Squirrels in South Dakota: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, squirrels are common across South Dakota, especially in the eastern half and Black Hills. Start by focusing on fox squirrels in urban parks and woodlots, then look for gray squirrels in mature forests. Four species call the state home: eastern fox squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, red squirrels, and northern flying squirrels. This guide covers the species, field marks, habitat clues, and best times to spot them.
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, July, August
- 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
4,672 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in South Dakota, most often in June, July, August.
Yes, squirrels are common across South Dakota, especially in the eastern half and Black Hills. Start by focusing on fox squirrels in urban parks and woodlots, then look for gray squirrels in mature forests. Four species call the state home: eastern fox squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, red squirrels, and northern flying squirrels. This guide covers the species, field marks, habitat clues, and best times to spot them.
1. What squirrel species are found in South Dakota?
South Dakota hosts four main squirrel species: the eastern fox squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, red squirrel, and the seldom-seen northern flying squirrel. Fox squirrels are the most widespread, especially in the eastern part of the state. Gray squirrels are common in the southeast and along the Missouri River. Red squirrels stick to coniferous forests in the Black Hills, while flying squirrels are rare and nocturnal. For a broader look at squirrel diversity, visit oursquirrel species guide.
2. Where in South Dakota are you most likely to see squirrels?
Your best odds are in the eastern third of the state, from Sioux Falls north to Watertown and west to the James River valley. City parks, golf courses, and residential areas with mature oaks and walnuts are reliable. In the Black Hills, red squirrels are common around pine forests. Scattered fox squirrels also occur along tree-lined streams in the Great Plains. For more on South Dakota wildlife hotspots, see ourSouth Dakota wildlife page.
3. When is the best time of year to spot squirrels in South Dakota?
Late summer through early fall (August to October) offers the peak activity as squirrels gather and store nuts. Spring (March to May) is also good, especially in the early morning. Midday heat reduces activity, so target early morning or late afternoon for the highest visibility. Winter sightings are possible during mild days, especially around bird feeders. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What are the key identification features to look for?
Focus on size, tail shape, and ear tufts. Fox squirrels are large (20-30 inches) with a bushy, reddish tail and white-tipped ears. Gray squirrels are smaller (17-20 inches) with a grayish body and a white belly, plus a long, sweeping tail. Red squirrels are tiny (12-14 inches) with red-brown fur and white eye rings. Flying squirrels have a loose flap of skin between legs and large dark eyes. Use binoculars to examine ear tufts and tail markings at a distance.
5. How can you tell the difference between a fox squirrel and a gray squirrel?
Fox squirrels are bulkier with a more orange or rusty wash on their underparts and a tail that often has a yellow-orange fringe. Gray squirrels are sleeker, uniformly gray above, and white below. In South Dakota, fox squirrels dominate open woodlands and parks, while grays stick to denser, mature forests. If you see a squirrel with a noticeably reddish tail, it's likely a fox squirrel. Watch their movement too: fox squirrels are more deliberate and ground-focused, while gray squirrels are acrobatic tree dwellers.
6. How do you identify a red squirrel versus larger species?
Red squirrels are distinctly tiny (7-8 ounces) compared to fox squirrels (1.5 pounds) or gray squirrels (1 pound). Look for rusty-red fur on the back, white belly, and a narrow tail with a distinctive black stripe along the edge. Their ears are tufted in winter. Red squirrels are aggressive and vocal, often scolding at intruders with a loud, chattering bark. In South Dakota, they're found almost exclusively in the Black Hills conifer zone. If you hear an angry chittering in a pine forest, that's likely a red squirrel.
7. What should you bring to a squirrel-spotting outing?
Binoculars help with distant sightings, and a field notebook for notes. Dress in neutral colors and move slowly. To commemorate your finds, consider a wildlife-themed t-shirt from oursquirrel collection. Here are a couple of popular options:
8. Show your squirrel interest with wildlife-inspired clothing
After a day spotting squirrels, you can wear your interest on your sleeve. These shirts make great conversation starters and are comfortable for outdoor walks.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee []() This soft 100% cotton tee features a detailed gray squirrel graphic, perfect for naturalists. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A retro design that shows your appreciation for these bushy-tailed neighbors. Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. []() A playful option with a humorous message for squirrel fans. Check Price and Availability
9. Are there any rare or unusual squirrel species in South Dakota?
The northern flying squirrel is present in the Black Hills but is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits. It has a distinctive gliding membrane and large dark eyes. Another oddity is the albino or leucistic fox squirrel, which occasionally appears in towns. If you spot one, report it to local wildlife groups. For more on squirrel oddities, check oursquirrel anomaly page.
10. What habitat features make a location good for spotting squirrels?
Look for mixed or deciduous forests with oak, walnut, and hickory trees that produce nuts squirrels cache. Parks with scattered large trees and open understory are ideal for fox squirrels. Mature conifer stands in the Black Hills support red squirrels. Water sources nearby (streams, ponds) increase sightings. Avoid dense shrub areas and young tree plantations. In towns, yards with established shade trees and low predator pressure attract squirrels year-round.
11. Can you find black squirrels in South Dakota?
Yes, black morphs of the gray squirrel occur infrequently in the eastern part of the state, especially in Sioux Falls. These individuals carry a recessive gene and are not a separate species, just a color variant of the eastern gray squirrel. Over time, black squirrel populations can increase if they arrive in ideal habitat where they face less predation due to camouflage in urban settings. Most of South Dakota's gray squirrels remain the typical gray and white color.
