Best Time to See Squirrels in Wisconsin
May, June and April is the best time to see squirrels in Wisconsin. Based on 14,122 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Wisconsin.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
14,122 verified observations of squirrels in Wisconsin, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
May
2,187 records (15.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 542 | 3.8% |
| February | 553 | 3.9% |
| March | 974 | 6.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,764 | 12.5% |
| Maypeak | 2,187 | 15.5% |
| Junepeak | 1,765 | 12.5% |
| July | 1,351 | 9.6% |
| August | 1,211 | 8.6% |
| September | 1,397 | 9.9% |
| October | 1,019 | 7.2% |
| November | 692 | 4.9% |
| December | 667 | 4.7% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 6,281 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 3,277 |
| American Red Squirrel | 1,975 |
| Groundhog | 1,049 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 933 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 210 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 113 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 30 |
Sightings of squirrels in Wisconsin peak in May, when 2,187 of the year's 14,122 verified observations are logged — about 15.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when squirrels are hardest to find — January sees just 542 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and American Red Squirrel — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see squirrels in Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best squirrel viewing in Wisconsin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Wisconsin?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 14,122 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
January is the quietest month for squirrels in Wisconsin, with only 542 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wisconsin, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Wisconsin