Squirrels in Utah: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For
Yes, squirrels are common across Utah. From the rock squirrel in canyon country to the Abert's squirrel in pine forests, you can spot them in parks, suburbs, and high desert. Start your search near oak and pine trees in the early morning or late afternoon for the best odds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Eastern Fox Squirrel 路 Chelsea Welch CC BY
Uinta Ground Squirrel 路 Samuel Anaya CC BY
Hopi Chipmunk 路 Roland Godon CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 25,005
- GBIF records
- June, May, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
18 types of squirrels recorded in Utah
18 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Utah across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 18 shown is recorded as introduced to Utah rather than native, and 1 is endemic to Utah, found here and effectively nowhere else.
1
2
3
4- 5
6
7- 8
9
10
11
12
Also recorded in Utah
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Cliff ChipmunkNativeNeotamias dorsalis | Neotamias dorsalis | 158 |
| 14 | Gunnison's Prairie DogNativeCynomys gunnisoni | Cynomys gunnisoni | 70 |
| 15 | Piute Ground SquirrelNativeUrocitellus mollis | Urocitellus mollis | 42 |
| 16 | Abert's SquirrelNativeSciurus aberti | Sciurus aberti | 29 |
| 17 | Northern Flying SquirrelNativeGlaucomys sabrinus | Glaucomys sabrinus | 20 |
| 18 | Fremont's SquirrelNativeTamiasciurus fremonti | Tamiasciurus fremonti | 20 |
Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
17,827 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Utah, most often in June, May, July.
When squirrel are recorded in Utah
Yes, squirrels are common across Utah. From the rock squirrel in canyon country to the Abert's squirrel in pine forests, you can spot them in parks, suburbs, and high desert. Start your search near oak and pine trees in the early morning or late afternoon for the best odds.
1. What squirrel species live in Utah?
Utah hosts several squirrel species. The most widespread is the rock squirrel, often seen in rocky areas and canyons. In the Wasatch Front and mountain forests, look for the Abert's squirrel with its tufted ears. The fox squirrel has been introduced in urban areas, and the Utah prairie dog (a ground squirrel) lives in southwestern grasslands. The least chipmunk is also common but smaller.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. Where are squirrels most likely found in Utah?
Squirrels are most likely in areas with trees and rocky outcrops. Along the Wasatch Front, check city parks, golf courses, and neighborhoods with mature oaks and pines. In southern Utah, look around Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon where rock squirrels thrive. Mountain forests around 6,000 to 8,000 feet host Abert's squirrels in ponderosa pines. For the best odds, focus on habitats with ample food and cover.
See ourSquirrels guidefor the next step.
3. When is the best time of day to see squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon are prime times. Squirrels are diurnal, most active in the first few hours after sunrise and again before sunset. In cooler months, they may stay active through midday. During hot summer afternoons, they often rest. Seasonal behavior: they gather food heavily in fall and are less active in deep winter, but remain visible on warmer days.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What signs and tracks do squirrels leave behind?
Look for chewed pine cones at the base of trees, often with scales stripped off. Squirrel tracks show four toes on front feet and five on hind, with small claw marks. In snow, you may see bounding patterns with hind feet landing ahead of front feet. Also look for leaf nests (dreys) in tree forks and holes in trees used for dens. Digging around tree roots indicates caching.
5. How can you identify squirrel sounds and behaviors?
Squirrels make a variety of sounds. An alarm call is a sharp "bark" or "chuck" repeated rapidly. When agitated, they flick their tails and chatter. Chattering teeth or a low growl can mean annoyance. Watch for tail flagging and freeze postures. A crouched, still squirrel is wary; a bounding squirrel is likely traveling or chased. These behaviors help you locate them even if hidden.
6. What should you bring for a squirrel spotting outing?
Comfortable hiking clothes and quiet footwear help you approach without spooking them. A pair of binoculars is useful for distant treetops, and a field guide to Utah mammals can aid identification. If you enjoy wildlife apparel, check out the Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel, the Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt, or the Squirrel Shirt to show your interest. Browse more wildlife shirts for your outings.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
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7. Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Utah
**Are squirrels in Utah aggressive?** Most are shy, but rock squirrels may defend their territory if cornered. Give them space. **Do squirrels hibernate?** Many Utah squirrels remain active year-round, but some ground squirrels hibernate in winter. **What do they eat?** Nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects. **Can I feed squirrels?** It's best to let them forage naturally. Feeding can lead to dependency and health issues. For more on Utah wildlife, visit the Utah wildlife page or the squirrel animal hub.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Utah: June, May, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Utah
25,005 verified squirrel records have been logged in Utah, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Capitol Reef National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Cedar Breaks National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Zion National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Arches National Park 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Utah?+
Utah hosts several squirrel species. The most widespread is the rock squirrel, often seen in rocky areas and canyons. In the Wasatch Front and mountain forests, look for the Abert's squirrel with its tufted ears. The fox squirrel has been introduced in urban areas, and the Utah prairie dog (a ground squirrel) lives in southwestern grasslands. The least chipmunk is also common but smaller. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where can you see squirrels in Utah?+
Utah hosts several squirrel species. The most widespread is the rock squirrel, often seen in rocky areas and canyons. In the Wasatch Front and mountain forests, look for the Abert's squirrel with its tufted ears. The fox squirrel has been introduced in urban areas, and the Utah prairie dog (a ground squirrel) lives in southwestern grasslands. The least chipmunk is also common but smaller. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Utah?+
Utah hosts several squirrel species. The most widespread is the rock squirrel, often seen in rocky areas and canyons. In the Wasatch Front and mountain forests, look for the Abert's squirrel with its tufted ears. The fox squirrel has been introduced in urban areas, and the Utah prairie dog (a ground squirrel) lives in southwestern grasslands. The least chipmunk is also common but smaller. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Utah