12. What is the largest squirrel in South Dakota?
The fox squirrel is the largest, capable of exceeding 24 inches in total length from nose to tail tip. Large males can weigh up to 2 pounds, making them nearly twice the size of gray squirrels. Their impressive bushy tail accounts for much of that length and serves as a blanket in winter and a rudder when jumping between branches. Despite their size, fox squirrels remain agile and can leap 20+ feet from tree to tree.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What squirrel species are found in South Dakota?+
South Dakota hosts four main squirrel species: the eastern fox squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, red squirrel, and the seldom-seen northern flying squirrel. Fox squirrels are the most widespread, especially in the eastern part of the state. Gray squirrels are common in the southeast and along the Missouri River. Red squirrels stick to coniferous forests in the Black Hills, while flying squirrels are rare and nocturnal. For a broader look at squirrel diversity, visit oursquirrel species guide.
2. Where in South Dakota are you most likely to see squirrels?+
Your best odds are in the eastern third of the state, from Sioux Falls north to Watertown and west to the James River valley. City parks, golf courses, and residential areas with mature oaks and walnuts are reliable. In the Black Hills, red squirrels are common around pine forests. Scattered fox squirrels also occur along tree-lined streams in the Great Plains. For more on South Dakota wildlife hotspots, see ourSouth Dakota wildlife page.
3. When is the best time of year to spot squirrels in South Dakota?+
Late summer through early fall (August to October) offers the peak activity as squirrels gather and store nuts. Spring (March to May) is also good, especially in the early morning. Midday heat reduces activity, so target early morning or late afternoon for the highest visibility. Winter sightings are possible during mild days, especially around bird feeders. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What are the key identification features to look for?+
Focus on size, tail shape, and ear tufts. Fox squirrels are large (20-30 inches) with a bushy, reddish tail and white-tipped ears. Gray squirrels are smaller (17-20 inches) with a grayish body and a white belly, plus a long, sweeping tail. Red squirrels are tiny (12-14 inches) with red-brown fur and white eye rings. Flying squirrels have a loose flap of skin between legs and large dark eyes. Use binoculars to examine ear tufts and tail markings at a distance.
5. How can you tell the difference between a fox squirrel and a gray squirrel?+
Fox squirrels are bulkier with a more orange or rusty wash on their underparts and a tail that often has a yellow-orange fringe. Gray squirrels are sleeker, uniformly gray above, and white below. In South Dakota, fox squirrels dominate open woodlands and parks, while grays stick to denser, mature forests. If you see a squirrel with a noticeably reddish tail, it's likely a fox squirrel. Watch their movement too: fox squirrels are more deliberate and ground-focused, while gray squirrels are acrobatic tree dwellers.
6. How do you identify a red squirrel versus larger species?+
Red squirrels are distinctly tiny (7-8 ounces) compared to fox squirrels (1.5 pounds) or gray squirrels (1 pound). Look for rusty-red fur on the back, white belly, and a narrow tail with a distinctive black stripe along the edge. Their ears are tufted in winter. Red squirrels are aggressive and vocal, often scolding at intruders with a loud, chattering bark. In South Dakota, they're found almost exclusively in the Black Hills conifer zone. If you hear an angry chittering in a pine forest, that's likely a red squirrel.
7. What should you bring to a squirrel-spotting outing?+
Binoculars help with distant sightings, and a field notebook for notes. Dress in neutral colors and move slowly. To commemorate your finds, consider a wildlife-themed t-shirt from oursquirrel collection. Here are a couple of popular options:
9. Are there any rare or unusual squirrel species in South Dakota?+
The northern flying squirrel is present in the Black Hills but is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits. It has a distinctive gliding membrane and large dark eyes. Another oddity is the albino or leucistic fox squirrel, which occasionally appears in towns. If you spot one, report it to local wildlife groups. For more on squirrel oddities, check oursquirrel anomaly page.
10. What habitat features make a location good for spotting squirrels?+
Look for mixed or deciduous forests with oak, walnut, and hickory trees that produce nuts squirrels cache. Parks with scattered large trees and open understory are ideal for fox squirrels. Mature conifer stands in the Black Hills support red squirrels. Water sources nearby (streams, ponds) increase sightings. Avoid dense shrub areas and young tree plantations. In towns, yards with established shade trees and low predator pressure attract squirrels year-round.
11. Can you find black squirrels in South Dakota?+
Yes, black morphs of the gray squirrel occur infrequently in the eastern part of the state, especially in Sioux Falls. These individuals carry a recessive gene and are not a separate species, just a color variant of the eastern gray squirrel. Over time, black squirrel populations can increase if they arrive in ideal habitat where they face less predation due to camouflage in urban settings. Most of South Dakota's gray squirrels remain the typical gray and white color.
12. What is the largest squirrel in South Dakota?+
The fox squirrel is the largest, capable of exceeding 24 inches in total length from nose to tail tip. Large males can weigh up to 2 pounds, making them nearly twice the size of gray squirrels. Their impressive bushy tail accounts for much of that length and serves as a blanket in winter and a rudder when jumping between branches. Despite their size, fox squirrels remain agile and can leap 20+ feet from tree to tree.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in South Dakota