Connecticut’s forests are home to eastern gray squirrels, red squirrels, and northern flying squirrels, each adapted to New England seasons. If you’ve ever wondered about the common types of squirrels in Connecticut, you’re in the right place. These bushy-tailed creatures are everywhere in the state, from backyards to deep woods. This guide will help you identify them, understand their habits, and appreciate their role in the local ecosystem.
Squirrels are more than just cute animals that chase each other around trees. They play a big part in seed dispersal and forest health. In Connecticut, you’ll mainly encounter three species, plus a few less common ones. Knowing which is which can make your time outdoors more interesting.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Connecticut
Let’s jump right into the main species you’ll see. Each one has unique traits that set it apart. You’ll learn to spot them by size, color, behavior, and where they live.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Connecticut. You see them in parks, neighborhoods, and forests all over the state. They are medium-sized, with a body length of 9 to 12 inches, not counting their bushy tail.
Their fur is mostly gray, but can have a brownish tint. Some have a white belly. In winter, their coat gets thicker and more silver. They are active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
- Size: 9-12 inches body, tail adds another 7-10 inches
- Weight: 14-21 ounces
- Color: Gray with white or light gray belly
- Habitat: Woodlands, suburbs, city parks
- Diet: Acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, bird eggs
- Behavior: Builds leaf nests called dreys in tree forks
These squirrels are smart and adaptable. They cache food for winter, burying nuts one by one. They have excellent memory for finding their stashes, but they also forget some, which helps trees grow. You’ll often see them chasing each other or chattering from branches.
Red Squirrel
Red squirrels are smaller and more feisty than gray squirrels. They are about 7 to 9 inches long, with a reddish-brown coat and a white belly. Their tail is less bushy and often has a black edge. They are very vocal and will scold you loudly if you get too close.
These squirrels prefer coniferous forests, but they also live in mixed woods. They are common in Connecticut’s northern and western parts. They are territorial and will defend their food sources aggressively.
- Size: 7-9 inches body, tail 4-6 inches
- Weight: 7-11 ounces
- Color: Reddish-brown, white belly, black tail edge in summer
- Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests
- Diet: Pine cones, seeds, mushrooms, bird eggs
- Behavior: Stores cones in middens (piles) for winter
Red squirrels are known for cutting pine cones and dropping them to the ground. They create large piles of cone scales called middens. These piles can be several feet wide. They are also known to eat maple sap by chewing bark on trees.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel is the least seen of the common types. It is nocturnal, so you rarely spot it during the day. It has a grayish-brown coat, a white belly, and large black eyes for night vision. It has a flap of skin called a patagium that stretches from wrist to ankle, allowing it to glide between trees.
These squirrels are about 9 to 11 inches long, including a flat tail. They weigh 4 to 6 ounces. They live in mature forests with plenty of dead trees for nesting. They are social and often nest in groups during winter.
- Size: 9-11 inches total, tail 4-5 inches
- Weight: 4-6 ounces
- Color: Grayish-brown, white belly, large eyes
- Habitat: Mature hardwood and mixed forests
- Diet: Fungi, nuts, seeds, insects, bird eggs
- Behavior: Glides up to 150 feet between trees
If you want to see one, go out at night with a flashlight in a forested area. Look for glowing eyes in the trees. They are important for spreading fungi spores, which helps forest trees grow. They are also prey for owls and martens.
Southern Flying Squirrel
There is also a southern flying squirrel in Connecticut, but it is less common. It looks almost identical to the northern species but is slightly smaller. It has a more pointed tail and a lighter belly. It prefers deciduous forests and is also nocturnal.
Southern flying squirrels are more common in the southern parts of the state. They are harder to tell apart from northern ones without close inspection. They have similar habits and diets. Both species are rarely seen due to their night activity.
- Size: 8-10 inches total
- Weight: 2-4 ounces
- Color: Grayish-brown, white belly
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, fruits, insects
- Behavior: Glides, nests in tree cavities
Identifying Squirrels In Your Backyard
You don’t need to be a biologist to tell these squirrels apart. Here are simple tips for identification based on what you see.
Size And Color Clues
Eastern gray squirrels are the largest and most common. Red squirrels are smaller and reddish. Flying squirrels are small and only come out at night. If you see a squirrel during the day, it’s almost certainly a gray or red squirrel.
Color is a big clue. Gray squirrels are gray with white bellies. Red squirrels are reddish with white bellies. Flying squirrels are grayish-brown with white bellies. The belly color is a good marker for all three.
Behavioral Differences
Gray squirrels are bold and will come close to humans for food. They are active all day. Red squirrels are more nervous and will scold you from a branch. They are also more aggressive toward other squirrels.
Flying squirrels are shy and only active at night. You might hear them gliding or see their eyes shine in a flashlight. They rarely come to the ground during the day.
Nest And Feeding Signs
Gray squirrels build leaf nests high in trees. Red squirrels create middens of pine cone scales. Flying squirrels nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Look for these signs to know which species is around.
