Eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and southern flying squirrels each claim different territories across Indiana’s varied landscapes. If you’ve ever wondered about the common types of squirrels in Indiana, you’re not alone. These bushy-tailed critters are everywhere—from city parks to deep woods. Knowing which squirrel is which helps you understand their behavior and how to coexist with them. Let’s break down the main species you’ll spot in the Hoosier State.
Indiana is home to three primary squirrel species that are active during the day. A fourth type, the northern flying squirrel, is rare and mostly nocturnal. Most people see the gray squirrel first because it loves suburban areas. Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands and farm edges. Flying squirrels are harder to spot since they glide at night.
Each species has unique traits. Their size, color, and tail shape vary. Their nesting habits and food preferences differ too. This guide covers everything you need to identify them. You’ll also learn where they live and how they behave. By the end, you’ll be a squirrel-spotting pro in your own backyard.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Indiana
Indiana’s squirrel population is diverse but not overwhelming. The three main diurnal species are the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and southern flying squirrel. The northern flying squirrel is less common and lives in specific habitats. Each species has adapted to different environments across the state.
Let’s start with the most familiar one. The eastern gray squirrel is the classic squirrel you see in parks and neighborhoods. It has gray fur with a white belly. Its tail is bushy and often flicked nervously. This squirrel is medium-sized, about 9 to 12 inches long without the tail.
Fox squirrels are larger and more robust. They have a reddish-brown or orange-tinted coat. Their tails are also bushy but less fluffy than gray squirrels. Fox squirrels prefer open areas like woodlots and fence rows. They are common in rural and suburban settings.
Southern flying squirrels are much smaller. They have a membrane between their front and back legs. This lets them glide between trees. They are nocturnal and have big eyes for night vision. Their fur is grayish-brown with a white belly. You rarely see them during the day.
Northern flying squirrels are similar but slightly larger. They live in cooler, forested parts of Indiana. Their populations are smaller and more localized. They are also nocturnal and hard to spot.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread squirrel in Indiana. You see them in cities, suburbs, and forests. They adapt well to human presence. Their gray coat helps them blend into tree bark. Their white belly is a key identifier.
These squirrels are active year-round. They don’t hibernate but may stay in nests during bad weather. They eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and bird eggs. They often raid bird feeders. Their caching behavior is famous—they bury nuts for winter.
Gray squirrels build two types of nests. Leaf nests are made of twigs and leaves high in trees. Den nests are inside tree cavities. They prefer hardwood trees like oaks and hickories. Their population density can be high in urban areas.
One interesting fact: gray squirrels have a white ring around their eyes. This is subtle but noticeable up close. They also have a lighter gray underside. Their tail is used for balance and communication. They flick it when alarmed.
Gray squirrels breed twice a year. Once in late winter and again in summer. Litters have 2 to 4 babies. The young are born blind and hairless. They open their eyes after about 5 weeks. By 10 weeks, they are independent.
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels are the largest tree squirrels in Indiana. They can weigh up to 2 pounds. Their body length is 10 to 15 inches, plus a tail of similar length. Their coat varies from reddish-brown to grayish-brown. Some have a black head or white nose.
These squirrels prefer open woodlands with large trees. They are common in farmlands, parks, and golf courses. They avoid dense forests where gray squirrels dominate. Fox squirrels are more solitary than gray squirrels.
Their diet is similar to gray squirrels but includes more acorns. They also eat corn, berries, and insects. They cache food in scattered locations. They have a strong memory for where they buried nuts.
Fox squirrels are less agile than gray squirrels. They spend more time on the ground. Their nests are often in tree cavities or leaf nests. They may use abandoned bird nests. They are less likely to use bird feeders because they are heavier.
Breeding occurs twice a year. Litters are smaller, usually 2 to 4 babies. The young stay with the mother for about 12 weeks. Fox squirrels live 6 to 10 years in the wild. Their main predators are hawks, owls, and snakes.
One key difference: fox squirrels have a more robust body and shorter ears. Their tail is less bushy than gray squirrels. Their fur looks coarser. In some regions, they are called “red squirrels” but that’s a different species.
Southern Flying Squirrel
Southern flying squirrels are tiny. They measure only 8 to 10 inches total length, including tail. They weigh 2 to 4 ounces. Their fur is soft and grayish-brown. Their belly is white or cream-colored. Their large eyes are adapted for night vision.
These squirrels are nocturnal. They become active at dusk. They glide using a furred membrane called a patagium. This stretches from wrist to ankle. They can glide up to 150 feet. They steer by adjusting their limbs and tail.
Southern flying squirrels live in deciduous and mixed forests. They prefer trees with cavities for nesting. They often use old woodpecker holes. They are social and may nest in groups during winter. Up to 20 squirrels can share a nest for warmth.
Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. They also eat tree sap and fungi. They visit bird feeders at night. They are important for seed dispersal and pollination. They help spread truffle spores.
Breeding occurs twice a year. Litters have 2 to 6 babies. The young are born in spring or summer. They glide at about 6 weeks old. They become independent at 10 weeks. Their lifespan is 3 to 5 years in the wild.
You can spot them by listening for soft chattering at night. Use a flashlight to see their eyeshine. They are more common in southern Indiana. Their range extends across the eastern United States.
Northern Flying Squirrel
Northern flying squirrels are less common in Indiana. They are found in cooler, higher-elevation forests. Their range includes the northern part of the state. They are slightly larger than southern flying squirrels. Their fur is browner with a gray belly.
These squirrels are also nocturnal. They have similar gliding abilities. They prefer coniferous or mixed forests. They nest in tree cavities or old nests. They are more solitary than southern flying squirrels.
Their diet includes nuts, seeds, and lichens. They also eat fungi and insects. They cache food in tree cavities. They are important for forest health by spreading mycorrhizal fungi.
