6 Types of Squirrels in Vermont

1. What are the main squirrel species in Vermont?

Vermont hosts five squirrel species: Eastern Gray Squirrel (most common), Eastern Chipmunk (often mistaken for a squirrel), Red Squirrel (smaller, noisier), Northern Flying Squirrel (nocturnal, glides), and Southern Flying Squirrel (rare). The Eastern Gray is the one you'll see in backyards and parks, while Red Squirrels prefer coniferous woods. Check out the fullsquirrel species hubfor more details.

In Vermont, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

2. Where in Vermont are you most likely to spot squirrels?

Your best bet for seeing squirrels is in mixed hardwood forests, especially near oak, maple, and beech trees. Local parks like Centennial Woods in Burlington or the Groton State Forest are reliable. Backyard bird feeders also attract Eastern Grays and Red Squirrels. For a deeper look at Vermont wildlife hotspots, visit theVermont wildlife guide.

Eastern Gray Squirrels dominate suburban areas, parks, and towns throughout the state. Red Squirrels prefer the northern coniferous forests and mixed woodlands, particularly in higher elevations. Flying squirrels inhabit mature forests with large trees and cavities, primarily in the central and northeastern parts of Vermont. Chipmunks are ground-dwellers found in rocky woods, stone walls, and forest edges across the entire state.

3. What time of year gives the best squirrel sightings?

Early fall (September to October) is prime time because squirrels are actively gathering and storing nuts for winter. Spring (March to May) also offers good sightings as they emerge from dens. Winter sightings are possible but less frequent. The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon.

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During summer months, squirrels remain active but may be less visible in dense canopy cover. Mid-day heat often drives them to rest in tree cavities or shaded branches. Late afternoon, between 3 and 6 PM, is particularly productive for observation as squirrels forage more actively before settling for the night. Winter viewing can be rewarding near food sources like bird feeders, conifer seed cones, and stored caches they've established in open areas.

4. How can you tell Eastern Grays from Red Squirrels?

Eastern Gray Squirrels are larger, measuring 16-20 inches long, with a bushy, thick gray tail and distinctive white belly. Their ears lack tufts, and their overall body is robust and solid-looking. Red Squirrels are roughly half that size at 7-10 inches, with reddish-brown to rust-colored fur and a white or pale ring around each eye. Their ears have prominent black tufts in winter, making them instantly recognizable. Red Squirrels have a narrower, less bushy tail compared to Eastern Grays. Their vocalizations are far more pronounced: harsh chattering and scolding sounds versus the Eastern Gray's quieter, softer calls.

The tail is often the quickest way to distinguish them at a distance. Eastern Gray tails are consistently bushy and full-bodied. Red Squirrel tails are thinner with a distinctive black edge and appear less fluffy. In movement, Red Squirrels are more aggressive and territorial, whereas Eastern Grays are generally more tolerant of nearby observers. When foraging, Red Squirrels often hold food closer to their body, while Eastern Grays tend to sit more upright.

5. Do flying squirrels really fly?

Flying squirrels don't actually fly; they glide using a membrane between their front and back legs called a patagium. Two species live in Vermont: the Northern Flying Squirrel (more common in mature forests) and the Southern (rare). Both are nocturnal, so you'll need a flashlight and patience. Look for them in old woodpecker holes or nest boxes.

Northern Flying Squirrels are found throughout much of Vermont in forests with large trees and suitable cavities. Southern Flying Squirrels are extremely rare and restricted to a few southern towns, primarily in the Connecticut River valley. The Northern species can glide up to 150 feet from high branches, adjusting their descent angle to land on tree trunks with precision. To observe flying squirrels, wait near nest boxes or cavities at dusk or after dark with a red-filtered light that won't startle them as much as white light.

6. What should you do if you find a baby squirrel?

If you find a baby squirrel on the ground, first check if it's injured or in danger. Healthy babies often have a mother nearby. Leave it alone unless it's cold or visibly hurt. For guidance, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Vermont has several licensed rehabbers who specialize in small mammals like squirrels.

A young squirrel that appears alert and mobile is likely fine; the mother is watching from nearby. Fully-furred babies that are warm and responsive should be left undisturbed. Naked or very cold babies, or those with visible injuries or parasites, warrant rehabilitation care. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department maintains a list of licensed rehabilitators. Avoid touching wild squirrels with bare hands to prevent injury and disease transmission.

