Minnesota’s northern boreal forests are a stronghold for the northern flying squirrel and the red squirrel. When you think about the Common Types Of Squirrels In Minnesota, you might picture the bushy-tailed gray squirrel raiding your bird feeder. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to more than just that familiar backyard visitor.
In fact, Minnesota hosts five main squirrel species. Each one has its own habits, habitat, and personality. Some you see daily, while others are rare and nocturnal. This guide walks you through each species so you can identify them quickly and understand their role in the ecosystem.
Let’s start with the most obvious one: the eastern gray squirrel.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the one you probably see most often. It’s the classic park squirrel that approaches you for a peanut. These squirrels are medium-sized, with gray fur and a white belly.
You’ll find them in cities, suburbs, and forests across the state. They are most common in southern and central Minnesota. They adapt well to human presence, which is why they dominate backyard feeders.
Key traits of the eastern gray squirrel:
- Gray fur with a white underside
- Long, bushy tail used for balance and warmth
- Active during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon
- Builds leaf nests called dreys high in tree branches
- Eats acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, and sometimes bird eggs
These squirrels are not shy. They will chase each other around trees and make loud barking calls. If you see a squirrel with a black coat, it’s still an eastern gray squirrel—just a color morph. Black squirrels are common in the Twin Cities area.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is the largest squirrel in Minnesota. It looks similar to the gray squirrel but is bigger and has a more reddish-brown or orange tint. Its belly is usually orange or rusty, not white.
Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands, farmlands, and park-like areas. They are less common in dense forests. In Minnesota, they are found mainly in the southern half of the state, especially along river valleys.
How to tell a fox squirrel from a gray squirrel:
- Fox squirrels are bulkier and heavier
- Their tail is less fluffy and more coarse
- Fur color is a mix of gray, brown, and orange
- They often feed on the ground rather than in trees
Fox squirrels are also more solitary. You might see one alone, methodically digging for buried acorns. They cache food in multiple spots and rely on memory to find it later.
If you have a large oak tree in your yard, a fox squirrel might claim it as its territory. They are less likely to visit bird feeders than gray squirrels, but they will if food is scarce.
Red Squirrel
The red squirrel is small, feisty, and loud. It has reddish-brown fur with a white belly. Its most noticeable feature is the white ring around its eye. This squirrel is about half the size of a gray squirrel.
Red squirrels are common in coniferous and mixed forests across Minnesota. They are especially abundant in the northern parts of the state. They love pine, spruce, and fir trees because they eat the seeds from cones.
What makes red squirrels stand out:
- Very vocal—they chatter and scold intruders constantly
- Aggressive toward other squirrels and even birds
- Builds large piles of pine cone scales called middens
- Stores food in tree cavities or underground
- Active year-round, even in deep snow
You will hear a red squirrel before you see it. If you walk through a pine forest in northern Minnesota, listen for a rapid, high-pitched chattering. That’s a red squirrel warning you to stay away from its territory.
They are also known for tapping maple trees in spring to drink sap. This behavior is unique among Minnesota squirrels.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel is a nocturnal species that few people ever see. It has soft, gray-brown fur, large dark eyes, and a flat tail. It does not actually fly—it glides using a membrane of skin between its front and back legs.
This squirrel lives in mature forests with lots of old trees and dead snags. It is found throughout Minnesota but is most common in the northern boreal forests. It needs cavities in trees for nesting and roosting.
Interesting facts about the northern flying squirrel:
- Can glide up to 150 feet between trees
- Eats fungi, lichens, nuts, insects, and bird eggs
- Forms social groups in winter to stay warm
- Is a key disperser of mycorrhizal fungi, which helps tree roots
- Has a soft, high-pitched chirp that sounds like a bird
If you want to see one, you need to go out at night with a flashlight. Their eyes reflect light like tiny red or orange beads. They are most active two hours after sunset and before sunrise.
Northern flying squirrels are also important prey for owls, martens, and fishers. Their population health is a sign of forest quality.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The southern flying squirrel looks almost identical to the northern species. It is slightly smaller and has a whiter belly. Its range in Minnesota is limited to the southeastern corner of the state, near the Mississippi River.
Southern flying squirrels prefer deciduous forests with oak, hickory, and maple trees. They are also nocturnal and gliding. They are less common than the northern species in Minnesota.
How to tell them apart:
- Southern flying squirrel belly fur is pure white from chin to tail
- Northern flying squirrel belly fur is grayish at the base
- Southern species has a narrower tail
- Southern species has a higher-pitched call
Both species are sometimes called “fairy squirrels” because of their silent, floating movements. They are gentle and rarely aggressive. If you have a bird feeder, they might visit at night to eat sunflower seeds.
