North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains offer refuge for the northern flying squirrel at higher elevations, but the Common Types Of Squirrels In North Carolina you’ll spot most often are the ones that live right in your backyard. From the bustling eastern gray squirrel to the secretive fox squirrel, these animals are a big part of the state’s wildlife. Knowing which species you’re looking at can make your time outdoors more fun and help you understand their habits.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the main squirrel species found across North Carolina. We’ll cover where they live, what they eat, and how to tell them apart. Let’s jump right into the details.
Common Types Of Squirrels In North Carolina
North Carolina is home to several squirrel species, each with its own look and lifestyle. The most widespread are the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, the southern flying squirrel, and the northern flying squirrel. You might also see the red squirrel in some mountain areas. Each one plays a unique role in the ecosystem.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel you’ll see in North Carolina. It lives in both urban and rural areas, from city parks to deep forests. These squirrels are gray with a white belly and a bushy tail that helps them balance.
- Size: 9 to 12 inches long, plus a 7 to 10 inch tail
- Weight: 12 to 20 ounces
- Color: Gray with white underparts, sometimes with a reddish tint
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, suburbs, and cities
- Diet: Acorns, nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes bird eggs
Eastern grays are active during the day and don’t hibernate. They store food in multiple caches to get through winter. You might see them chasing each other in spring or fall, which is part of their mating behavior.
How To Identify An Eastern Gray Squirrel
Look for a medium-sized squirrel with a gray back and a white belly. Its tail is fluffy and often held over its back. In some areas, they can have a brownish or black color phase. They make a sharp barking sound when alarmed.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is the largest squirrel in North Carolina. It prefers open woodlands with pine trees and is less common than the gray squirrel. You’ll find it mostly in the eastern and central parts of the state.
- Size: 10 to 15 inches long, plus a 8 to 12 inch tail
- Weight: 1.5 to 2.5 pounds
- Color: Gray, brown, or black with a reddish belly
- Habitat: Pine forests, mixed woodlands, and farm edges
- Diet: Pine seeds, acorns, berries, and fungi
Fox squirrels are slower and more cautious than gray squirrels. They often feed on the ground and climb trees less frequently. Their large size and bushy tail make them easy to spot.
Where To See Fox Squirrels
Look for them in longleaf pine forests or near old fields with scattered trees. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. In some areas, they are considered a species of concern due to habitat loss.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The southern flying squirrel is a small, nocturnal squirrel that glides between trees. It is common across North Carolina but rarely seen because of its nighttime habits. These squirrels have a flap of skin called a patagium that allows them to glide.
- Size: 5 to 6 inches long, plus a 3 to 4 inch tail
- Weight: 2 to 3 ounces
- Color: Grayish-brown with a white belly
- Habitat: Mature forests with cavities for nesting
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, insects, and bird eggs
Southern flying squirrels are social and often nest in groups during winter. They make soft chirping sounds at night. If you put up a nest box, you might attract them to your yard.
How To Spot A Flying Squirrel
You won’t see them during the day. At night, look for a small, fast-moving shape gliding from tree to tree. Use a flashlight to catch the glow of their eyes. They often visit bird feeders after dark.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel lives only in the high-elevation forests of the Appalachian Mountains. In North Carolina, it is found in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge. This species is larger than the southern flying squirrel and has a different habitat.
- Size: 6 to 7 inches long, plus a 4 to 5 inch tail
- Weight: 3 to 5 ounces
- Color: Brownish-gray with a white belly
- Habitat: Spruce-fir forests above 4,000 feet
- Diet: Fungi, lichens, seeds, and insects
The northern flying squirrel is a key part of the forest ecosystem because it spreads fungi spores. It is listed as a species of special concern in North Carolina due to habitat loss from climate change. You might see one if you hike high-elevation trails at dusk.
Differences Between Northern And Southern Flying Squirrels
The northern species is larger and has a more uniform brown color. Its belly is pure white, while the southern flying squirrel has a slightly yellowish belly. They also live in different habitats and don’t overlap much.
Red Squirrel
The red squirrel is a small, energetic squirrel found in the mountains of western North Carolina. It prefers coniferous forests and is known for its loud chattering. It is less common than the gray squirrel but easy to identify.