7. Differences between Vermont squirrel types and their habitats

Each Vermont squirrel species occupies a distinct ecological niche. Eastern Gray Squirrels thrive in deciduous and mixed forests with abundant mast-producing trees like oak, hickory, and beech. They're supremely adapted to human-dominated landscapes and flourish in suburban yards and urban parks. Red Squirrels prefer conifers like spruce, fir, and pine, where they harvest seeds from cones. They're also found in mixed forests where evergreens grow alongside hardwoods, particularly at higher elevations and in northern Vermont.

Northern Flying Squirrels inhabit old-growth and mature deciduous and mixed forests with large trees, preferring cooler northern regions. They rely on cavities in dead trees and woodpecker holes for dens. Southern Flying Squirrels are extremely rare in Vermont and only found in warmer southern areas, typically in oak-hickory forests near the state's borders. Eastern Chipmunks occupy rocky woodlands, stone walls, forest edges, and areas with burrow-suitable soil, typically in drier upland habitats.

Understanding these habitat preferences helps predict where to find each species. Dense suburban areas attract Eastern Grays. Evergreen plantations and northern hardwood forests yield Red Squirrels. Old forests with standing dead trees promise flying squirrel glimpses, though your odds remain low given their nocturnal nature. Chipmunk sightings peak near rocky terrain and forest edge transitions.

8. Squirrel-inspired gear for your next outing

**Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee**

This high-quality cotton tee features a detailed gray squirrel graphic, perfect for wearing on your Vermont squirrel walks.Check Price and Availability

**Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt**

A retro-style tee for anyone who appreciates these bushy-tailed rodents. Lightweight and comfortable.Check Price and Availability

**Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt.**

A fun design that shows your squirrel pride. Great as a gift or for your own collection.Check Price and Availability

Browse moresquirrel-themed t-shirtsto wear on your adventures.

9. How do you identify tree squirrels versus ground squirrels?

Tree squirrels have large, bushy tails that help them balance in branches, strong hind legs for leaping, and curved claws suited to gripping bark and branches. Their eyes are positioned to see upward. Eastern Gray Squirrels and Red Squirrels are tree squirrels. Ground squirrels, primarily Eastern Chipmunks in Vermont, have smaller, less fluffy tails, shorter legs adapted for digging and running, and eyes positioned more to the side for spotting predators. Chipmunks spend most of their time on the ground and in burrows, though they do climb trees occasionally.

10. Are squirrel sightings reliable in Vermont towns and cities?

Yes, Eastern Gray Squirrels are extremely reliable in towns and cities throughout Vermont. They thrive in parks, residential yards, and tree-lined streets. Parks like Centennial Woods in Burlington, parks within Montpelier, and Rutland's green spaces host abundant squirrels year-round. Red Squirrels are less common in heavily developed areas but do appear in neighborhoods bordering coniferous forests or tree-lined streets with evergreens. Flying squirrels avoid developed areas entirely, and chipmunks are occasional visitors to urban edges but prefer wilder terrain.

11. Frequently asked questions about Vermont squirrels

**Are there black squirrels in Vermont?** Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the Eastern Gray Squirrel, more common in certain areas like the Northeast Kingdom. They're the same species with a melanistic color variant rather than a separate type.

**Do squirrels hibernate?** Groundhogs and chipmunks do enter true hibernation, but tree squirrels like Grays and Reds remain active year-round, relying on stored food caches and their thick winter coat.

**What is the difference between a chipmunk and a squirrel?** Chipmunks are smaller ground-dwelling mammals, have distinct facial and back stripes, and live in burrows. Squirrels are larger tree-dwellers with bushy tails and dwell in tree cavities or leaf nests called dreys.

**Can I feed squirrels in Vermont?** It's generally okay to provide food but avoid processed foods and salt. Offer unsalted nuts like peanuts and sunflower seeds. Check local park rules before feeding, as some areas prohibit it to prevent dependency.

**How many squirrel species are in Vermont?** Five: Eastern Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Northern Flying Squirrel, and Southern Flying Squirrel. The Southern Flying Squirrel is extremely rare and endangered in the state.

**What do Vermont squirrels eat?** Eastern Grays and Red Squirrels eat acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts, pine seeds, mushrooms, buds, and fungi. They cache nuts for winter. Flying squirrels eat seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, and insects. Chipmunks eat nuts, seeds, berries, and insects, storing excess food in underground chambers.

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