10 Types of Squirrels in Wisconsin

What types of squirrels are found in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin hosts four squirrel species, each with distinct field marks. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common, with a gray body and white belly. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is larger, often reddish-brown, and has a rusty or tan belly. The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is smaller, reddish-brown with a white eye ring and ear tufts. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is nocturnal, with a gliding membrane called a patagium stretched between its limbs.

In Wisconsin, squirrel sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use the state wildlife hub (/wildlife/wisconsin) and the route guide (/wildlife/wisconsin/squirrel) to 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.

For more details on squirrel identification, visit our squirrel species hub (/animals/squirrel).

How can you tell similar squirrel species apart?

The gray and fox squirrels are the easiest to confuse in mixed habitats. Look at the belly: grays have white bellies, fox squirrels have rusty or tan bellies. Head shape also differs: fox squirrels have a broader, flatter skull and larger, more prominent ears. Body size is another clue: fox squirrels weigh 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, while grays weigh 0.75 to 1.3 pounds. Red squirrels are unmistakable due to their small size (0.25 to 0.5 pounds), reddish coat, and prominent ear tufts. Flying squirrels are rarely seen during the day but can be identified by their large, dark eyes, tiny rounded ears, and flattened tail. If you're in a mixed forest, focus on tail color (grays have bushy gray tails; foxes have rusty or yellow-tipped tails; reds have rushy reddish tails) and ear tufts for quick separation.

For regional tips, check our Wisconsin wildlife page (/wildlife/wisconsin).

Where in Wisconsin are you most likely to see each type?

Gray squirrels thrive in urban parks and suburbs across the state, especially around oak and hickory trees. They adapt well to human landscapes and are often found in residential yards with feeders. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands and forest edges, and are more common in southern Wisconsin around farmlands, particularly in areas with scattered oaks. Red squirrels dominate northern conifer forests, particularly in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and around lakes with pine and spruce groves. They avoid the central and southern parts of the state where conifers are rare. Flying squirrels are statewide but require quiet, mature forests; your best odds are in the northern woods during a night hike, especially in areas with large oaks, maples, and hickories.

Start with any park in Madison or Milwaukee to see grays and fox squirrels. See our state animal guide (/wildlife/wisconsin/squirrel) for the next step.

Best time of day or year for squirrel sightings?

Squirrels are active year-round in Wisconsin, but the best viewing windows are during early morning and late afternoon, especially after a fresh snowfall when tracks are visible. Fall (September to November) is prime time as they busily gather acorns and prepare caches for winter. In winter, look for midday activity on sunny days when they emerge to feed from stored caches. Spring brings newly emerged young in April and May, making it a good time to see them near nest sites. Summer offers consistent viewing but heat reduces midday activity. For the most consistent sightings, focus on oak groves in the southern part of the state from dawn to mid-morning, or visit northern conifer areas in late afternoon.

Are there black or albino squirrels in Wisconsin?

Black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel and are relatively common in parts of Wisconsin, especially around the Fox River Valley and in Waupaca. These melanistic individuals are the same species as gray squirrels and behave identically. Albino squirrels are extremely rare but occasionally reported, particularly in localized populations. Leucistic (all-white) squirrels have also been documented. These color variations do not affect habitat choice or behavior, so use the same identification clues and search areas as you would for typical grays. For more on rare squirrel variations, see our squirrel identification guide (/animals/squirrel).

What sounds do Wisconsin squirrels make?

Eastern gray squirrels produce a loud, rapid clicking or chattering noise when alarmed or defending territory. This sound can carry 50 feet or more and often alerts other animals to a predator's presence. Fox squirrels are generally quieter but make soft clucking sounds during mating season. Red squirrels are vocal year-round, producing high-pitched chirps and buzzing trills that can sound like a small bird. Flying squirrels are mostly silent but occasionally make soft squeaks. Learning these calls can help you locate squirrels even when they are hidden in trees or active at dawn. Listening for alarm calls is often the first sign of a predator like a hawk or fox in the area.

How do squirrel species compete for resources in Wisconsin?

All four Wisconsin squirrel species occupy slightly different ecological niches, which reduces direct competition. Gray squirrels prefer deciduous and mixed forests with hickories and oaks at lower elevations. Fox squirrels use more open, park-like habitats. Red squirrels are restricted to conifer areas and have a strong territorial nature, excluding others from their forest patches. Flying squirrels use the high canopy at night when others sleep. However, gray and fox squirrels can compete for acorns in fall. Red squirrels sometimes raid bird feeders and exclude other species. Understanding these preferences helps explain which squirrel you are most likely to encounter in a particular Wisconsin location.

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Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Wisconsin

Are there flying squirrels in Wisconsin? Yes, the southern flying squirrel is common in mature forests throughout the state. They are nocturnal, so use a red flashlight to spot them without disturbing their eyes.

Do squirrels hibernate? No, but they become less active in winter and rely on cached food buried in the fall.

How can I attract squirrels to my yard? Plant oaks, walnuts, and hickory trees if you have space. Provide a water source like a shallow dish or bird bath. Avoid pesticides.

What is the largest squirrel in Wisconsin? The fox squirrel, which can reach 20 inches including tail and weigh up to 2.5 pounds.

When do Wisconsin squirrels have babies? Gray and fox squirrels typically have two breeding seasons, producing litters in spring (April-May) and late summer (August-September). Red squirrels breed mainly in winter, with young born in March-April.

See our tour planning ideas (/wildlife-tours/wisconsin/squirrel) for the next step.