Pennsylvania’s oak-hickory forests support dense populations of eastern gray squirrels, especially in autumn. If you’ve ever wondered about the common types of squirrels in pennsylvania, you’re in the right place. These bushy-tailed critters are everywhere—from city parks to deep woodlands. Let’s break down the species you’ll actually see, how to spot them, and what makes each one unique.
This guide covers the main squirrels found across the state. You’ll learn their looks, habits, and where they live. By the end, you’ll be able to identify any squirrel you meet in Pennsylvania.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania hosts four main squirrel species. Each has adapted to different habitats, from suburban backyards to remote forests. The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread, but others like the fox squirrel and red squirrel also thrive here. Let’s explore them one by one.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the one you see most often. It’s medium-sized, with gray fur and a white belly. Its tail is long and fluffy, often held over its back. These squirrels are common in both rural and urban areas.
They eat acorns, nuts, seeds, and fruits. You’ll spot them burying food for winter. They are active during the day, especially in early morning and late afternoon. Their nests, called dreys, are made of leaves and twigs high in trees.
Key features:
- Gray fur with white underside
- Large, bushy tail
- Weighs 14–21 ounces
- Length: 15–20 inches including tail
Eastern grays are adaptable. They live in forests, parks, and neighborhoods. In Pennsylvania, they are the most common squirrel species.
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels are larger than grays. They have reddish-brown or grayish fur, often with a rusty tint. Their bellies are usually orange or yellow. These squirrels prefer open woodlands and forest edges.
Fox squirrels are less common than grays in Pennsylvania. They are found mostly in the southern and western parts of the state. They eat similar foods—nuts, seeds, and buds—but also eat insects and bird eggs sometimes.
How to identify them:
- Larger size (weighs 1–2.5 pounds)
- Reddish or orange belly
- Tail is less fluffy than gray squirrel
- Length: 20–27 inches including tail
Fox squirrels are shy but can be seen in rural areas. They are more solitary than grays.
Red Squirrel
Red squirrels are small and feisty. They have reddish-brown fur with a white belly. Their tails are less bushy than other squirrels. They are known for their loud chattering calls.
These squirrels prefer coniferous forests but also live in mixed woods. They eat pine seeds, nuts, and fungi. They are territorial and will chase away larger squirrels.
Key traits:
- Small size (weighs 5–9 ounces)
- Reddish fur with white eye ring
- Length: 10–15 inches including tail
- Active year-round
Red squirrels are common in northern Pennsylvania. They build nests in tree cavities or on branches.
Southern Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are nocturnal and rarely seen. They have grayish-brown fur and a white belly. Their most distinct feature is the skin flap between front and back legs, which allows them to glide.
They live in mature forests with old trees. They eat nuts, seeds, insects, and bird eggs. They are social and nest in groups during winter.
How to spot them:
- Small size (weighs 2–3 ounces)
- Large eyes for night vision
- Glides up to 150 feet
- Length: 8–10 inches including tail
Southern flying squirrels are found across Pennsylvania. Look for them at dusk near bird feeders.
Habitat And Distribution
Each squirrel species prefers different habitats. Eastern grays live almost everywhere. Fox squirrels like open woods. Red squirrels stick to conifers. Flying squirrels need old forests with cavities.
In Pennsylvania, you’ll find grays in every county. Fox squirrels are more common in the south and west. Red squirrels dominate the northern forests. Flying squirrels are widespread but secretive.
Where To See Each Species
If you want to see a specific squirrel, go to the right place:
- Eastern gray: Any park or backyard
- Fox squirrel: Rural farmlands and forest edges
- Red squirrel: Pine forests in the Poconos or Alleghenies
- Southern flying squirrel: Old-growth woods at night
Use a flashlight with a red filter to spot flying squirrels without disturbing them.
Behavior And Diet
Squirrels are busy creatures. They spend most of their day foraging. Their diet changes with seasons.
What They Eat
- Eastern gray: Acorns, walnuts, berries, birdseed
- Fox squirrel: Hickory nuts, corn, insects
- Red squirrel: Pine cones, mushrooms, maple sap
- Flying squirrel: Nuts, fruits, fungi, insects
All squirrels cache food for winter. They bury nuts and remember thousands of locations. Some food is never recovered, which helps trees grow.
Activity Patterns
Most squirrels are diurnal, meaning active during day. Flying squirrels are nocturnal. In winter, squirrels are less active but don’t hibernate. They rely on stored food and fat reserves.
Red squirrels are especially active in cold weather. They have thick fur and high metabolism.
Identifying Squirrels In The Field
Here’s a quick guide to tell them apart:
- Check size: Fox squirrels are biggest, red squirrels smallest.
- Look at belly color: White for grays, orange for fox, white for red and flying.
- Observe tail: Grays have fluffy tails, fox have thinner tails, red have small tails.
- Time of day: Flying squirrels only come out at night.
Use binoculars for better views. Take notes on fur color and behavior.
Seasonal Changes
Squirrels change with the seasons. In spring, they mate and have babies. Summer is for raising young and storing food. Autumn is peak nut gathering. Winter means survival on stored food.
Eastern grays have two litters per year, in early spring and late summer. Red squirrels have one litter. Flying squirrels breed in late winter.
During fall, you’ll see squirrels racing to collect acorns. They are more active and less shy. This is the best time for observation.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think all squirrels are the same. That’s not true. Each species has unique traits. Another myth is that squirrels hibernate. Only flying squirrels enter torpor, but they wake up often.
People also confuse fox squirrels with red squirrels. Fox squirrels are much larger. Red squirrels have a distinct reddish coat and white eye ring.
How To Attract Squirrels To Your Yard
If you want to watch squirrels, make your yard inviting:
- Plant oak, hickory, or walnut trees.
- Provide a bird feeder with sunflower seeds.
- Leave out corn or peanuts (unsalted).
- Install a squirrel house or nesting box.
- Keep cats indoors to reduce stress.
Be patient. It may take weeks for squirrels to trust your yard. Once they do, you’ll have regular visitors.
Conservation Status
All four species are common in Pennsylvania. No special protection is needed. However, habitat loss affects red and flying squirrels. Old forests are important for their survival.
You can help by preserving trees and avoiding pesticides. Report any sick or injured squirrels to local wildlife rehabbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common squirrel in Pennsylvania?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. It lives in every county and adapts well to human areas.
Are there black squirrels in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Black squirrels are a color variant of the eastern gray squirrel. They are common in some parts of the state, like Erie and Pittsburgh.
Do flying squirrels really fly?
No, they glide. They use a skin flap to steer between trees. They can glide up to 150 feet.
Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Pennsylvania?
No. It is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets. They are wild animals and need special care.
What do red squirrels eat in winter?
They eat stored pine cones, seeds, and fungi. They also gnaw on tree bark for sap.
Final Tips For Squirrel Watching
To get the most out of watching squirrels, be quiet and still. Early morning is best. Bring binoculars and a notebook. Record what you see—colors, behaviors, and locations.
Remember that each species has its own personality. Grays are bold, reds are aggressive, fox are shy, and flying are elusive. Enjoy the variety.
Pennsylvania’s squirrels are fascinating. Now you know how to identify them. Next time you’re outside, take a closer look. You might spot a fox squirrel or hear a red squirrel chattering. Happy watching.