New Hampshire’s White Mountains support the American red squirrel, a noisy resident of coniferous forests. When you step outside in the Granite State, you will likely spot a few furry critters dashing across power lines or raiding bird feeders. Understanding the Common Types Of Squirrels In New Hampshire helps you identify these animals and manage your yard better. Let’s look at the main squirrel species you might encounter.
Common Types Of Squirrels In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to four main squirrel species. Each one has unique habits, appearances, and habitats. Knowing these differences helps you appreciate local wildlife and protect your property.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in New Hampshire. You see them in backyards, parks, and forests across the state. They have gray fur with white bellies and bushy tails.
These squirrels are active year-round. They do not hibernate, but they stay in their nests during harsh weather. They store food like acorns and nuts for winter.
- Size: 9 to 12 inches long, plus a 7 to 10 inch tail
- Color: Gray with white belly, sometimes black morphs
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, suburban areas
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, berries, bird eggs, insects
- Behavior: Build leaf nests called dreys in tree branches
Eastern grays are bold and will approach humans for food. They are also known for raiding bird feeders. You might see them burying nuts in your lawn, which helps trees grow.
American Red Squirrel
The American red squirrel is smaller and more aggressive than the gray squirrel. They are common in coniferous forests, especially around white pines and spruce trees. Their rusty-red fur and white eye rings make them easy to spot.
These squirrels are very territorial. They make loud chattering sounds to warn other squirrels away. They also collect pine cones and store them in piles called middens.
- Size: 11 to 14 inches long including tail
- Color: Reddish-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests
- Diet: Pine seeds, mushrooms, berries, bird eggs
- Behavior: Very vocal, stores food in large piles
Red squirrels are active during the day. They often chase gray squirrels away from food sources. Their nests are usually in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes.
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern chipmunks are small ground squirrels with stripes. They are common in New Hampshire’s forests and gardens. Their stripes run down their backs, with a light stripe between two dark ones.
Chipmunks are not true tree squirrels, but they belong to the squirrel family. They dig burrows underground and hibernate during winter. They wake up occasionally to eat stored food.
- Size: 5 to 6 inches long, tail 3 to 4 inches
- Color: Brown with black and white stripes
- Habitat: Forests, woodlands, gardens
- Diet: Seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, bird eggs
- Behavior: Digs burrows, hibernates in winter
You might see chipmunks collecting seeds in their cheek pouches. They are fast and shy, usually staying close to cover. They can cause damage to flower bulbs and garden plants.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The Northern flying squirrel is nocturnal and rarely seen. They live in mature forests with old trees. Their fur is gray-brown with a white belly, and they have large eyes for night vision.
These squirrels do not actually fly. They have a membrane called a patagium that stretches between their wrists and ankles. This allows them to glide up to 150 feet between trees.
- Size: 10 to 12 inches long including tail
- Color: Gray-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Mature coniferous and mixed forests
- Diet: Fungi, lichens, nuts, insects, bird eggs
- Behavior: Nocturnal, glides between trees
Flying squirrels are important for forest health. They spread fungal spores through their droppings. They also use tree cavities for nesting and are prey for owls and martens.
Where To Find Each Squirrel Species
Different squirrels prefer different habitats. Knowing where to look helps you spot them more easily. Here is a breakdown of their preferred environments.
Eastern Gray Squirrel Habitat
Eastern grays love oak and hickory forests. They also thrive in suburban neighborhoods with mature trees. You find them in parks, golf courses, and backyards.
These squirrels adapt well to human presence. They build nests high in tree forks. They also use attics and sheds for shelter if they can get inside.
American Red Squirrel Habitat
American red squirrels prefer coniferous forests. They are common in the White Mountains and northern New Hampshire. Look for them around pine, spruce, and fir trees.
They also live in mixed forests with some hardwoods. Their middens are piles of pine cone scales at the base of trees. These piles can be several feet wide.
