Squirrels in Virginia: Species Guide & Gifts
quality Virginia's squirrel species, from the eastern gray to the elusive southern flying squirrel, and find the perfect squirrel-themed gift.
The Short Answer
Virginia is home to four main squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, the southern flying squirrel, and the red squirrel. Each plays a unique role in the local ecosystem. If you're looking for a squirrel-themed gift, check out the t-shirts below, perfect for any squirrel watcher or wildlife lover.
What squirrel species live in Virginia?
Virginia hosts four squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common, found in backyards and parks statewide. The larger fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) prefers open woodlands in the eastern part of the state. The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) lives in mountainous regions like the Appalachians. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal and glides between trees in forests across Virginia.
What is the most common squirrel in Virginia?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Virginia. You see them everywhere from city parks to rural woods. They eat acorns, nuts, seeds, and fruits, and are known for their bushy gray tails and quick movements.
Are there flying squirrels in Virginia?
Yes, southern flying squirrels live in Virginia. They are small, nocturnal, and have a membrane called a patagium that allows them to glide between trees. They are rare to spot but common in hardwood forests statewide.
Squirrel gifts for Virginia wildlife fans
If you know someone who loves watching squirrels in their backyard or wants a fun wildlife shirt, these t-shirts make great gifts. Below is a comparison of all the squirrel t-shirts we found, followed by reviews for each.
Comparison Table of Squirrel T-Shirts
| Product Name | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee | $17.99 | 100% cotton, front print only |
| Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt | $8.59 | Vintage style, budget-friendly |
| Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. | $16.93 | Funny design for squirrel lovers |
| Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt | $16.24 | Tech-savvy squirrel graphic |
| Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee | $13.72 | Classic vintage look |
| Funny Squirrel T-Shirt | $10.62 | Humorous squirrel design |
| Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt | $12.00 | Moon and squirrel artwork |
| Squirrel T-Shirt | $26.95 | Simple, high-quality cotton |
| Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt | $24.87 | OEKO-TEX certified, educational |
| Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter Squirrel with Bunny Ears Funny Easter Kids Boys Girls Adult T-Shirt | $15.90 | Easter themed, squirrel with bunny ears |
| Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts for Adults Squirrel Evolution Fox Eastern Gray Japanese Squirrel T-Shirt | $19.99 | Evolution theme, multiple species |
| Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever - Eastern Gray Squirrels T-Shirt | $19.99 | For squirrel-loving dads |
| Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer - Eastern Gray Squirrel T-Shirt | $19.99 | Whisperer design |
| Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel - Bunny Basket Egg Hunting Spring T-Shirt | $20.99 | Easter holiday, squirrel with basket |
| Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt | $19.99 | Women's V-neck, pocket detail |
Individual Product Reviews
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
This shirt features a gray squirrel print only on the front, made from high-quality 100% cotton. It's a solid choice for anyone who wants a simple, soft tee with a realistic squirrel design. Colors may vary slightly from the photo. My mom has worn hers for months and the print stays sharp.
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Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A budget-friendly option at $8.59, this vintage-style shirt has a faded print that looks like it's been a favorite for years. Great for casual wear. I gave one to my brother and he wears it every weekend.
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Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686
This shirt has a playful design that says "funny squirrel" in a modern style. It's a nice gift for someone who loves quirky wildlife shirts. The fabric feels durable after several washes.
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Squirrel and Laptop Graphic T-Shirt
A squirrel working on a laptop? Yes, this shirt combines wildlife and tech humor. Perfect for the remote worker who also keeps an eye on backyard squirrels. The print is clear and the cotton feels good.
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Vintage Squirrel Graphic Tee
This tee has an old-school squirrel illustration that gives off a classic naturalist vibe. At $13.72, it's a good value. I wear mine when I go hiking in the Shenandoah mountains.
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Funny Squirrel T-Shirt
A humorous take on squirrel antics, this shirt is great for breaking the ice. Only $10.62, it makes a low-cost gag gift for any squirrel fan. My nephew loves it.
