Iowa’s river valleys and oak savannas sustain both the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. If you’ve ever wondered about the common types of squirrels in iowa, you’re not alone. These bushy-tailed critters are everywhere—from city parks to backyard feeders. Knowing which species you’re watching can make your time outdoors more interesting.
This guide covers the main squirrel species you’ll find across the state. You’ll learn how to tell them apart, where they live, and what makes each one unique. Let’s start with the most familiar faces.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Iowa
Iowa is home to four main squirrel species. Three are tree squirrels, and one is a ground squirrel. Each has adapted to different habitats, from dense woodlands to open prairies.
Here’s a quick overview of the species we’ll cover:
- Eastern gray squirrel
- Fox squirrel
- Red squirrel
- Thirteen-lined ground squirrel
You might also spot a flying squirrel at night, but that’s less common. We’ll touch on that too.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is probably the one you see most often. It’s medium-sized, with a gray body and a white belly. Its tail is long and bushy, often held flat or curled.
These squirrels love oak and hickory forests. They’re also common in suburban neighborhoods. You’ll find them scampering along fences or raiding bird feeders.
Key traits to identify them:
- Gray fur with white or light gray belly
- Ears are small and rounded
- Tail is about the same length as the body
- Weighs 14–21 ounces
Eastern grays are active during the day. They don’t hibernate, but they store food for winter. They build nests called dreys high in trees, made of leaves and twigs.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is larger and more colorful. Its fur can be reddish-brown, gray-brown, or even black in some areas. The belly is usually orange or rust-colored.
Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and farm groves. They’re also common in city parks. They spend more time on the ground than gray squirrels.
How to spot a fox squirrel:
- Larger body, 18–27 inches long including tail
- Weighs 1.5–2.5 pounds
- Face has a more square shape
- Tail is thick and bushy, often held over the back
Fox squirrels are less shy than grays. They’ll often let you get closer before running. They eat acorns, walnuts, seeds, and even bird eggs.
Red Squirrel
Red squirrels are much smaller. They have reddish-brown fur with a white belly. Their tails are less bushy than grays or foxes.
These squirrels prefer coniferous forests, like pine or spruce stands. In Iowa, they’re found mostly in the northern part of the state. They’re also common in state parks with evergreens.
Red squirrel characteristics:
- Body length 11–14 inches including tail
- Weighs 7–11 ounces
- White eye ring is a key feature
- Very vocal—they make loud chattering calls
Red squirrels are territorial and aggressive. They’ll chase away other squirrels from their food sources. They eat pine cones, seeds, and mushrooms.
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel
This is the only common ground squirrel in Iowa. It has a long, slender body with 13 alternating stripes—dark and light—running down its back. The stripes are broken into spots.
They live in open grasslands, pastures, and along roadsides. You’ll see them standing upright on their hind legs, watching for danger.
Ground squirrel traits:
- Body length 8–12 inches including tail
- Weighs 4–8 ounces
- Short tail, only 3–4 inches
- Hibernates in winter
These squirrels dig burrows with multiple entrances. They eat grass, seeds, insects, and small animals. They’re active during the day, especially in spring and fall.
Where To Find Each Species
Knowing where to look helps you spot the right squirrel. Here’s a breakdown by habitat.
Eastern Gray Squirrel Habitat
Look for them in:
- Deciduous forests with oak, hickory, and maple
- Suburban yards with mature trees
- City parks and golf courses
- Near bird feeders and nut trees
They’re most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
Fox Squirrel Habitat
Fox squirrels prefer:
- Open woodlands with scattered trees
- Farm shelterbelts and windbreaks
- River bottoms and forest edges
- Urban areas with large shade trees
They’re often seen on the ground, searching for fallen nuts.
Red Squirrel Habitat
Red squirrels stick to:
- Coniferous forests, especially pine and spruce
- Mixed woodlands with evergreens
- State parks like Ledges or Backbone
- Areas with abundant pine cones
They’re less common in cities, but you might find them in large parks with pines.
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel Habitat
Look for them in:
- Prairies and hayfields
- Roadside ditches and embankments
- Golf courses and cemeteries
- Open areas with short grass
They’re most visible in spring after hibernation ends.
How To Identify Squirrels By Appearance
Use these quick tips to tell them apart.
Size Comparison
- Fox squirrel: largest, up to 2.5 pounds
- Eastern gray: medium, 1–1.5 pounds
- Red squirrel: small, under 1 pound
- Thirteen-lined ground: smallest, under 0.5 pounds
Color Patterns
- Gray squirrel: gray body, white belly
- Fox squirrel: reddish-brown or gray, orange belly
- Red squirrel: red-brown, white belly, white eye ring
- Ground squirrel: striped back, spotted pattern
Tail Shape
- Gray squirrel: long, flat, and bushy
- Fox squirrel: thick, round, and very bushy
- Red squirrel: shorter, less bushy
- Ground squirrel: short and thin
Behavior And Diet Differences
Each species has unique habits.
