Common Types Of Squirrels In Maine

Maine’s vast woodlands are a sanctuary for the northern flying squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel, but when people ask about the Common Types Of Squirrels In Maine, they often picture the bushy-tailed critters raiding bird feeders. You might spot them darting across power lines or chattering from a pine branch. This guide covers every squirrel species you will encounter in the Pine Tree State, from the ground-dwelling chipmunk to the acrobatic flying squirrel. We will break down their looks, habits, and where to find them, so you can identify each one with confidence.

Maine is home to five main squirrel species, plus a few occasional visitors. The most familiar are the eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel, but the northern flying squirrel and southern flying squirrel also live here. The eastern chipmunk, though small, is a ground squirrel relative. Each species plays a unique role in the forest ecosystem, from planting oak trees to spreading fungi spores. Knowing these animals helps you understand Maine’s wild spaces better.

Let’s start with the basics. Squirrels belong to the rodent family Sciuridae. In Maine, they range from the tiny chipmunk to the larger gray squirrel. Their diets include nuts, seeds, berries, and sometimes bird eggs. They are active year-round, though some store food for winter. The state’s mix of hardwood and conifer forests provides perfect habitat for all these species.

This section covers every squirrel species you are likely to see in Maine. We will describe their appearance, behavior, and preferred habitats. Use this as a field guide for your next hike or backyard observation.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Maine’s towns and suburbs. You see them in parks, backyards, and along roadsides. They are medium-sized, with gray fur and a white belly. Their bushy tail helps them balance on tree branches and telephone wires.

Size: 9–12 inches long, plus a 7–10 inch tail
Weight: 14–21 ounces
Color: Gray with white underside, sometimes black
Habitat: Oak, hickory, and maple forests near human settlements
Diet: Acorns, walnuts, seeds, bird eggs, and fungi

These squirrels are active during the day. They build leaf nests called dreys high in tree forks. In winter, they rely on cached food. You might see them digging in your garden or chasing each other around trees. They are bold and will approach humans for handouts, though it is best not to feed them.

Red Squirrel

The red squirrel is smaller and more aggressive than the gray squirrel. It has reddish-brown fur with a white belly. Its tail is less bushy and often has a black stripe along the edge. You hear its loud, chattering call before you see it.

Size: 7–9 inches long, plus a 4–6 inch tail
Weight: 7–10 ounces
Color: Reddish-brown, white belly, black tail edge
Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests, especially spruce and pine
Diet: Pine cones, seeds, berries, mushrooms, and bird eggs

Red squirrels are territorial. They defend their food caches fiercely. They eat pine cones by stripping the scales, leaving a telltale pile of debris on the ground. In winter, they tunnel under snow to reach stored cones. They are common in Maine’s northern woods and often visit feeders for sunflower seeds.

Northern Flying Squirrel

The northern flying squirrel is nocturnal and rarely seen. It has large, dark eyes for night vision and a flap of skin called a patagium that stretches between its wrists and ankles. This allows it to glide up to 150 feet between trees.

Size: 10–12 inches long, including a 4–5 inch tail
Weight: 2–4 ounces
Color: Grayish-brown with white belly
Habitat: Mature conifer and mixed forests with dead trees
Diet: Fungi, lichens, seeds, insects, and bird eggs

These squirrels are social and live in small groups. They nest in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. They are important for forest health because they eat truffles and spread fungal spores. If you camp in Maine’s north woods, listen for soft chirps at night—that might be a flying squirrel.

Southern Flying Squirrel

The southern flying squirrel is similar to its northern cousin but smaller and more southern in range. In Maine, it is less common and found mainly in the southern part of the state. It has a slightly lighter belly and a shorter tail.

Size: 8–10 inches long, including a 3–4 inch tail
Weight: 1.5–3 ounces
Color: Grayish-brown, white belly
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, often near water
Diet: Nuts, berries, insects, and bird eggs

Southern flying squirrels are also nocturnal. They glide using the same skin flaps as the northern species. They are more likely to visit bird feeders at night. Their populations are patchy in Maine, so sightings are rare. They prefer older forests with plenty of tree cavities for nesting.

Eastern Chipmunk

The eastern chipmunk is a small ground squirrel with distinctive stripes. It has five dark stripes on its back, separated by lighter ones. It has a short, bushy tail and cheek pouches for carrying food.

Size: 5–6 inches long, plus a 3–4 inch tail
Weight: 2–5 ounces
Color: Brown with black and white stripes, white belly
Habitat: Forests, gardens, and rocky areas
Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and bird eggs

Chipmunks are diurnal and very active. They dig burrows with multiple chambers for sleeping and storing food. They hibernate in winter but wake periodically to eat from their stash. You see them scurrying along stone walls or under bird feeders. They are cute but can dig up flower bulbs.

Woodchuck (Groundhog)

The woodchuck is a large ground squirrel. It is sometimes called a groundhog. It has a chunky body, short legs, and a flat tail. It lives in open areas like fields and meadows.