Eastern Chipmunk Habitat
Chipmunks live in areas with plenty of ground cover. They like stone walls, log piles, and brushy edges of forests. They also dig burrows under decks and sheds.
Their burrows have multiple chambers for sleeping and storing food. They often use tunnels that are 10 to 30 feet long. Chipmunks are common in gardens and near bird feeders.
Northern Flying Squirrel Habitat
Flying squirrels need old forests with dead trees. They use tree cavities for nesting and raising young. Look for them in the White Mountains and northern woodlands.
These squirrels are hard to spot because they are active at night. You might see them gliding between trees if you use a flashlight. They are more common in areas with lots of fungi.
How To Identify Squirrels In Your Yard
Identifying squirrels can be tricky because they move fast. Here are some tips to tell them apart. Use these clues to know which species visits your property.
- Look at size and color. Gray squirrels are larger and gray. Red squirrels are smaller and rusty red. Chipmunks have stripes. Flying squirrels are medium and gray.
- Watch the tail. Gray squirrels have bushy tails. Red squirrels have thinner tails. Chipmunks have short, less bushy tails. Flying squirrels have flat tails.
- Notice behavior. Gray squirrels are bold and active during the day. Red squirrels are aggressive and loud. Chipmunks are shy and fast. Flying squirrels are nocturnal.
- Check for nests. Gray squirrels build leaf nests in trees. Red squirrels use tree cavities. Chipmunks dig burrows. Flying squirrels use cavities or nest boxes.
- Listen for sounds. Red squirrels make loud chattering. Gray squirrels make softer barking sounds. Chipmunks make high-pitched chips. Flying squirrels are quiet.
These tips help you identify squirrels quickly. You can also set up a camera to capture nighttime visitors. This is the best way to see flying squirrels.
Seasonal Behavior Of New Hampshire Squirrels
Squirrels change their behavior with the seasons. Understanding these patterns helps you predict their activity. Here is what each species does throughout the year.
Spring
In spring, squirrels become more active. They search for food after winter. Gray squirrels and red squirrels start building nests for babies. Chipmunks emerge from hibernation in March or April.
Flying squirrels mate in late winter. Females give birth in spring. You might see young squirrels learning to climb. This is a good time to watch them.
Summer
Summer is busy for squirrels. They gather food and raise young. Gray squirrels have two litters per year. Red squirrels have one or two litters. Chipmunks have one litter.
Squirrels spend time storing food for winter. They bury nuts and seeds in the ground. Flying squirrels eat fungi and insects. This is the best time to see all species.
Fall
Fall is the busiest season for squirrels. They collect and store as much food as possible. Gray squirrels bury thousands of nuts. Red squirrels pile pine cones. Chipmunks fill their burrows.
This is also when squirrels are most visible. They are active all day preparing for winter. You might see them crossing roads more often. Be careful driving.
Winter
Winter is quiet for most squirrels. Gray squirrels stay in their nests during storms. They come out on mild days to eat stored food. Red squirrels remain active but less visible.
Chipmunks hibernate in their burrows. They wake up every few days to eat. Flying squirrels stay active but are harder to see. They rely on stored food and fungi.
How Squirrels Affect Your Property
Squirrels can cause problems for homeowners. They chew on wires, damage gardens, and invade attics. Here are common issues and how to handle them.
Damage To Bird Feeders
Squirrels are experts at raiding bird feeders. They climb poles, jump from trees, and chew through plastic. This can waste bird seed and damage feeders.
To stop them, use squirrel-proof feeders. Place feeders on poles with baffles. Use spicy seed mixes that squirrels dislike. Keep feeders away from trees and fences.
Chewing On Wires And Structures
Squirrels chew on things to keep their teeth sharp. They can damage electrical wires, wood, and plastic. This can cause power outages or fire hazards.
Inspect your home for entry points. Seal holes with metal mesh. Trim tree branches away from your roof. Use repellents like capsaicin spray on wires.
Invading Attics And Sheds
Squirrels sometimes enter attics for shelter. They can chew through soffits and vents. Once inside, they build nests and cause damage.
