13 Types of Squirrels in Wyoming

What types of squirrels live in Wyoming?

Wyoming hosts four main squirrel groups: ground squirrels (e.g., Wyoming ground squirrel, thirteen-lined ground squirrel), tree squirrels (red squirrel, northern flying squirrel), chipmunks (least chipmunk, Uinta chipmunk), and marmots (yellow-bellied marmot). The Wyoming ground squirrel is the most widespread, while red squirrels dominate coniferous forests. The least chipmunk is abundant in sagebrush and pinyon-juniper habitats. Marmots occupy higher elevation rocky terrain and are much larger than squirrels, often weighing 5-10 pounds. Each group fills a specific ecological niche and responds differently to season and habitat.

How can I identify the different squirrels in Wyoming?

Focus on size, tail shape, and markings. Ground squirrels are smaller with less bushy tails and often have stripes or spots on the body. Tree squirrels have full, bushy tails and ear tufts in winter. Chipmunks are tiny with bold facial stripes running from the nose through the eye. The Wyoming ground squirrel is brown with a short tail and faint mottling. The golden-mantled ground squirrel has a rusty neck and white stripes bordered by black lines on the back. The thirteen-lined ground squirrel shows prominent stripes along its entire body. Red squirrels have rusty-red fur, white bellies, black eye rings, and distinctive ear tufts. Northern flying squirrels are gray with large eyes and loose skin (patagium) between front and hind legs used for gliding. Learn to distinguish ground squirrels by counting body stripes and noting tail length as a fraction of body size.

Where in Wyoming are squirrels most often seen?

The best odds start in the state's mountain ranges: the Medicine Bow, Bighorn, and Absaroka forests hold red squirrels and golden-mantled ground squirrels. Sagebrush basins around Rock Springs and Rawlins are prime for Wyoming ground squirrels. Try campgrounds and picnic areas where squirrels are habituated to people. For more specific spots, check ourWyoming wildlife hub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

What is the best season for squirrel sightings in Wyoming?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the highest activity. Ground squirrels emerge from hibernation in April or May and are most visible during morning and late afternoon. Red squirrels are active year-round but easiest to spot in summer when they gather cones. Winter sightings require luck near bird feeders or log piles. Marmots are strictly summer creatures, disappearing by late September. The peak window is June through August when all species are active and food is abundant.

How do ground squirrels and tree squirrels differ in Wyoming?

Ground squirrels live in burrows, have shorter tails, and often hibernate for several months. Tree squirrels build nests (dreys) in trees, keep bushy tails, and remain active all winter. In Wyoming, the only true tree squirrel is the red squirrel (and rarely the flying squirrel). If you see a squirrel on the ground with a tail less than half its body length, it's almost certainly a ground squirrel. Ground squirrel tails are used for balance while running through burrows and signaling. Tree squirrel tails are thick and fluffy, serving as insulation in winter and as parachutes while jumping between branches.

What are some common lookalikes for Wyoming squirrels?

Chipmunks are often mistaken for small ground squirrels but have more prominent facial stripes. The golden-mantled ground squirrel looks like a large chipmunk but lacks stripes on the face. Yellow-bellied marmots are much larger and prefer rocky slopes. For detailed separation tips, visit oursquirrel animal page. Young ground squirrels may appear smaller than adults and cause confusion at first glance. Female squirrels are generally slightly smaller than males of the same species.

What is the diet and behavior of Wyoming squirrels?

Ground squirrels forage on the surface, eating seeds, roots, grasses, and insects. They are diurnal and often stand upright to scan for danger. Tree squirrels cache seeds and pine cones for winter, creating food stores in trees or buried sites. They are vocal and territorial, chattering loudly when alarmed. Chipmunks stuff their cheeks and carry food to underground burrows. Marmots are herbivorous, feeding on grasses and forbs and spending much of their time sunbathing on rocks to regulate body temperature. All ground-dwelling squirrels produce underground burrow systems that become important habitat for other species like burrowing owls and prairie dogs.

Why are squirrels important to Wyoming ecosystems?

Squirrels are keystone species that shape forest and grassland habitats. Ground squirrels create burrow networks that aerate soil and provide shelter for other wildlife. Tree squirrels disperse seeds by caching and forgetting nuts, leading to forest regeneration. Their digging and grazing patterns influence vegetation structure. Squirrels are important prey for hawks, eagles, coyotes, and badgers, supporting predator populations. Flying squirrels play a unique role by spreading fungal spores through their droppings, helping mycorrhizal fungi colonize roots. The presence of healthy squirrel populations indicates good habitat health and ecosystem balance.

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Frequently asked questions about squirrels in Wyoming?

**Are there flying squirrels in Wyoming?** Yes, the northern flying squirrel lives in high-elevation conifer forests, but they are nocturnal and rarely seen. They glide between trees at night and are most active in late spring and summer.

**What is the most common squirrel in Wyoming?** The Wyoming ground squirrel, formerly called the Richardson's ground squirrel, is the most widespread and often seen in open grasslands, valley floors, and semi-desert habitats.

**Do squirrels in Wyoming carry diseases?** Ground squirrels can carry fleas that transmit plague, so avoid handling them and keep pets away. Wear gloves when hiking and do not touch dead squirrels.

**Where can I find red squirrels in Wyoming?** Look in mature pine and spruce forests in the Bighorn, Medicine Bow, and Yellowstone areas, particularly at elevations above 8,000 feet.

**What do Wyoming squirrels eat?** Seeds, pine cones, berries, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Ground squirrels also eat roots and grasses. Different species have specialized diets based on available vegetation.

**What time of day are Wyoming squirrels most active?** Ground squirrels are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Tree squirrels are active throughout daylight hours. Flying squirrels are nocturnal. Marmots are diurnal and bask on rocks in the afternoon.

For a complete guide to Wyoming wildlife, visit ourWyoming wildlife hub. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.