Michigan’s Upper Peninsula sees frequent sightings of the American red squirrel, especially near pine groves. If you are looking for the Common Types Of Squirrels In Michigan, you have come to the right place. This guide will help you identify each species quickly.
Michigan is home to several squirrel species. Some are common in backyards, while others prefer deep forests. Knowing these animals can make your outdoor time more interesting.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Michigan
Michigan hosts four main squirrel species. Each has unique traits and habitats. Below is a breakdown of each type.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Michigan. You see them in parks, neighborhoods, and forests.
- Color: Gray with a white belly
- Size: 9 to 12 inches long, plus a bushy tail
- Habitat: Oak and hickory forests, urban areas
- Behavior: Active during the day, stores nuts for winter
These squirrels are very adaptable. They often visit bird feeders. They also dig up flower bulbs, which can be annoying for gardeners.
American Red Squirrel
The American red squirrel is smaller and more aggressive. It is common in northern Michigan, especially near pine trees.
- Color: Reddish-brown with a white belly
- Size: 7 to 9 inches long
- Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests
- Behavior: Very vocal, defends its territory fiercely
Red squirrels eat pine seeds, mushrooms, and bird eggs. They are known for their loud chattering. If you hear a scolding noise in the woods, it is likely a red squirrel.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is the largest squirrel in Michigan. It is less common than the gray squirrel but still widespread.
- Color: Rusty orange or brown with a pale belly
- Size: 10 to 15 inches long
- Habitat: Open woodlands, farmlands, suburban areas
- Behavior: Ground-feeder, often seen in fields
Fox squirrels prefer open areas with scattered trees. They are slower than gray squirrels. They also have a distinctive bushy tail that helps with balance.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The Northern flying squirrel is nocturnal. Most people never see one, but they are common in Michigan’s forests.
- Color: Brown with a white belly
- Size: 8 to 11 inches long, including tail
- Habitat: Mature forests with dead trees
- Behavior: Glides between trees, active at night
Flying squirrels do not actually fly. They glide using a skin flap between their legs. They eat fungi, nuts, and insects. They are important for spreading mushroom spores.
How To Identify Squirrels In Michigan
Identifying squirrels is easy if you know what to look for. Here are key features to check.
Size And Color
Size is a big clue. Fox squirrels are largest. Gray squirrels are medium. Red squirrels are smallest. Flying squirrels are also small but have a flat tail.
Color varies by species. Gray squirrels are mostly gray. Red squirrels have reddish fur. Fox squirrels are orange-brown. Flying squirrels are brown with a white underside.
Tail Shape And Behavior
Gray and fox squirrels have thick, bushy tails. Red squirrels have thinner tails. Flying squirrels have a wide, flat tail used for steering.
Behavior also helps. Gray squirrels are bold and come to feeders. Red squirrels are noisy and aggressive. Fox squirrels are more ground-oriented. Flying squirrels are only seen at night.
Habitat Preferences
Each species prefers different habitats. Gray squirrels like hardwood forests. Red squirrels love pine trees. Fox squirrels prefer open fields. Flying squirrels need old forests with cavities.
Where To See Each Squirrel Species
Michigan offers many places to observe squirrels. Here are top locations for each type.
Eastern Gray Squirrel Locations
- Any city park in Detroit or Grand Rapids
- Huron-Manistee National Forests
- Your own backyard if you have oak trees
American Red Squirrel Locations
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park
- Pine forests in the Upper Peninsula
Fox Squirrel Locations
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Farmlands in southern Michigan
- Open woodlands near Ann Arbor
Northern Flying Squirrel Locations
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
- Old-growth forests in the Upper Peninsula
- Isle Royale National Park (rare sightings)
Seasonal Behavior Of Michigan Squirrels
Squirrels change their habits with the seasons. Understanding this helps you spot them more easily.