Size: 16–20 inches long, plus a 4–7 inch tail
Weight: 5–10 pounds
Color: Brown with grizzled fur, lighter belly
Habitat: Fields, pastures, and forest edges
Diet: Grasses, clover, dandelions, and garden vegetables

Woodchucks are true hibernators. They sleep from October to March. They dig extensive burrows with multiple entrances. In Maine, they are common in agricultural areas. They can damage gardens by eating crops and digging holes. They are not tree climbers like other squirrels.

Where To Find Each Species

Knowing where to look helps you spot these squirrels. Each species prefers different habitats. Use this guide to plan your squirrel-watching trips.

Backyards And Suburbs

Eastern gray squirrels dominate here. They love oak and maple trees. Red squirrels also visit if you have conifers. Chipmunks are common near stone walls and gardens. Put out a feeder with sunflower seeds to attract them.

Northern Forests

Red squirrels are king in spruce-fir forests. Northern flying squirrels live in old-growth areas with dead trees. You might see woodchucks in clearings. Gray squirrels are less common here.

Southern Maine

Southern flying squirrels appear in mixed hardwood forests. Gray squirrels are abundant. Chipmunks thrive in rocky areas. Woodchucks prefer open fields near woods.

How To Identify Squirrels By Tracks And Signs

Sometimes you see signs before you see the animal. Look for these clues.

Gray squirrel tracks: Four toes on front feet, five on back. Bound pattern with tail drag.
Red squirrel tracks: Smaller, similar pattern. Often near pine cone debris.
Chipmunk tracks: Tiny, with five toes on all feet. Run in straight lines.
Woodchuck tracks: Larger, with visible claws. Walk with a waddling gait.
Flying squirrel tracks: Rarely seen on ground. Look for gliding marks on snow.

You can also look for feeding signs. Gray squirrels leave gnawed acorns with a clean cut. Red squirrels leave piles of cone scales. Chipmunks leave small holes in the ground where they dig for seeds. Woodchucks leave clipped vegetation near burrow entrances.

Seasonal Behavior Of Maine Squirrels

Squirrels change their habits with the seasons. Understanding this helps you predict their activity.

Spring

Breeding season starts in February. You see chasing and chattering. Females build nests for litters. Gray squirrels have two litters per year. Red squirrels have one. Chipmunks emerge from hibernation in March.

Summer

Young squirrels leave the nest. They are clumsy and easy to spot. Adults focus on feeding. Flying squirrels are active at night. Woodchucks eat heavily to build fat for winter.

Fall

This is peak caching season. Gray squirrels bury acorns one by one. Red squirrels pile cones in middens. Chipmunks fill their cheek pouches. All species are very active before winter.

Winter

Gray and red squirrels remain active but less so. They rely on stored food. Flying squirrels stay active at night. Chipmunks hibernate. Woodchucks hibernate deeply.

How To Attract Squirrels To Your Yard

If you want to watch squirrels, set up a feeding station. Follow these steps.

Choose a platform feeder or tray. Squirrels prefer flat surfaces.
Use black oil sunflower seeds. They attract all species.
Add peanuts in the shell for gray squirrels.
Place the feeder near trees or a fence for escape routes.
Provide a water source, like a shallow dish.
Clean the feeder regularly to prevent disease.

Be patient. It may take weeks for squirrels to trust the feeder. Once they do, you will have regular visitors. Keep cats indoors to protect the squirrels.

Common Problems And Solutions

Squirrels can cause issues. Here are fixes for common complaints.

Bird feeder raiding: Use a baffle or cage feeder. Offer squirrel-specific feeders with corn.
Garden damage: Fence with wire mesh. Plant daffodils, which squirrels avoid.
Attic entry: Seal holes with steel wool. Trim tree branches away from the house.
Digging in lawns: Rake soil smooth. Apply repellent with cayenne pepper.

Most problems are manageable. Squirrels are persistent, so you may need to try multiple methods. Never use poison, as it harms other wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common squirrel in Maine?

The eastern gray squirrel is the most common, especially in towns and suburbs. Red squirrels are more common in northern forests.

Are there flying squirrels in Maine?

Yes, both northern and southern flying squirrels live in Maine. The northern species is more widespread. They are nocturnal and rarely seen.

Do chipmunks count as squirrels?

Yes, chipmunks are ground squirrels in the family Sciuridae. They are smaller and striped, but share many behaviors with tree squirrels.

Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Maine?

No, it is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets without a permit. They are wild animals and need specialized care.

What should I do if I find a baby squirrel?

If the baby is uninjured and fully furred, leave it alone. The mother will return. If it is injured or hairless, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Final Thoughts On Maine Squirrels

Maine’s squirrels are fascinating and diverse. From the acrobatic gray squirrel to the elusive flying squirrel, each species adds life to the woods. You can enjoy them in your backyard or on a hike. Remember to watch from a distance and not feed them processed food. They are wild animals, best appreciated in their natural habitat.

Now you know the Common Types Of Squirrels In Maine. Next time you see a bushy tail disappear around a tree, you will know exactly who it is. Grab your binoculars and head outside—the squirrels are waiting.