6 Types of Squirrels in Virginia

1. What are the most common squirrel species in Virginia?

Virginia has three squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). The eastern gray is by far the most widespread and frequently seen in urban and rural areas. Fox squirrels are larger and prefer open woodland edges, while flying squirrels are nocturnal and smaller. For a deeper dive on all species, visit oursquirrel hub.

2. How can you tell apart eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels?

Size and tail color are the easiest field marks. Eastern gray squirrels measure about 18 inches and have a gray tail with white edges. Fox squirrels can reach 27 inches and have a broad, rusty orange tail. Fox squirrels also have a more strong body and are often seen on the ground in open areas like golf courses and farm edges. Ear tufts are another clue: fox squirrels have prominent ear tufts in winter, while eastern grays do not. For more on Virginia's squirrel habitats, see ourstate wildlife page.

3. Where in Virginia are you most likely to see squirrels?

Your best odds are in mixed hardwood forests, especially in Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park, and suburban neighborhoods with mature oaks. Eastern grays are common in city parks and backyards throughout Richmond, Arlington, and Charlottesville. Fox squirrels prefer open woods near fields, like in the Piedmont region around Lynchburg and Farmville. Flying squirrels require a night hike with a red flashlight; try the Blue Ridge Parkway or state forests in the southwestern mountains. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. When is the best time of year to see flying squirrels in Virginia?

Flying squirrels are active year round but easiest to spot in fall when they gather acorns. They are strictly nocturnal, so plan to go out at dusk or after dark. Use a red flashlight to avoid disturbing them. Winter is also good because they den together in tree cavities, and you might see them emerging at sunset. Late September through November offers the most reliable sightings as they actively forage before winter.

5. What are the key identification markers for the southern flying squirrel?

Southern flying squirrels are small (9 to 10 inches) with a loose flap of skin called a patagium between front and back legs. They are grayish brown above, white below, with large dark eyes. They do not truly fly but glide between trees using that membranous skin. Listen for soft chirps and look for gliding silhouettes at dusk. Visit oursquirrel identification guidefor more details.

6. What other animals might be confused with squirrels in Virginia?

Chipmunks are smaller with striped backs, and groundhogs are much larger and chunkier. Red squirrels are rare in Virginia but have a reddish coat and ear tufts. To separate them from gray squirrels, focus on tail shape: gray squirrels have a bushy tail, while red squirrels have a thinner tail. For help with other Virginia wildlife lookalikes, check outour deer pagefor size comparison (though not a squirrel, it helps with scale).

7. What do Virginia squirrels eat and how does diet vary by species?

Eastern gray squirrels primarily eat acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and seeds from hardwood trees. They cache nuts in fall for winter survival and sometimes raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds. Fox squirrels eat similar foods but also favor pine seeds and ground-level seeds more than gray squirrels. Southern flying squirrels have a different diet: they prefer tree fungi (especially fungal truffle-like growths), lichen, insects, and seeds from conifers. In spring, all three species supplement with fresh buds and bark. This dietary variation explains why you find squirrels in different habitats across Virginia.

8. Are there any red squirrels in Virginia?

Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are uncommon in Virginia. They are mostly found in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in the western mountain counties above 3,000 feet. Their reddish coat and ear tufts set them apart from the dominant eastern gray. Red squirrels are more aggressive than gray squirrels and often exclude them from mixed forests where both species overlap. If you see a red squirrel in Virginia, you are in a mountain habitat.

9. What squirrel-themed gear can help you enjoy wildlife watching in Virginia?

If you want to show off your squirrel sightings, here are a few tees that capture the spirit.

Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women []() A realistic gray squirrel design on a soft cotton tee. Perfect for wearing on your next hike. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt []() A classic retro style with a simple squirrel silhouette. Great for casual outings. Check Price and Availability

Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. []() A humorous design for squirrel fans. Lighthearted and comfortable. Check Price and Availability

For more squirrel apparel, browse ourt-shirt collection.

10. Do flying squirrels hibernate or become inactive in winter?

Southern flying squirrels do not truly hibernate. They become less active in winter and often share dens with other flying squirrels to stay warm, sometimes clustering in groups of 10 or more in a single tree cavity. On mild winter nights they will emerge to forage. This social denning behavior is unique among tree squirrels and helps them survive Virginia's coldest months. Watch for signs of activity on clear, mild winter evenings.

11. How do squirrel populations change across Virginia's different regions?

Virginia's geography creates distinct squirrel communities. The Coastal Plain and Piedmont support dense populations of eastern gray squirrels in oak and hickory forests. Fox squirrels reach their highest densities in the open woodlands of the southern Piedmont. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian highlands have lower densities overall, but flying squirrels become more prevalent in old-growth spruce-fir forests above 4,000 feet. The northern valleys of the Shenandoah support mixed populations of all three species. Understanding these regional patterns helps you predict which squirrel you will encounter.

12. What is the ecological role of squirrels in Virginia's forest ecosystem?

Squirrels are keystone species in Virginia's forests. They bury thousands of acorns and nuts each fall, and many of these caches are never retrieved, resulting in new oak, hickory, and chestnut seedlings that regenerate the forest. This seed dispersal activity shapes forest composition across decades. Squirrels also provide food for raptors like red-tailed hawks and owls, and their abandoned nests become homes for flying squirrels and songbirds. By eating fungi and insects, flying squirrels help control forest pests. Observing squirrels gives you insight into the health and future of Virginia's woodlands.