- Gray squirrel nests: Leaf balls in tree forks, 30-50 feet up
- Red squirrel middens: Piles of cone scales on ground or stumps
- Flying squirrel nests: Cavities in dead trees, often with multiple entrances
Seasonal Behavior Of Connecticut Squirrels
Squirrels change their habits with the seasons. Understanding this helps you predict their movements and behavior.
Spring And Summer
In spring, squirrels become more active. They mate and have babies. Gray squirrels have two litters per year, one in early spring and one in late summer. Red squirrels have one or two litters. Flying squirrels have one litter in spring.
During summer, squirrels spend time gathering food. They eat fresh nuts, berries, and seeds. They also drink water from puddles and bird baths. You’ll see them more often as they prepare for winter.
Fall
Fall is the busiest time for squirrels. They gather and store food for winter. Gray squirrels bury acorns and nuts individually. Red squirrels cut and store pine cones in middens. Flying squirrels cache fungi and nuts in tree cavities.
This is also when you see them crossing roads more often. They are focused on gathering food and may not watch for cars. Be careful driving in wooded areas during fall.
Winter
In winter, squirrels are less active but don’t hibernate. Gray squirrels stay in their nests on cold days and come out on milder ones. They rely on stored food. Red squirrels are active all winter, digging through snow to reach their middens.
Flying squirrels are also active in winter. They nest in groups to stay warm. They may enter buildings for warmth, which can be a problem for homeowners.
Where To See Squirrels In Connecticut
You can see squirrels almost anywhere in Connecticut. But some places are better for spotting specific species.
Best Locations For Gray Squirrels
Gray squirrels are everywhere. Try any park or suburban neighborhood. Places like Elizabeth Park in Hartford or Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven have lots of them. They are used to people and easy to observe.
Best Locations For Red Squirrels
Red squirrels prefer forests with pines and spruces. Try state parks like Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted or Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown. They are also common in the Litchfield Hills region.
Best Locations For Flying Squirrels
To see flying squirrels, go to mature forests at night. Try the Yale-Myers Forest in Union or the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield. Bring a flashlight and look for glowing eyes in trees. Be patient and quiet.
Common Misconceptions About Squirrels
There are many myths about squirrels. Let’s clear some up.
- Myth: Squirrels hibernate all winter. Fact: They are active all year, just less so in cold weather.
- Myth: Squirrels remember where every nut is buried. Fact: They remember many, but forget some, which helps trees.
- Myth: Flying squirrels can fly. Fact: They glide, not fly. They use skin flaps to control their descent.
- Myth: Red squirrels are just baby gray squirrels. Fact: They are a separate species, smaller and with different habits.
How Squirrels Impact Your Property
Squirrels can be a nuisance. They chew on wires, bird feeders, and wooden structures. They may nest in attics or chimneys. But they also have benefits.
Positive Impacts
Squirrels help forests by spreading seeds and fungi. They are food for hawks, owls, and foxes. Watching them can be entertaining and relaxing.
Negative Impacts
They can damage gardens by digging up bulbs. They steal bird seed from feeders. They may chew through siding or insulation to enter homes. They can cause power outages by chewing on wires.
Managing Squirrel Problems
If squirrels are causing issues, try these steps:
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders with metal cages or weight-sensitive perches.
- Seal gaps in your home’s exterior, especially around rooflines and vents.
- Trim tree branches that are close to your house.
- Remove food sources like fallen nuts and bird seed on the ground.
- Use repellents like cayenne pepper or commercial sprays, but reapply after rain.
Never use poison. It can harm pets and other wildlife. Live traps are an option, but check local laws first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common squirrel in Connecticut?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. You see them in almost every neighborhood and park across the state.
Are there flying squirrels in Connecticut?
Yes, both northern and southern flying squirrels live in Connecticut. They are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day.
Do red squirrels live in Connecticut?
Yes, red squirrels are common, especially in coniferous and mixed forests in the northern and western parts of the state.
How can I tell a red squirrel from a gray squirrel?
Red squirrels are smaller, reddish-brown, and have a white belly. Gray squirrels are larger, gray, and have a white or light gray belly. Red squirrels are also more vocal and aggressive.
What should I do if squirrels get into my attic?
First, find and seal all entry points except one. Then use a one-way door or live trap to remove them. Call a wildlife professional if needed. Do not seal them inside.
Understanding the common types of squirrels in Connecticut helps you coexist with them. They are fascinating animals that add life to our forests and neighborhoods. Whether you enjoy watching them from your window or managing them in your garden, knowing their habits makes it easier.
Next time you see a squirrel, take a moment to notice its size, color, and behavior. You might be able to identify it as a gray, red, or flying squirrel. This knowledge deepens your connection to the natural world around you.
Remember, squirrels are wild animals. Enjoy them from a distance and don’t feed them by hand. They have their own food sources and don’t need human help. With a little patience, you can appreciate these bushy-tailed residents of Connecticut’s landscapes.