Georgia’s woodlands host eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and the elusive southern flying squirrel, each with distinct habits. If you’re curious about the common types of squirrels in georgia, you’ve come to the right place. These bushy-tailed creatures are everywhere—from city parks to deep forests—and knowing how to tell them apart makes your next hike or backyard birdwatching session much more interesting.
In this guide, you’ll learn to identify each species by size, color, and behavior. We’ll also cover where they live, what they eat, and how they interact with people. By the end, you’ll be a squirrel spotter pro.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Georgia
Georgia is home to three main squirrel species. Each one has adapted to different habitats across the state. Let’s break them down one by one.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel you’ll see in Georgia. It’s the one that raids bird feeders and chases its tail in your backyard. These squirrels are medium-sized, with a body length of about 9 to 12 inches, not counting their bushy tail.
Their fur is mostly gray with a white belly. Sometimes you’ll see a black variant, which is actually the same species with a different coat color. These black squirrels are more common in certain parts of Georgia, like around Atlanta.
Eastern grays are active during the day. They spend their mornings and late afternoons foraging for acorns, nuts, seeds, and berries. They are also known to eat bird eggs and insects when food is scarce.
You’ll find them in both urban and rural areas. They thrive in oak-hickory forests, but they are just as happy in suburban neighborhoods with mature trees. Their nests, called dreys, are made of leaves and twigs high in tree branches.
One interesting fact: eastern gray squirrels have excellent memory. They bury thousands of nuts each fall and remember where most of them are hidden. This helps them survive winter and also helps trees grow when forgotten nuts sprout.
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels are the largest squirrel species in Georgia. They can reach up to 20 inches in length, including their tail. Their name comes from their reddish-brown fur, which resembles a fox’s coat, though color can vary widely.
In Georgia, fox squirrels often have a mix of gray, brown, and orange fur. Some have a black head with a white nose and ears. This makes them easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands with scattered trees. They are less common in dense forests and rarely live in urban areas. You’re more likely to see them in pine forests, longleaf pine savannas, and along forest edges.
Their diet is similar to gray squirrels, but they eat more pine cones and pine seeds. They also eat acorns, hickory nuts, fruits, and fungi. Fox squirrels are ground feeders more often than gray squirrels, so watch for them on the forest floor.
These squirrels are solitary and territorial. They don’t form large groups like grays sometimes do. Males will chase each other away from food sources and nesting sites.
Fox squirrels are less common than grays, but their population is stable in Georgia. They are protected by state laws, so you cannot hunt them without a permit during certain seasons.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The southern flying squirrel is the smallest and most secretive of Georgia’s squirrels. It measures only 8 to 10 inches long, including its tail. And yes, it can actually glide through the air.
These squirrels have a flap of skin called a patagium that stretches between their front and back legs. When they leap from a high branch, they spread their limbs and glide up to 150 feet. They steer by adjusting the tension of the skin flap.
Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal. You rarely see them during the day. If you want to spot one, look for them at dusk or use a flashlight at night near bird feeders. They are attracted to sunflower seeds and suet.
Their fur is grayish-brown on top and white underneath. They have large, dark eyes that help them see in low light. Their tail is flat and acts like a rudder during glides.
These squirrels live in mature forests with plenty of dead trees. They nest in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, and sometimes in attics. They are social animals and often share nests with other flying squirrels in winter to stay warm.
Their diet includes nuts, acorns, berries, insects, and even small birds. They also eat tree sap by gnawing on bark. In Georgia, they are important for forest health because they spread seeds and fungi spores.
Southern flying squirrels are not endangered, but their populations are sensitive to habitat loss. They need large, connected forests to thrive.
How To Identify Squirrels In Georgia
Now that you know the three main species, let’s talk about how to tell them apart quickly. Use these tips when you’re out in the field.
Size And Color
Size is the easiest clue. Fox squirrels are the largest, followed by gray squirrels, then flying squirrels. If you see a squirrel that looks like a small cat, it’s probably a fox squirrel.
Color also helps. Gray squirrels are mostly gray with white bellies. Fox squirrels have more red or orange tones. Flying squirrels are grayish-brown with white undersides, but you rarely see them up close.
If you see a black squirrel, it’s almost certainly an eastern gray squirrel with a color morph. Black fox squirrels are rare in Georgia.
Tail Shape And Behavior
Gray squirrels have a bushy, rounded tail that they flick when alarmed. Fox squirrels have a thicker, more cylindrical tail. Flying squirrels have a flat, wide tail that looks like a paddle.
Behavior is another clue. Gray squirrels are bold and active in daytime. Fox squirrels are more cautious and often freeze when they see you. Flying squirrels are only active at night and glide rather than run.
Watch how they move. Gray squirrels run along branches and leap between trees. Fox squirrels spend more time on the ground. Flying squirrels glide silently from tree to tree.
Habitat Preferences
Where you see a squirrel tells you a lot. Gray squirrels are everywhere—parks, backyards, forests. Fox squirrels prefer open pine woods and forest edges. Flying squirrels need mature forests with dead trees for nesting.
If you’re in a dense oak forest, you’ll probably see gray squirrels. In a pine plantation, look for fox squirrels. At night near a bird feeder, you might catch a flying squirrel.
Remember that these habitats overlap. In some areas, you can find all three species within a few miles.
Where To Spot Squirrels In Georgia
Georgia offers many great places to observe squirrels. Here are some top locations for each species.
