gray squirrel sightings, try Colt State Park in Bristol or Roger Williams Park in Providence. For red squirrels, head to the conifer stands of the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter. For a chance at flying squirrels, join a night hike organized by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island at their nature centers. Remember to keep a safe distance and do not feed them directly.
How can you tell a gray squirrel from a red squirrel at a glance?
Size is the easiest clue. Gray squirrels are about 18 inches long including the tail; red squirrels are only 12 inches. Color: gray vs reddish. The red squirrel has a distinct white ring around its eye, which the gray lacks. Behavior: red squirrels are more aggressive and vocal. Habitat: reds prefer conifers, grays favor hardwood forests. If you see a small, rusty squirrel scolding you from a pine tree, it is likely a red squirrel.
What should you do if you spot a squirrel behaving strangely?
Most odd behavior is normal. Squirrels often chase each other, store food in the ground, or hang upside down. But if a squirrel appears lethargic, has bald patches, or is unafraid of humans, it may be sick. Do not touch it. Report to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management at 401-222-6800. Healthy squirrels will usually run away if approached too closely.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
What habitats in Rhode Island support which squirrel species?
Eastern gray squirrels thrive in oak-hickory hardwood forests, city parks, and suburban areas with mature deciduous trees. They do well in mixed forest edges and areas with human activity. Red squirrels prefer coniferous and mixed forests, particularly spruce, fir, and pine stands found in the northern and western parts of the state. Southern flying squirrels inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests with old-growth characteristics, using tree cavities for nesting and shelter. Understanding habitat preferences helps you predict which species you will encounter in each location you visit.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the key identification markers for squirrels in Rhode Island?+
The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread, with gray fur, a white belly, and a bushy tail. Red squirrels are smaller, reddish-brown, and have a white eye ring. Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal, with gray-brown fur and a patagium (skin flap) for gliding. Look for tail shape and size to separate them: gray squirrels have a thick, rounded tail; red squirrels have a thinner, more pointed tail. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where in Rhode Island are you most likely to see squirrels first?+
Your best odds are in any area with mature oak or hickory trees. Start at Lincoln Woods State Park, Arcadia Management Area, or simply your own backyard in suburbs like Barrington or East Greenwich. Gray squirrels are bold in parks and will approach for food. Red squirrels prefer coniferous forests, so check the understory in places like George Washington Management Area. See ourSquirrels guidefor the next step.
What is the best season or time for confident squirrel sightings?+
Early morning (sunrise to 9 AM) and late afternoon (3 PM to dusk) are prime activity windows. In autumn, squirrels are busy gathering acorns and are less wary. Winter sightings are also good on mild days when they emerge to feed. Spring brings young squirrels out of nests, but they stay close to cover. Summer midday heat reduces activity. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do Rhode Island's squirrels differ from similar species?+
The most common lookalike is the eastern chipmunk, which is smaller with stripes on its back and face. The red squirrel can be confused with a young gray squirrel, but reds have a distinct rusty color and loud chattering call. The northern flying squirrel is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits, but look for gliding between trees at dusk. Learn to separate them by focusing on size, tail shape, and habitat preference.
What behavior clues help identify Rhode Island squirrels?+
Gray squirrels often feed on the ground and will freeze with their tail arched over their back when alarmed. Red squirrels are territorial and will chase other squirrels away, often making sharp 'chrrr' sounds. Flying squirrels are silent and nocturnal; you might only see them by listening for soft scratching in tree cavities. Watch for leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks for gray squirrels, while red squirrels use conifer nests closer to the trunk.
Can you identify squirrel species by their sounds and calls?+
Yes, sound is one of the most reliable identification tools. Eastern gray squirrels make low barking and chattering sounds, especially when alarmed. Red squirrels produce a loud, rapid 'chrrr-chrrr-chrrr' call that is unmistakable and can be heard from a distance; they are the noisiest Rhode Island squirrels. Flying squirrels are nearly silent, only emitting soft chirps or scratches as they move through trees at night. Learning these vocalizations will help you identify species even before you see them, and can alert you to their presence in areas where sightings are rare.
What gear can improve your squirrel watching experience?+
Carrying binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens helps you observe without disturbing them. A quiet spot and patience work best for close sightings. If you want to wear something that shows your appreciation for these animals, consider a squirrel-themed shirt from Easy Street Markets. ### Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() This tee features a detailed gray squirrel design, perfect for your next outing. The 100% cotton fabric is comfortable for long walks. Check Price and Availability ### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A classic retro style for everyday wear. Great for showing your interest in squirrels. Check Price and Availability ### Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee []() A simple, bold squirrel graphic that works well for casual wear or as a gift. Check Price and Availability See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step. ### 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
Which parks and trails offer the best squirrel watching in Rhode Island?+
For reliable gray squirrel sightings, try Colt State Park in Bristol or Roger Williams Park in Providence. For red squirrels, head to the conifer stands of the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter. For a chance at flying squirrels, join a night hike organized by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island at their nature centers. Remember to keep a safe distance and do not feed them directly.
How can you tell a gray squirrel from a red squirrel at a glance?+
Size is the easiest clue. Gray squirrels are about 18 inches long including the tail; red squirrels are only 12 inches. Color: gray vs reddish. The red squirrel has a distinct white ring around its eye, which the gray lacks. Behavior: red squirrels are more aggressive and vocal. Habitat: reds prefer conifers, grays favor hardwood forests. If you see a small, rusty squirrel scolding you from a pine tree, it is likely a red squirrel.
What should you do if you spot a squirrel behaving strangely?+
Most odd behavior is normal. Squirrels often chase each other, store food in the ground, or hang upside down. But if a squirrel appears lethargic, has bald patches, or is unafraid of humans, it may be sick. Do not touch it. Report to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management at 401-222-6800. Healthy squirrels will usually run away if approached too closely. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
What habitats in Rhode Island support which squirrel species?+
Eastern gray squirrels thrive in oak-hickory hardwood forests, city parks, and suburban areas with mature deciduous trees. They do well in mixed forest edges and areas with human activity. Red squirrels prefer coniferous and mixed forests, particularly spruce, fir, and pine stands found in the northern and western parts of the state. Southern flying squirrels inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests with old-growth characteristics, using tree cavities for nesting and shelter. Understanding habitat preferences helps you predict which species you will encounter in each location you visit.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Rhode Island