Conservation note: The southern flying squirrel is listed as a species of special concern in Minnesota. Its habitat is fragmented by development and agriculture.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Minnesota
Now you know the five main species. But how do you quickly tell them apart when you see one in your yard or on a hike? Here is a simple comparison table.
| Species | Size | Color | Tail | Activity | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gray | Medium | Gray, white belly | Bushy | Day | Urban, forests |
| Fox | Large | Gray-brown, orange belly | Thick | Day | Open woods, farms |
| Red | Small | Red-brown, white belly | Thin | Day | Conifer forests |
| Northern Flying | Small | Gray-brown, gray belly base | Flat | Night | Mature forests |
| Southern Flying | Very small | Gray-brown, white belly | Narrow | Night | Deciduous forests |
Use this table as a quick reference. If you see a squirrel during the day, it is not a flying squirrel. If it is tiny and chattering loudly, it is a red squirrel. If it is large and orange, it is a fox squirrel.
Where To Find Each Squirrel In Minnesota
Your location in Minnesota affects which squirrels you will see. Here is a breakdown by region.
Northern Minnesota
This region includes the boreal forests and the Boundary Waters. Red squirrels are everywhere here. You will also find northern flying squirrels in old-growth stands. Gray squirrels are less common but present near towns.
Central Minnesota
The transition zone between forests and prairies. Gray squirrels dominate. Fox squirrels are common near farms and river corridors. Red squirrels are present in pine plantations.
Southern Minnesota
Agricultural land and deciduous forests. Fox squirrels are most common here. Gray squirrels are also abundant in cities. Southern flying squirrels are limited to the southeast corner, especially in blufflands.
Twin Cities Metro
Gray squirrels are the kings of the suburbs. Black morphs are common in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Fox squirrels appear in larger parks. Red squirrels are rare but can be found in wooded neighborhoods.
If you travel to a new area, look at the tree types. Pine forests mean red squirrels. Oak forests mean gray or fox squirrels. Mature mixed forests might have flying squirrels at night.
Squirrel Behavior And Seasons
Squirrels change their behavior with the seasons. Understanding this helps you spot them more easily.
Spring
Mating season begins in late winter. You will see chasing and loud calls. Red squirrels tap maple trees for sap. Gray squirrels start building new dreys.
Summer
Babies are born in spring and summer. Mothers are busy feeding. Squirrels are less active during the hottest part of the day. Look for them early morning or evening.
Fall
This is the busiest time. Squirrels gather and store food for winter. You will see them carrying nuts and burying them. Fox squirrels are especially active on the ground.
Winter
Gray and fox squirrels stay active but reduce movement. They rely on cached food. Red squirrels remain active and can be seen in snow. Flying squirrels huddle together in tree cavities.
If you want to attract squirrels to your yard, put out a feeder with black oil sunflower seeds in fall. Provide a water source in summer. Avoid feeding them bread or processed foods.
How To Identify Squirrel Damage
Squirrels can cause problems around homes. Here is how to tell which species is responsible.
- Gray squirrels: Chew through plastic bird feeders, gnaw on wooden deck railings, and enter attics through roof vents.
- Fox squirrels: Dig up flower bulbs and vegetable gardens. They also strip bark from young trees.
- Red squirrels: Chew into sheds and garages. They often take over birdhouses and kill nestlings.
- Flying squirrels: Enter attics through small gaps. They leave droppings and urine stains. Their droppings are smaller than mouse droppings.
If you have damage, identify the species first. Then use exclusion methods like sealing holes and trimming tree branches away from your roof. Live traps are an option but check local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Squirrels
What Is The Most Common Squirrel In Minnesota?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common species statewide. It is found in urban, suburban, and forested areas. Black morphs are also common in the Twin Cities.
Are There Flying Squirrels In Minnesota?
Yes, two species live in Minnesota. The northern flying squirrel is found across the state. The southern flying squirrel is only in the southeast corner. Both are nocturnal and rarely seen.
How Can I Tell A Red Squirrel From A Gray Squirrel?
Red squirrels are much smaller, about half the size. They have reddish fur and a white eye ring. Gray squirrels are larger with gray fur and no eye ring. Red squirrels are also much louder.
Do Squirrels In Minnesota Hibernate?
No, Minnesota squirrels do not hibernate. Gray, fox, and red squirrels stay active all winter. They reduce activity on very cold days but do not sleep for long periods. Flying squirrels huddle together but remain awake.
What Should I Feed Squirrels In My Yard?
Black oil sunflower seeds, unsalted peanuts in the shell, and raw almonds are good choices. Avoid salted nuts, corn with mold, and bread. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish.
Final Tips For Squirrel Watching In Minnesota
If you want to see all five species, plan your trips carefully. Visit a northern pine forest at dawn for red squirrels. Go to a city park for gray squirrels. Walk along the Mississippi River bluffs in the southeast for fox squirrels. And for flying squirrels, join a night hike with a local nature center.
Keep a field journal. Note the date, location, and behavior. Over time, you will learn the patterns of each species. Squirrels are smart and observant. They will notice you before you notice them.
Remember that squirrels play a vital role in forest health. They plant trees by burying nuts and spreading fungi spores. They are food for hawks, owls, and foxes. Appreciate them from a distance, and do not try to touch them. Wild squirrels can carry diseases and may bite.
Minnesota’s squirrels are more diverse than most people realize. Now you know the Common Types Of Squirrels In Minnesota and how to identify them. Next time you see a bushy tail darting across a branch, you will know exactly which species it is.