Squirrels in Texas: identification guide and where to start looking
Texas is home to two main tree squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. Both are common statewide, but they show distinct field marks. Gray squirrels have white bellies and shorter tails; fox squirrels are larger with rusty bellies and longer, white-edged tails.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- April, May, March
- 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
77,538 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Texas, most often in April, May, March.
When squirrel are recorded in Texas
Texas is home to two main tree squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. Both are common statewide, but they show distinct field marks. Gray squirrels have white bellies and shorter tails; fox squirrels are larger with rusty bellies and longer, white-edged tails.
1. What are the most useful ID markers for squirrels in Texas?
Focus on three features: belly color, tail shape, and overall size. Eastern gray squirrels have white bellies and a flat, bushy tail with white-tipped hairs. Fox squirrels have rusty orange bellies and a longer tail with prominent white edges. Southern flying squirrels are smaller, nocturnal, and have a patagium (skin flap) connecting front and back legs. For more details, see oursquirrel identification resources.
2. What are the likely lookalikes to watch for?
Gray and fox squirrels are the main confusion pair. A young fox squirrel can look similar to an adult gray squirrel, but check the belly: gray squirrels are white below, fox squirrels are rusty. Also, the fox squirrel's tail is longer and more rounded. Ground squirrels (like the Mexican ground squirrel) are smaller and spend much more time on the ground. No other Texas tree squirrel matches the size and tail of the fox or gray.
3. Where in Texas do people usually notice squirrels first?
Most sightings happen in urban and suburban parks, college campuses, and wooded neighborhoods. In rural areas, look near oak and pecan groves. State parks like Tyler State Park, Bastrop State Park, and Daingerfield State Park offer reliable sightings. The eastern gray squirrel is more common in east Texas, while fox squirrels dominate the central and western parts. Check theTexas wildlife guidefor park recommendations.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season or time window for confident sightings?
Squirrels are active year-round, but the best times are early morning (dawn to 9 AM) and late afternoon (4 PM to dusk). In spring and fall, breeding activity increases visibility as males chase females. During summer heat, they are less active midday. In winter, they are still active but may delay emergence on very cold mornings. Squirrels do not hibernate, so you can find them in any month.
5. How can I tell the difference between a gray squirrel and a fox squirrel?
Compare belly color first: gray squirrel has a white belly, fox squirrel has a rusty orange belly. Next check the tail: gray squirrel tail is shorter (about 6-8 inches) and slightly flattened; fox squirrel tail is longer (8-10 inches) and more rounded with striking white edges. Size is also a clue: fox squirrels are noticeably bulkier (up to 30 inches total length vs 20 inches for gray squirrels).
6. Are there any rare or unusual color morphs in Texas?
Yes. Melanistic (all black) gray squirrels are reported occasionally in east Texas, and albino (white with pink eyes) squirrels have been documented in several towns. These are genetic variations. They behave like normal squirrels but are easier to spot. If you see one, note the location and share with local wildlife groups.
7. Where can I find squirrel-themed clothing and gear?
Once you've identified your first squirrel, you might want to celebrate with a shirt. Easy Street Markets offers aWild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrelthat shows the species correctly. For a vintage feel, try theSquirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt. Browse allsquirrel t-shirtsfor more options.
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
8. Do squirrels in Texas hibernate?
No. Squirrels in Texas stay active year-round. They cache food (like acorns and pecans) in the fall and rely on those stashes during cold or wet spells. On harsh winter days, they may den up for a day or two, but they come out to feed as soon as conditions improve. If you see a squirrel in January, it is simply looking for its food caches.
9. What should I do if I find a baby squirrel on the ground?
First, check if the baby is injured or in immediate danger. If it appears healthy and has fur, it may be a fledgling (learning to climb). The mother often comes back for it. Place it in a shallow box at the base of the tree and watch from a distance. If it is hairless or seems injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not feed it or bring it inside unless directed.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most useful ID markers for squirrels in Texas?+
Focus on three features: belly color, tail shape, and overall size. Eastern gray squirrels have white bellies and a flat, bushy tail with white-tipped hairs. Fox squirrels have rusty orange bellies and a longer tail with prominent white edges. Southern flying squirrels are smaller, nocturnal, and have a patagium (skin flap) connecting front and back legs. For more details, see oursquirrel identification resources.
2. What are the likely lookalikes to watch for?+
Gray and fox squirrels are the main confusion pair. A young fox squirrel can look similar to an adult gray squirrel, but check the belly: gray squirrels are white below, fox squirrels are rusty. Also, the fox squirrel's tail is longer and more rounded. Ground squirrels (like the Mexican ground squirrel) are smaller and spend much more time on the ground. No other Texas tree squirrel matches the size and tail of the fox or gray.
3. Where in Texas do people usually notice squirrels first?+
Most sightings happen in urban and suburban parks, college campuses, and wooded neighborhoods. In rural areas, look near oak and pecan groves. State parks like Tyler State Park, Bastrop State Park, and Daingerfield State Park offer reliable sightings. The eastern gray squirrel is more common in east Texas, while fox squirrels dominate the central and western parts. Check theTexas wildlife guidefor park recommendations. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season or time window for confident sightings?+
Squirrels are active year-round, but the best times are early morning (dawn to 9 AM) and late afternoon (4 PM to dusk). In spring and fall, breeding activity increases visibility as males chase females. During summer heat, they are less active midday. In winter, they are still active but may delay emergence on very cold mornings. Squirrels do not hibernate, so you can find them in any month.
5. How can I tell the difference between a gray squirrel and a fox squirrel?+
Compare belly color first: gray squirrel has a white belly, fox squirrel has a rusty orange belly. Next check the tail: gray squirrel tail is shorter (about 6-8 inches) and slightly flattened; fox squirrel tail is longer (8-10 inches) and more rounded with striking white edges. Size is also a clue: fox squirrels are noticeably bulkier (up to 30 inches total length vs 20 inches for gray squirrels).
6. Are there any rare or unusual color morphs in Texas?+
Yes. Melanistic (all black) gray squirrels are reported occasionally in east Texas, and albino (white with pink eyes) squirrels have been documented in several towns. These are genetic variations. They behave like normal squirrels but are easier to spot. If you see one, note the location and share with local wildlife groups.
7. Where can I find squirrel-themed clothing and gear?+
Once you've identified your first squirrel, you might want to celebrate with a shirt. Easy Street Markets offers aWild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrelthat shows the species correctly. For a vintage feel, try theSquirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt. Browse allsquirrel t-shirtsfor more options. ### 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
8. Do squirrels in Texas hibernate?+
No. Squirrels in Texas stay active year-round. They cache food (like acorns and pecans) in the fall and rely on those stashes during cold or wet spells. On harsh winter days, they may den up for a day or two, but they come out to feed as soon as conditions improve. If you see a squirrel in January, it is simply looking for its food caches.
9. What should I do if I find a baby squirrel on the ground?+
First, check if the baby is injured or in immediate danger. If it appears healthy and has fur, it may be a fledgling (learning to climb). The mother often comes back for it. Place it in a shallow box at the base of the tree and watch from a distance. If it is hairless or seems injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not feed it or bring it inside unless directed. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Texas