Squirrels in Wyoming: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Wyoming is home to three main squirrel species: the golden-mantled ground squirrel, the least chipmunk, and the Abert's squirrel in the Black Hills. Start your search in ponderosa pine forests and sagebrush flats, focusing on tail shape, cheek stripes, and ear tufts to tell them apart.
Wyoming is home to three main squirrel species: the golden-mantled ground squirrel, the least chipmunk, and the Abert's squirrel in the Black Hills. Start your search in ponderosa pine forests and sagebrush flats, focusing on tail shape, cheek stripes, and ear tufts to tell them apart.
1. What are the most useful ID markers for Wyoming squirrels?
Focus on three features: tail shape (bushy vs. flattened), facial stripes (two vs. four), and ear tufts. Golden-mantled ground squirrels have a distinct golden shoulder patch and no ear tufts. Least chipmunks have four dark and four light stripes on their face and back. Abert's squirrels have long ear tufts and a white belly. Tail flicking behavior also separates ground squirrels from tree squirrels.
2. Where in Wyoming do people usually spot squirrels first?
The Black Hills region (especially around Devils Tower) is the best place for Abert's squirrels. For golden-mantled ground squirrels, check the sagebrush flats and rocky slopes of the Great Divide Basin and the foothills of the Wind River Range. Least chipmunks are common in nearly every mountain campground and picnic area.Browse our Wyoming wildlife hubfor more specific hotspot reports.
3. What is the best season for confident squirrel sightings in Wyoming?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most reliable sightings. Ground squirrels are most active in the mornings after sunrise. In summer, early morning hikes near water sources increase your odds. Winter sightings are limited to Abert's squirrels in the Black Hills, where they remain active on sunny days. Learn more about squirrel behavior on oursquirrel page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How do I separate Wyoming's common squirrel lookalikes?
People often confuse golden-mantled ground squirrels with chipmunks. Chipmunks have stripes that reach the nose and a smaller, flatter tail. Ground squirrels have a broader head and no stripes on the face. Least chipmunks are the smallest and have a single white stripe on the side of the tail. Abert's squirrels are the only tree squirrel with ear tufts in Wyoming.
5. What habitats should I target for each species?
Abert's squirrels: ponderosa pine forests above 6,000 feet. Golden-mantled ground squirrels: open sagebrush, rocky outcrops, and campgrounds. Least chipmunks: mixed conifer forests and shrublands near water. Check theWyoming wildlife pagefor detailed habitat maps and access points.
6. What is the best time of day to spot squirrels?
Early morning (6:00 to 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 to 7:00 PM) are peak activity windows. Ground squirrels bask on rocks in the first sunlight. On hot days, they retreat to shade by midday. Abert's squirrels may feed in tree tops during midday but are harder to spot without binoculars.
7. Are there any rare squirrel species in Wyoming?
The Abert's squirrel is considered a species of special concern in Wyoming due to its limited range. It depends on ponderosa pine bark for food and nesting. The northern flying squirrel is also present in the Sierra Madre and Medicine Bow ranges, but it is nocturnal and rarely seen. Use a flashlight and listen for soft chattering calls at night.
8. How can I record my sightings and share them?
Take photos of the tail, face stripes, and ears from multiple angles. Note the GPS coordinates and habitat type. Submit observations to iNaturalist or Wyoming's wildlife database. For a quick reference, carry a field guide. After a day of exploring, check out oursquirrel-themed t-shirtsto show off your spotting skills.
9. What squirrel-themed gear does Easy Street Markets offer?
After a successful day in the field, consider wearing your find. Easy Street Markets has a few solid options for squirrel fans.
### Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
A clean, realistic gray squirrel print on 100% cotton. Durable for trail use.Check Price and Availability
### Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A retro design for casual wear. Lightweight and soft.Check Price and Availability
### Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt. Squirrels Shirt. Squirrel Tshirt. Squirrel Lover Gift. #OS5686
A humorous take on squirrel obsession. Great for gifts.Check Price and Availability
Browse moresquirrel apparelto keep the adventure going.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.