Northern flying squirrels breed once a year. Litters have 2 to 4 babies. They are born in late spring. The young develop slowly and stay with the mother for several months. Their population is declining due to habitat loss.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving old-growth forests. They are listed as a species of special concern in Indiana. If you see one, consider it a rare treat. They are shy and avoid human activity.
Identifying Squirrels By Appearance
You can identify squirrels by size, color, and tail shape. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Eastern gray squirrel: Medium size, gray fur, white belly, bushy tail
- Fox squirrel: Large size, reddish-brown fur, robust body, less bushy tail
- Southern flying squirrel: Small size, gray-brown fur, white belly, gliding membrane
- Northern flying squirrel: Small but larger than southern, brown fur, gray belly
Look at the tail first. Gray squirrels have a very fluffy tail that looks like a bottle brush. Fox squirrels have a thicker, less fluffy tail. Flying squirrels have a flat tail that helps with gliding.
Check the face. Gray squirrels have a white eye ring. Fox squirrels have a broader face and shorter ears. Flying squirrels have large, dark eyes and small ears.
Observe behavior. Gray squirrels are active and nervous. Fox squirrels are slower and more deliberate. Flying squirrels are only active at night. If you see a squirrel gliding, it’s definitely a flying squirrel.
Where To Find Each Species In Indiana
Each squirrel species prefers different habitats. Here’s where to look:
- Eastern gray squirrel: Urban parks, suburban yards, hardwood forests statewide
- Fox squirrel: Open woodlands, farm edges, golf courses, especially in central and southern Indiana
- Southern flying squirrel: Deciduous forests with cavities, common in southern Indiana
- Northern flying squirrel: Cool, coniferous forests in northern Indiana, rare
Gray squirrels are everywhere. You see them in downtown Indianapolis and in state parks. Fox squirrels are more common in rural areas with large trees. Flying squirrels need mature forests with dead trees for nesting.
If you live near a forest, you might have all three diurnal species. Flying squirrels are harder to find because they are nocturnal. Use a motion-activated camera to capture them at night.
Behavior And Diet Differences
All squirrels eat nuts and seeds, but their preferences vary:
- Gray squirrels: Acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, birdseed, fruits
- Fox squirrels: Acorns, corn, berries, insects, tree bark
- Flying squirrels: Nuts, seeds, fungi, insects, tree sap
Gray squirrels are bold around humans. They will approach you for food. Fox squirrels are more cautious. Flying squirrels avoid people entirely. Gray squirrels are known for raiding bird feeders. Fox squirrels may also visit but are less agile.
Nesting habits differ too. Gray squirrels build leaf nests in summer and use cavities in winter. Fox squirrels prefer cavities year-round. Flying squirrels always use cavities. They may use nest boxes if provided.
Social behavior varies. Gray squirrels are somewhat social and may feed together. Fox squirrels are solitary. Flying squirrels are social and nest in groups. They communicate with high-pitched chirps.
Seasonal Activity Patterns
Squirrels are active year-round but change behavior with seasons:
- Spring: Breeding season, more activity, gathering nesting materials
- Summer: Second breeding, raising young, caching food
- Fall: Heavy feeding on nuts, storing food for winter
- Winter: Less active, stay in nests during cold, rely on caches
Gray squirrels are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Fox squirrels follow a similar pattern. Flying squirrels are active all night but peak at dusk and dawn. In winter, all species reduce activity but don’t hibernate.
During harsh winters, squirrels may lose weight. They rely on stored food. Flying squirrels huddle together for warmth. Gray squirrels may share nests temporarily.
How To Attract Or Deter Squirrels
If you want to see squirrels, provide food and shelter:
- Set up a bird feeder with sunflower seeds or peanuts
- Plant oak, hickory, or walnut trees
- Provide a nesting box for flying squirrels
- Leave dead trees standing if safe
- Offer a water source like a birdbath
If you want to keep them away, use deterrents:
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders with cages or baffles
- Remove fallen nuts and seeds from the ground
- Trim tree branches away from your house
- Use motion-activated sprinklers
- Apply capsaicin spray to plants
Remember that squirrels are persistent. No method is 100% effective. Live trapping and relocation is often illegal without a permit. Check local laws before taking action.
Conservation Status
Most squirrel species in Indiana are common. Eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels are abundant. Southern flying squirrels are also common but less seen. Northern flying squirrels are rare and protected.
Habitat loss threatens all species. Urban development reduces nesting sites. Road mortality is high for squirrels. Predation by cats and dogs is a problem. Climate change may affect food availability.
You can help by preserving trees and providing nest boxes. Avoid using rodenticides that can poison squirrels. Keep cats indoors to protect wildlife. Report sightings of northern flying squirrels to the Indiana DNR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common squirrel in Indiana?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. It lives in urban and rural areas across the state. You see it in parks, yards, and forests.
Are there black squirrels in Indiana?
Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. They are less common but found in some areas. They have the same behavior as gray squirrels.
Do flying squirrels live in Indiana?
Yes, two species live here. The southern flying squirrel is common in southern Indiana. The northern flying squirrel is rare in the north.
What is the difference between a gray squirrel and a fox squirrel?
Gray squirrels are smaller with gray fur and a white belly. Fox squirrels are larger with reddish-brown fur. Fox squirrels have a less bushy tail and prefer open areas.
Can you keep a squirrel as a pet in Indiana?
It is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets without a permit. They are wild animals and need specialized care. It’s best to enjoy them from a distance.
Understanding the common types of squirrels in Indiana helps you appreciate these animals. Each species has a role in the ecosystem. Whether you love watching them or want to protect your garden, knowing their habits is key. Next time you see a squirrel, take a closer look. You might be able to identify which species it is. Enjoy the wildlife around you.