Spring
In spring, squirrels become very active. They search for food after winter. You see them digging for buried nuts. Mating season starts in late winter and continues into spring.
Young squirrels are born in early spring. They stay in nests for about two months. By late spring, they start exploring.
Summer
Summer is a busy time. Squirrels gather food for winter. They eat berries, seeds, and insects. Gray and fox squirrels have a second litter in summer.
Red squirrels are very territorial in summer. They chase other squirrels away from their food caches. Flying squirrels are active at night, feeding on fungi.
Fall
Fall is the most active season. Squirrels spend hours gathering and storing nuts. Gray squirrels bury nuts one by one. Red squirrels create large piles of pine cones.
Fox squirrels eat a lot to build fat reserves. Flying squirrels also store food in tree cavities. This is the best time to see squirrels in action.
Winter
Winter is tough for squirrels. They rely on stored food. Gray squirrels dig through snow to find buried nuts. Red squirrels eat from their cone piles.
Flying squirrels may share nests to stay warm. Fox squirrels are less active but still come out on mild days. All species reduce activity to conserve energy.
How To Attract Squirrels To Your Yard
If you want to see squirrels up close, you can attract them. Here are simple steps.
- Provide food. Use black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, or corn.
- Set up a squirrel feeder. Place it near a tree or fence.
- Offer water. A shallow birdbath works well.
- Plant nut trees. Oaks, hickories, and walnuts are best.
- Leave natural cover. Brush piles and dense shrubs provide shelter.
Be patient. It may take a few weeks for squirrels to find your yard. Once they do, you will see them daily.
Common Squirrel Problems And Solutions
Squirrels can cause issues. They raid bird feeders, chew wires, and dig up gardens. Here are solutions.
Bird Feeder Raids
Squirrels love bird seed. Use a squirrel-proof feeder. Look for models with weight-sensitive perches. Place feeders away from trees and fences.
You can also use spicy seed. Squirrels dislike cayenne pepper, but birds do not mind. Mix pepper into the seed.
Chewing Damage
Squirrels chew on wood, plastic, and wires. Protect your home by trimming tree branches. Seal entry points with metal mesh. Use bitter spray on chewable surfaces.
Garden Damage
Squirrels dig up bulbs and eat vegetables. Cover bulbs with wire mesh. Use netting over vegetable beds. Plant daffodils, which squirrels avoid.
Interesting Facts About Michigan Squirrels
Here are some fun facts about these animals.
- Gray squirrels can run up to 12 miles per hour.
- Red squirrels have a strong sense of smell. They find buried food under snow.
- Fox squirrels can jump up to 15 feet horizontally.
- Flying squirrels glide up to 150 feet in one leap.
- Squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing.
- A squirrel’s tail helps with balance and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Common Squirrel In Michigan?
The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common. It lives in urban and rural areas across the state.
Are There Black Squirrels In Michigan?
Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the Eastern gray squirrel. They are common in some areas, like Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
Do Flying Squirrels Live In Michigan?
Yes, the Northern flying squirrel lives in Michigan’s forests. It is nocturnal and rarely seen.
What Do Squirrels Eat In Michigan?
They eat nuts, seeds, berries, fungi, and insects. Some also eat bird eggs and small animals.
How Long Do Michigan Squirrels Live?
Gray and fox squirrels live 6 to 12 years in the wild. Red squirrels live 5 to 10 years. Flying squirrels live 4 to 7 years.
Conclusion
Michigan is home to four main squirrel species. The Eastern gray squirrel is most common. The American red squirrel is smaller and louder. The fox squirrel is largest and prefers open areas. The Northern flying squirrel is a secretive night dweller.
Each species has unique traits and habits. Knowing them helps you enjoy wildlife watching. Whether you live in the city or the woods, you can spot these animals year-round.
Next time you see a squirrel, take a moment to observe. Notice its size, color, and behavior. You might be able to identify which species it is. This knowledge makes outdoor experiences richer and more fun.