- Size: 7 to 8 inches long, plus a 4 to 6 inch tail
- Weight: 5 to 9 ounces
- Color: Reddish-brown with a white belly
- Habitat: Spruce-fir and pine forests
- Diet: Pine cones, seeds, berries, and mushrooms
Red squirrels are territorial and will chase away larger squirrels. They build nests called dreys in tree branches or use cavities. Their scolding call is a common sound in mountain forests.
Where To Find Red Squirrels
Look for them in high-elevation forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They are active during the day and often seen collecting pine cones. They store cones in piles called middens, which you can find near tree bases.
Where To See Squirrels In North Carolina
Squirrels are everywhere in North Carolina, but some places are better for spotting different species. Here are a few locations to try.
Urban Areas
City parks and neighborhoods are full of eastern gray squirrels. They are used to people and will often come close for food. Try a park in Raleigh or Charlotte for easy sightings.
State Parks
Many state parks have diverse habitats that support multiple squirrel species. For example, Umstead State Park near Raleigh has gray and fox squirrels. In the mountains, Hanging Rock State Park has red squirrels.
National Forests
The Pisgah National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest are great for seeing fox squirrels and flying squirrels. Hike trails near pine stands for the best chance.
Backyards
You can attract squirrels to your yard with feeders and water sources. Place a platform feeder with sunflower seeds or peanuts. Flying squirrels might come at night if you have a light.
How To Tell Squirrels Apart
Identifying squirrels can be tricky, but here are some tips.
- Look at size: Fox squirrels are much larger than grays. Red squirrels are smaller.
- Check the color: Gray squirrels have white bellies. Fox squirrels have reddish bellies. Red squirrels are reddish-brown.
- Watch the tail: Flying squirrels have a flat tail. Gray and fox squirrels have bushy tails.
- Note the activity time: Flying squirrels are nocturnal. Others are diurnal.
- Listen for sounds: Red squirrels make a loud, repetitive chatter. Grays make a barking sound.
Squirrel Behavior And Habits
Squirrels are fascinating to watch. Here are some common behaviors you might see.
Foraging
Squirrels spend most of their day looking for food. They eat nuts, seeds, and fruits. They also dig up bulbs and eat bird eggs. In fall, they hoard food for winter.
Nesting
They build nests in tree cavities or in leaf balls called dreys. Dreys are made of twigs and leaves and are usually high in a tree. Flying squirrels use tree cavities more often.
Communication
Squirrels use tail flicks, vocalizations, and body language to communicate. A rapid tail flick can mean danger. Chattering sounds warn other squirrels.
Reproduction
Most squirrels breed twice a year, in early spring and late summer. They have 2 to 4 babies per litter. The young are born blind and hairless and stay in the nest for about 8 weeks.
Squirrels And Your Garden
Squirrels can be a nuisance in gardens. They dig up bulbs, eat fruits, and raid bird feeders. Here are some tips to manage them.
- Use squirrel-proof feeders with cages or baffles
- Plant bulbs that squirrels don’t like, such as daffodils
- Remove fallen fruit from trees
- Use netting over vegetable beds
- Provide a separate feeding station with corn or peanuts
Remember that squirrels are protected wildlife. You cannot trap or harm them without a permit. Live trapping is allowed in some areas, but check local laws first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common squirrel in North Carolina?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. You see it in almost every part of the state.
Are there black squirrels in North Carolina?
Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. They are more common in some areas, like the mountains.
Do flying squirrels live in North Carolina?
Yes, both southern and northern flying squirrels live in the state. The southern species is more widespread.
What is the largest squirrel in North Carolina?
The fox squirrel is the largest, weighing up to 2.5 pounds. It is found in pine forests.
Can I feed squirrels in my yard?
Yes, you can feed them. Use unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds, or squirrel feed. Avoid bread and processed foods.
Conclusion
North Carolina is home to a variety of squirrels, each with its own charm. Whether you’re watching a gray squirrel in your backyard or hiking to see a northern flying squirrel in the Smokies, these animals are a joy to observe. By learning the common types of squirrels in north carolina, you can better appreciate the wildlife around you. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and see how many species you can spot. Remember to respect their space and enjoy the show.