Squirrels in Vermont: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking

1. What squirrel species live in Vermont?

Vermont hosts three main squirrel species: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). The Eastern Chipmunk, though often mistaken for a squirrel, is a separate ground-dwelling rodent. Gray squirrels dominate in towns and deciduous forests, while reds prefer conifers and mixed stands at higher elevations. Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal and rarely seen without deliberate night spotting. Each species exhibits distinct seasonal behaviors: grays may den up during heavy snow, reds remain active, and flying squirrels compress their activity but do not hibernate.

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2. How can I tell gray squirrels and red squirrels apart at a glance?

Size is the quickest clue. Eastern Gray Squirrels are larger, 17 to 20 inches including tail, with a bushy, salt-and-pepper tail and white belly. Red Squirrels are much smaller, 11 to 14 inches, with a reddish coat, white eye ring, and a thinner tail. In winter, grays can look frosty; reds maintain a warmer tone. If you see a squirrel with tufted ears, it's likely a red squirrel in winter. Gray squirrels have a broader chest and rounder body, while red squirrels appear slender and wiry. The tail of a gray is flat and wide; a red squirrel's tail is narrower and more vertically held.

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3. Where in Vermont am I most likely to see squirrels?

Eastern Gray Squirrels are common in suburban yards, parks, and mixed hardwood forests around Burlington, Montpelier, and along the Champlain Valley. Red Squirrels favor spruce-fir forests at higher elevations like the Green Mountains, especially above 2,000 feet. Northern Flying Squirrels are found in mature hardwood-conifer forests statewide, but you'll need a spotlight and patience to spot them during early evening or predawn hours. Look for grays in oak-heavy stands in the spring and fall when they're caching. Reds are easier to hear than see, with loud chatter and territorial calls marking their presence in conifer patches.

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4. What is the best time of year for squirrel spotting?

Fall, September through November, is prime squirrel viewing. Both grays and reds are busy caching nuts and seeds, making them active and visible during daylight. Early morning, dawn to 9 AM, and late afternoon, 3 PM to dusk, offer the best odds. In winter, look for red squirrels on sunny days; grays may stay hidden during storms but emerge on mild afternoons. Spring brings activity tied to new leaf growth and seed availability, while summer can be quieter as food is abundant and they spend more time resting in shade.

5. What field marks separate the Northern Flying Squirrel from other species?

Northern Flying Squirrels have a patagium, a skin flap connecting wrist to ankle, visible when they glide. They are smaller than grays but similar in size to reds, 9 to 10 inches, with large dark eyes, a flattened tail, and a grayish-brown coat. The belly is white with a slight yellowish tinge. You'll rarely see them on the ground; look for gliding silhouettes at dusk in old-growth stands. Their call is a soft, high-pitched chirp, unlike the loud chatter of red squirrels. Flying squirrels feed on fungi, nuts, and seeds and often visit bird feeders at night.

6. How can I confirm a squirrel sighting using tracks or sign?

Squirrel tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the hind, with a distinctive bounding pattern where the hind feet land ahead of the front. Gray squirrel tracks are larger, about 1 inch front foot, while reds are smaller. Look for chewed pine cones (red squirrels leave neat spiral strips), gnawed acorns, and leaf nests called dreys in branch forks. Feeding sign on black walnuts often points to grays. Scat is small and dark, often left in the same feeding areas. Fresh claw marks on bark indicate recent climbing activity.

7. What about the Eastern Chipmunk, is it a squirrel?

Chipmunks are ground squirrels, but in Vermont they are often confused with tree squirrels. They are much smaller, 8 to 10 inches including tail, have five dark stripes on the back, and a shorter, less bushy tail. Chipmunks live in burrows and are most active in summer. They are not tree squirrels, but observing behavior (ground vs. arboreal) quickly separates them. Chipmunks also have less prominent ear tufts and a stockier body proportional to head size compared to tree squirrels.

8. Where can I find squirrel-focused gear to enjoy my sightings?

Once you've identified a squirrel, you might want to show off your find. Easy Street Markets offers a range of wildlife-themed apparel. For a simple nod to your sighting, the**Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel**features a detailed gray squirrel design on 100% cotton. If you prefer a vintage look, the**Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt**is a casual option. Both are perfect for field trips and backyard watching.Check out our full squirrel shirt collection.

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9. Frequently asked questions about Vermont squirrels?

**Are there black squirrels in Vermont?** Yes, black morph Eastern Gray Squirrels occur in some areas, especially around Burlington. They are the same species. **Do flying squirrels hibernate?** No, but they become less active in winter and may share nests to stay warm. **What is the best bait for squirrel watching?** Sunflower seeds and peanuts work well. **Can I feed squirrels in my backyard?** Yes, but use a sturdy feeder to discourage raccoons.

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10. What sounds do Vermont squirrels make and what do they mean?

Eastern Gray Squirrels produce loud churring and barking sounds when alarmed or territorial, often followed by tail flicking. Red Squirrels are noisier still, with rapid-fire chatter and high-pitched calls that can carry far through a forest. These vocalizations serve as warnings to other squirrels and as territorial declarations. Flying Squirrels are nearly silent but emit occasional soft chirps during social interactions. Learning to recognize squirrel alarm calls can help you locate them even before you spot them visually. Early morning is best for hearing chatter as squirrels become more vocal when defending territory or responding to perceived threats.

11. How do squirrels prepare for winter and how does this affect identification?

Squirrels do not hibernate but instead rely on food caches and stored energy. In autumn, all three Vermont species increase foraging and caching activity. Gray squirrels scatter-hoard acorns and hickory nuts across large territories, while red squirrels middens (pile) cones near their den sites. Flying Squirrels cache nuts in tree cavities. This behavioral difference can help you identify them: if you see intense nut-gathering in a specific oak tree, grays are at work. If you see orderly piles of pine cone remains below a spruce, reds are responsible. Winter coats appear thicker and fluffier, making size comparisons tricky between seasons.

12. Can I distinguish between young and adult squirrels and why does it matter?

Juvenile squirrels are smaller and appear slimmer than adults, with shorter tails and less bushy fur. In late summer and early fall, young-of-the-year are dispersing and learning to forage independently, making them easier to observe as they are less cautious. However, size alone can mislead an identifier into thinking a young gray is a red or vice versa. Focus on tail shape, ear tufts (present year-round on reds but only winter on grays), and body proportions rather than pure size. Older adults often have slightly darker coloration and larger, more muscular bodies compared to juveniles.