Squirrels in Wyoming: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For
Yes, squirrels are found across most of Wyoming, from mountain forests to river bottoms and even town parks. The state is home to several species, including the American red squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel, each adapted to different elevations and habitats. These active mammals are most visible during the early morning and late afternoon as they forage for seeds and nuts. To start your search, focus on pine forests or wooded areas near water sources. You can find more about the state's wildlife on the [Wyoming wildlife hub](/wildlife/wyoming) or check the [squirrel guide](/animals/squirrel) for detailed species identification. Planning a successful trip is easier when you review the [state animal guide](/wildlife/wyoming/squirrel) for seasonal activity and local spotting tips.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Uinta Ground Squirrel 路 Drepanostoma CC BY
Uinta Chipmunk 路 Zac Peterson CC BY
Least Chipmunk 路 Pirataber CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 18,180
- GBIF records
- June, July, August
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
13 types of squirrels recorded in Wyoming
13 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Wyoming across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Wyoming
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Eastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensis | Sciurus carolinensis | 33 |
Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
12,424 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in June, July, August.
When squirrel are recorded in Wyoming
Yes, squirrels are found across most of Wyoming, from mountain forests to river bottoms and even town parks. The state is home to several species, including the American red squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel, each adapted to different elevations and habitats. These active mammals are most visible during the early morning and late afternoon as they forage for seeds and nuts. To start your search, focus on pine forests or wooded areas near water sources. You can find more about the state's wildlife on theWyoming wildlife hubor check thesquirrel guidefor detailed species identification. Planning a successful trip is easier when you review thestate animal guidefor seasonal activity and local spotting tips.
Where Are Squirrels Most Likely Found in Wyoming?
Squirrels thrive in coniferous forests, especially ponderosa pine and spruce fir stands. In eastern Wyoming, look for eastern gray squirrels in deciduous woods along river corridors. Red squirrels prefer higher elevations, often in lodgepole pine or mixed forests. Check around fallen logs and rock piles for their hiding spots. For more on squirrel habits, visit oursquirrel species overview.
In Wyoming, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
When Is the Best Time to See Squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon are prime activity periods. Spring and fall show peak foraging as they gather food for breeding or winter storage. Winter activity drops sharply, but on mild days you might spot them collecting pine cones. Squirrels are active year round, so timing matters less than habitat. Learn more about Wyoming wildlife patterns at ourWyoming wildlife page.
What Field Signs Help You Identify Squirrel Activity?
Look for stripped pine cones and middens (piles of cone scales) under trees. Nests called dreys appear as messy leaf balls high in tree forks. Scratch marks on bark and bounding tracks in snow or mud are also good clues. Listen for chattering calls and rustling leaves overhead. These signs work even if the squirrel stays hidden.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How Do Wyoming's Squirrel Species Differ?
Red squirrels are smaller, reddish brown, with a white eye ring and a feisty territorial scold. Eastern gray squirrels are larger, gray or black, with a fluffy tail. You may also see Richardson's ground squirrels in open fields; they are smaller and live in burrows. Red squirrels are most common in the mountains, grays in the east.
Where Can You Reliably Spot Squirrels in Wyoming?
Try the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, the Black Hills in Crook County, or Grand Teton National Park's forest edges. Urban parks in Cheyenne and Casper also host gray squirrels. For best odds, visit pine dominated areas in the morning. Check ourWyoming wildlife pagefor more spotting locations.
What Should You Listen For When Tracking Squirrels?
Red squirrels produce a rapid, chattering scold that can last minutes. Gray squirrels make a softer, repeated barking call. Ground squirrels emit a high pitched whistle. Listen for rustling leaves, falling cones, or the sound of gnawing. These audio clues often lead you right to the animal.
Do squirrels hibernate during Wyoming winters?
Unlike ground squirrels which spend the winter in deep underground burrows, tree squirrels in Wyoming remain active year round. They do not hibernate. Instead, they rely on food caches hidden during the fall and thick nests called dreys to stay warm. During extreme winter storms, they may stay in their nests for several days to conserve energy, but you can still see them out and about on sunny afternoons in the middle of January.
What role do red squirrels play in Wyoming's high altitude forests?
American red squirrels are key ecological players in Wyoming's mountain ranges. They are famous for creating large middens, which are massive piles of discarded pine cone scales that can be several feet deep. These middens provide essential habitat for other small animals and insects. Furthermore, red squirrels are highly territorial and their constant chattering serves as an unofficial alarm system for the forest, alerting other wildlife to the presence of predators like hawks or pine martens.
Show Your Love for Wyoming Squirrels with Wildlife Apparel
After a day in the field, wear your squirrel spotting success. These shirts make great field companions.
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Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
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Browse more styles at ourt-shirt collection.
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A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels in Wyoming?
**Are squirrels active in winter?** Yes, but less so. They rely on stored food and may den up during severe cold.
**What do Wyoming squirrels eat?** Mainly pine seeds, acorns, berries, fungi, and occasionally insects.
**Can I safely watch squirrels up close?** Yes, move slowly and stay still. Squirrels are curious and may approach if you are quiet.
**Do Wyoming squirrels hibernate?** Only ground squirrels truly hibernate. Tree squirrels remain active year round.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Wyoming: June, July, August
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Wyoming
18,180 verified squirrel records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wyoming
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Devils Tower National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Fossil Butte National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Grand Teton National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Wyoming?+
Squirrels thrive in coniferous forests, especially ponderosa pine and spruce fir stands. In eastern Wyoming, look for eastern gray squirrels in deciduous woods along river corridors. Red squirrels prefer higher elevations, often in lodgepole pine or mixed forests. Check around fallen logs and rock piles for their hiding spots. For more on squirrel habits, visit oursquirrel species overview. In Wyoming, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
Where can you see squirrels in Wyoming?+
Squirrels thrive in coniferous forests, especially ponderosa pine and spruce fir stands. In eastern Wyoming, look for eastern gray squirrels in deciduous woods along river corridors. Red squirrels prefer higher elevations, often in lodgepole pine or mixed forests. Check around fallen logs and rock piles for their hiding spots. For more on squirrel habits, visit oursquirrel species overview. In Wyoming, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Wyoming?+
Squirrels thrive in coniferous forests, especially ponderosa pine and spruce fir stands. In eastern Wyoming, look for eastern gray squirrels in deciduous woods along river corridors. Red squirrels prefer higher elevations, often in lodgepole pine or mixed forests. Check around fallen logs and rock piles for their hiding spots. For more on squirrel habits, visit oursquirrel species overview. In Wyoming, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Wyoming