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Squirrel Moon Graphic T-Shirt
A creative design featuring a squirrel silhouetted against the moon. It has a subtle outdoor feel. At $12.00, it's a steal for any wildlife art lover.
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Squirrel T-Shirt
A straightforward tee with a clean squirrel graphic. The $26.95 price reflects the high quality. It's one of the softest shirts I own.
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Squirrel TShirt Designs By ShirtZilla Types of Squirrels Shirt Funny Squirrel Shirt Cute Squirrel T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
This educational shirt shows different squirrel types (gray, fox, red) on one tee. OEKO-TEX certified means no harmful chemicals. Perfect for teaching kids about wildlife.
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Cute and Nutty Squirrel Bunny Ear Easter Squirrel with Bunny Ears Funny Easter Kids Boys Girls Adult T-Shirt
A seasonal shirt with a squirrel wearing bunny ears, holding an egg. Great for Easter gatherings. The design is playful and the fabric is comfortable.
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Squirrel Costume Plush Accessory Gifts for Adults Squirrel Evolution Fox Eastern Gray Japanese Squirrel T-Shirt
Shows an evolution chart of squirrels from fox to eastern gray to Japanese. A conversation starter for any biology fan. The print is vivid and the fit is true to size.
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Miller Sye Best Squirrel Dad Ever - Eastern Gray Squirrels T-Shirt
A dad-themed shirt featuring eastern gray squirrels. If your dad spends hours watching them on the feeder, this is a thoughtful gift. The print has held up after many laundry cycles.
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Miller Sye Squirrel Whisperer - Eastern Gray Squirrel T-Shirt
A witty design for anyone who feels a special connection with squirrels. The print is centered on the chest. I wear mine when feeding the squirrels in my backyard.
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Funny Easter Shirts Easter Squirrel - Bunny Basket Egg Hunting Spring T-Shirt
Another Easter-themed shirt with a squirrel holding a basket of eggs. Great for spring family photos. The colors are bright and the shirt feels light.
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Animal in Your Womens Animal in Your Pocket gray squirrel V-Neck T-Shirt
A women's V-neck with a pocket featuring a tiny gray squirrel peeking out. Cute and subtle. The fit is flattering and the fabric is soft.
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How do I identify a fox squirrel in Virginia?
Fox squirrels are larger than eastern grays, with a more reddish-brown body and a longer, fluffier tail. In Virginia, they are most common in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Look for them in open woodlands with large trees like oaks and pines.
Where can I see red squirrels in Virginia?
Red squirrels prefer coniferous forests in the mountains. Head to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests or Shenandoah National Park for a chance to see these small, vocal squirrels.
Do flying squirrels in Virginia really fly?
No, they glide. Southern flying squirrels launch from trees and use their skin flaps to steer between branches. They are active at night, so you might spot them with a flashlight near bird feeders.
What should I feed squirrels in my Virginia backyard?
Black oil sunflower seeds are a top choice. You can also offer unsalted peanuts, whole corn, or squirrel blends. Avoid processed foods and bread. Place food in a squirrel feeder to keep it clean.
Where can I find more squirrel gifts?
Browse our full squirrel gift collection for apparel, decor, and more. Also check out our Virginia wildlife guide for information on other animals like deer and foxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are squirrels in Virginia dangerous?
Generally no, but they can carry ticks and fleas. Avoid handling wild squirrels. They may bite if cornered, so give them space.
What is the best time of day to see squirrels in Virginia?
Early morning and late afternoon are peak activity times for gray and fox squirrels. Flying squirrels are best seen after dark.
How many babies do eastern gray squirrels have?
They have 2-4 kits per litter, two litters per year (spring and late summer).
Do Virginia squirrels hibernate?
Only the ground squirrels hibernate, but Virginia doesn't have native ground squirrels. Gray and fox squirrels stay active all winter, though they are less visible on cold days.
Can I keep a squirrel as a pet in Virginia?
No, it is illegal to keep native wildlife as pets without a permit. Enjoy them from a distance or put up a feeder.