Eastern Gray Squirrel Behavior
They’re social and often feed in groups. They cache nuts in multiple spots. They don’t hibernate but stay less active in bad weather.
Diet includes:
- Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts
- Tree buds and flowers
- Bird eggs and insects
- Corn and sunflower seeds
Fox Squirrel Behavior
They’re more solitary. They spend a lot of time on the ground. They build large leaf nests, sometimes in tree cavities.
Diet includes:
- Acorns, hickory nuts, and black walnuts
- Fruit like apples and mulberries
- Corn and grain from fields
- Tree bark and fungi
Red Squirrel Behavior
They’re territorial and aggressive. They defend a food cache called a midden. They make loud calls to warn others.
Diet includes:
- Pine seeds from cones
- Spruce buds and needles
- Mushrooms and berries
- Bird eggs and small birds
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel Behavior
They’re social but live in separate burrows. They hibernate from October to March. They stand upright to scan for predators.
Diet includes:
- Grass and seeds
- Insects like grasshoppers
- Small mice and voles
- Bird eggs
Seasonal Activity Patterns
Squirrels change their behavior with the seasons.
Spring
All species become more active. Tree squirrels start breeding. Ground squirrels emerge from hibernation. You’ll see them gathering food after winter.
Summer
Tree squirrels raise their young. They spend more time in trees to stay cool. Ground squirrels are active early morning and evening.
Fall
This is the busiest time. Squirrels gather and store food for winter. You’ll see them carrying nuts and burying them. Fox squirrels and grays are especially active.
Winter
Tree squirrels remain active but less so. They rely on stored food. Ground squirrels hibernate. Red squirrels stay near their middens.
Nesting And Shelter
Tree squirrels build two types of nests.
Leaf Nests (Dreys)
These are made of leaves and twigs. They’re built high in tree branches. Gray and fox squirrels use them. They’re round and about the size of a basketball.
Cavity Nests
These are inside tree hollows. They’re safer from predators. Red squirrels prefer cavities. Fox squirrels also use them in winter.
Ground Squirrel Burrows
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels dig burrows. They have multiple entrances. The burrow system includes nesting chambers and food storage.
Common Squirrel Problems In Iowa
Squirrels can cause issues for homeowners. Here’s what to watch for.
Bird Feeder Raids
Gray and fox squirrels love bird feeders. They’ll climb poles or jump from trees. Use squirrel-proof feeders or baffles.
Attic Damage
Squirrels can enter attics through small gaps. They chew wires and insulation. Seal entry points in late summer.
Garden Damage
Ground squirrels eat vegetables and flowers. They dig up bulbs. Use fencing or repellents.
Tree Bark Stripping
Red squirrels strip bark from trees. This can damage young trees. Wrap trunks with hardware cloth.
How To Attract Or Deter Squirrels
You might want to watch them or keep them away.
Attracting Squirrels
- Offer whole nuts like walnuts or acorns
- Place a squirrel feeder with corn
- Provide a water source
- Plant nut-producing trees
- Leave a brush pile for shelter
Deterring Squirrels
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders
- Trim tree branches near your house
- Install metal baffles on poles
- Seal gaps in your roof and eaves
- Use motion-activated sprinklers
Interesting Facts About Iowa Squirrels
- Fox squirrels can leap up to 15 feet between branches
- Gray squirrels have excellent spatial memory for finding cached nuts
- Red squirrels can harvest up to 100 pine cones per day
- Thirteen-lined ground squirrels can run up to 8 mph
- Squirrels have four front teeth that grow continuously
Conservation Status
All common squirrels in Iowa are stable. They’re not threatened or endangered. Habitat loss can affect local populations, but they adapt well to human areas.
Red squirrels have declined in some regions due to competition from grays. But they’re still common in suitable habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Common Squirrel In Iowa?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. It’s found in cities, suburbs, and forests across the state.
Are There Black Squirrels In Iowa?
Yes. Black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. They’re less common but can be seen in some areas.
Do Squirrels In Iowa Hibernate?
Only the thirteen-lined ground squirrel hibernates. Tree squirrels remain active all winter, though they’re less active in cold weather.
How Can I Tell A Fox Squirrel From A Gray Squirrel?
Fox squirrels are larger, with reddish or orange bellies. Gray squirrels have white bellies and are smaller. Fox squirrels also have a more square face.
What Should I Do If A Squirrel Gets In My Attic?
Contact a wildlife removal service. Don’t seal the entry point until you’re sure the squirrel is out. They can cause damage if trapped inside.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the common types of squirrels in iowa. From the familiar gray to the striped ground squirrel, each has its own story. Next time you’re outside, take a moment to watch them. You’ll start noticing the differences.
Whether you’re a backyard birder or a nature lover, these squirrels add life to Iowa’s landscapes. Keep an eye out—you might spot a red squirrel in a pine grove or a fox squirrel in a city park. Happy watching.