To prevent this, seal all openings. Use metal flashing around roof edges. Install chimney caps. If squirrels are inside, use humane traps or call a professional.
Digging In Gardens
Chipmunks and gray squirrels dig in gardens. They eat bulbs, seeds, and young plants. Chipmunks dig burrows that can damage roots.
Protect your garden with fencing. Use wire mesh around bulbs. Plant flowers that squirrels avoid, like daffodils. Remove fallen fruit and nuts.
Benefits Of Squirrels In The Ecosystem
Squirrels are not just pests. They play important roles in nature. Here are some ways they help the environment.
- Seed dispersal: Squirrels bury nuts and seeds. Many never get eaten and grow into new trees. This helps forests regenerate.
- Fungal spread: Flying squirrels eat fungi and spread spores. This helps trees absorb nutrients from the soil.
- Food for predators: Squirrels are prey for hawks, owls, foxes, and martens. They support the food web.
- Soil aeration: Chipmunks dig burrows that aerate the soil. This helps water and nutrients reach plant roots.
- Tree health: Squirrels prune branches by chewing. This can stimulate new growth in trees.
These benefits show that squirrels are valuable. They are part of a healthy ecosystem. Managing them humanely is important.
How To Coexist With Squirrels
Living with squirrels requires some adjustments. Here are tips to reduce conflicts while respecting wildlife.
- Provide alternative food sources. Set up a squirrel feeder away from your house. Fill it with corn, nuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Protect bird feeders. Use baffles and squirrel-proof designs. Place feeders on poles at least 10 feet from trees.
- Seal entry points. Inspect your home for gaps. Use metal mesh or caulk to close holes.
- Trim trees. Keep branches at least 6 feet from your roof. This prevents squirrels from jumping onto your house.
- Use repellents. Apply capsaicin spray to plants and wires. Use motion-activated sprinklers to scare them away.
- Remove attractants. Clean up fallen nuts and fruit. Secure garbage cans with tight lids.
- Plant squirrel-resistant flowers. Daffodils, marigolds, and alliums are less appealing to squirrels.
These steps help you share your space with squirrels. They reduce damage without harming the animals. Remember that squirrels are part of New Hampshire’s natural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about squirrels in New Hampshire. These answers help you understand them better.
What is the most common squirrel in New Hampshire?
The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common. You see them in almost every town and forest. They are adaptable and live near people.
Are there flying squirrels in New Hampshire?
Yes, the Northern flying squirrel lives in New Hampshire. They are nocturnal and live in mature forests. They are rarely seen but are common in the White Mountains.
Do chipmunks hibernate in New Hampshire?
Yes, Eastern chipmunks hibernate during winter. They sleep in their burrows from November to March. They wake up occasionally to eat stored food.
How can I tell a red squirrel from a gray squirrel?
Red squirrels are smaller, about 11 to 14 inches long. They have rusty-red fur and white eye rings. Gray squirrels are larger, 16 to 22 inches long, with gray fur and white bellies.
What should I do if squirrels get in my attic?
First, find and seal all entry points. Then use humane traps to remove them. Release them at least 5 miles away. Call a wildlife professional if needed.
Final Thoughts On New Hampshire Squirrels
Squirrels are a common sight in New Hampshire. Knowing the Common Types Of Squirrels In New Hampshire helps you identify them and manage your property. The Eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread, while the American red squirrel is common in forests. Eastern chipmunks are ground dwellers, and Northern flying squirrels are nocturnal.
Each species has unique behaviors and habitats. By understanding them, you can enjoy watching them without conflict. Use the tips in this article to protect your home and garden. Remember that squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem.
Next time you see a squirrel, take a moment to observe it. Notice its color, size, and behavior. You might be able to identify which species it is. This makes your outdoor experience more rewarding.
New Hampshire’s squirrels are fascinating creatures. They are active, clever, and resilient. With a little knowledge, you can live alongside them peacefully. Enjoy the wildlife that makes the Granite State special.