Best Spots For Eastern Gray Squirrels
You can see gray squirrels almost anywhere in Georgia. But for the best viewing, try these places:
- Piedmont Park in Atlanta – lots of mature oaks and people feeding them
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – dense forest with many trails
- Your own backyard – put out a bird feeder and watch them come
- State parks like Fort Yargo or Red Top Mountain
Gray squirrels are most active in the morning and late afternoon. Go early or just before sunset for the best show.
Best Spots For Fox Squirrels
Fox squirrels are harder to find. They prefer open pine forests. Try these locations:
- Pine Mountain area near Warm Springs
- Okefenokee Swamp edges – look for them in longleaf pines
- Brasstown Bald – higher elevation forests
- Wildlife management areas like Paulding Forest
Be patient. Fox squirrels are shy and may hide when they see you. Sit quietly and wait.
Best Spots For Southern Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so you need to go at night. Bring a flashlight with a red filter to avoid scaring them. Good places include:
- Tallulah Gorge State Park – mature forest with many cavities
- Smithgall Woods State Park – old-growth trees
- Your backyard if you have a feeder – they come to suet at night
- Any forest with dead snags and oak trees
Listen for their high-pitched chirps. They sound like tiny birds. If you hear them, look up and wait for a gliding shape.
Squirrel Behavior And Ecology
Understanding squirrel behavior helps you appreciate them more. Here’s what you need to know.
Feeding Habits
Squirrels are omnivores, but they mostly eat plant material. Their diet changes with the seasons.
In spring, they eat buds, flowers, and new leaves. In summer, they eat berries, fruits, and insects. Fall is all about nuts and acorns, which they cache for winter. In winter, they rely on stored food and tree bark.
Gray squirrels are scatter hoarders. They bury nuts one by one in many locations. Fox squirrels are more likely to store food in a central larder. Flying squirrels cache food in tree cavities.
All squirrels need water daily. They get it from dew, puddles, and the food they eat.
Reproduction And Life Cycle
Squirrels breed twice a year, usually in late winter and mid-summer. Gestation lasts about 44 days for gray and fox squirrels, and 40 days for flying squirrels.
Litters range from 2 to 6 babies, called kits. They are born blind and hairless. The mother nurses them for about 8 to 10 weeks. By 12 weeks, they are independent.
Young squirrels stay near their mother’s territory for a few months before dispersing. Many don’t survive their first year due to predators and accidents.
In the wild, squirrels live 2 to 4 years on average. In captivity, they can live up to 10 years. Fox squirrels tend to live longer than grays.
Predators And Threats
Squirrels have many natural enemies. Hawks, owls, snakes, and raccoons all prey on them. Domestic cats and dogs also kill squirrels.
Humans are a threat too. Cars hit many squirrels each year. Habitat loss from development reduces their living space. Some people trap or shoot squirrels as pests.
Diseases like squirrel pox and mange can kill them. Parasites like fleas and ticks are common but rarely fatal.
Despite these threats, squirrel populations in Georgia are healthy. They adapt well to human presence.
Living With Squirrels In Georgia
Squirrels are fun to watch, but they can cause problems. Here’s how to coexist peacefully.
Preventing Squirrel Damage
Squirrels chew on things to keep their teeth sharp. They may damage bird feeders, garden plants, and even house siding.
To protect bird feeders, use squirrel-proof models with weight-activated closures. Place feeders away from trees and fences. You can also add baffles to poles.
For gardens, use wire mesh or netting around vulnerable plants. Plant mint or marigolds, which squirrels dislike. Remove fallen fruit and nuts to reduce attraction.
If squirrels get into your attic, find and seal all entry points. Use metal flashing or hardware cloth. Do not trap them without checking local laws.
Feeding Squirrels Safely
Many people enjoy feeding squirrels. If you do, follow these tips:
- Offer unsalted nuts in the shell – walnuts, pecans, acorns
- Provide fresh water in a shallow dish
- Avoid bread, crackers, and processed foods
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease
- Don’t overfeed – it makes them dependent
Feeding squirrels can bring them close for observation. But it also attracts them to your home, which may lead to problems.
When To Call A Professional
Sometimes squirrels need help. If you find an injured or orphaned squirrel, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not try to care for it yourself.
Signs of injury include bleeding, limping, or inability to move. Orphaned babies may be on the ground crying. In both cases, keep the animal warm and quiet until help arrives.
For nuisance squirrels, consider hiring a humane wildlife removal service. They can exclude squirrels without harming them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most common squirrel in Georgia?
A: The eastern gray squirrel is by far the most common. You see them in backyards, parks, and forests across the state.
Q: Are there black squirrels in Georgia?
A: Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. They are more common in northern Georgia, especially around Atlanta.
Q: Do flying squirrels really fly?
A: No, they glide. They have a skin flap that lets them glide from tree to tree. They can cover up to 150 feet in a single glide.
Q: Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Georgia?
A: It is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets without a permit. They are wild animals and need specialized care.
Q: What should I do if a squirrel gets in my house?
A: Open a window or door and let it find its way out. Do not chase it. If it stays, call a wildlife removal service.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s squirrels are fascinating creatures. The eastern gray squirrel is your everyday companion, the fox squirrel is a shy giant, and the southern flying squirrel is a nighttime acrobat. Each plays an important role in the ecosystem.
Next time you’re outside, take a moment to watch them. Notice their habits, their colors, and their interactions. You might be surprised at what you see.
Remember to respect their space and enjoy them from a distance. With a little patience, you can become an expert at identifying the common types of squirrels in georgia.