Kentucky’s cave-rich landscape offers habitat for the southern flying squirrel, which nests in tree hollows. If you are wondering about the Common Types Of Squirrels In Kentucky, you will find four main species living across the state. These bushy-tailed rodents are active year-round and easy to spot in forests, parks, and even your backyard.
Knowing which squirrel is which helps you understand their behavior and habitat needs. This guide covers each species with clear details on appearance, diet, and where to find them. Let’s jump right in.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Kentucky
Kentucky hosts two tree squirrel species and two ground squirrel species. The tree squirrels are the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. The ground squirrels include the southern flying squirrel and the eastern chipmunk. Each one has unique traits that make it special.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel you will see in Kentucky. It lives in both rural and urban areas. Its gray fur with a white belly makes it easy to identify.
- Size: 9 to 12 inches long, plus a 7 to 9 inch tail
- Weight: 12 to 20 ounces
- Color: Gray back, white belly, sometimes black variants
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, suburban yards, parks
- Diet: Acorns, walnuts, seeds, berries, bird eggs
These squirrels are active during the day. They build leaf nests called dreys high in tree branches. You might also see them using tree cavities for shelter. Eastern grays are known for their bushy tails and quick movements.
They are not shy around people. If you put out a bird feeder, expect them to visit often. They can be a nuisance if they get into attics or chew through wiring.
Eastern Gray Squirrel Behavior
These squirrels are scatter hoarders. They bury nuts in many different spots to save food for winter. They have excellent spatial memory to find these caches later. In fall, you will see them frantically gathering acorns.
Mating happens twice a year, in late winter and mid-summer. Females give birth to 2 to 4 babies after a 44-day gestation. The young leave the nest at about 10 weeks old.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is larger than the eastern gray. It prefers open woodlands and forest edges. In Kentucky, you will find it more in the western part of the state.
- Size: 10 to 15 inches long, tail 8 to 12 inches
- Weight: 1 to 2.5 pounds
- Color: Grayish-brown with orange or rusty belly
- Habitat: Open forests, farmlands, urban parks
- Diet: Hickory nuts, walnuts, corn, fruits, fungi
Fox squirrels have a distinct appearance. Their face is broader than the gray squirrel, and their tail is less fluffy. They are slower and more deliberate in their movements.
These squirrels spend more time on the ground than gray squirrels. They build nests in tree forks or use cavities. They are also more tolerant of cold weather.
Fox Squirrel Diet And Feeding
Fox squirrels eat a wide variety of foods. They love hickory nuts and walnuts. In agricultural areas, they will eat corn and soybeans from fields. They also eat tree buds, flowers, and insects.
They are known to strip bark from trees in late winter. This behavior can damage young trees. If you have a garden, they might dig up bulbs or eat ripe fruits.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The southern flying squirrel is a small, nocturnal species. It does not actually fly but glides between trees using a membrane of skin. Kentucky’s caves and hollow trees provide perfect roosting spots.
- Size: 5 to 6 inches long, tail 3 to 4 inches
- Weight: 2 to 4 ounces
- Color: Grayish-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Mature forests with dead trees, caves
- Diet: Insects, nuts, berries, bird eggs, fungi
These squirrels have large eyes for night vision. They are social and often nest in groups of up to 20 individuals. You might hear their soft chirping sounds at night.
Flying squirrels are hard to spot because they are active after dark. Use a flashlight to see their eyeshine in trees. They glide up to 150 feet between trees.
Southern Flying Squirrel Habitat
They depend on tree cavities for nesting. Dead trees with woodpecker holes are ideal. In winter, they huddle together to stay warm. They also use bat boxes or nest boxes if available.
Their diet includes a lot of fungi, which helps spread mushroom spores. This makes them important for forest health. They also eat insects like moths and beetles.
Eastern Chipmunk
The eastern chipmunk is a small ground squirrel. It has distinct stripes on its back and face. You will see it scurrying along stone walls and under bushes.
- Size: 5 to 6 inches long, tail 3 to 4 inches
- Weight: 2 to 5 ounces
- Color: Reddish-brown with five dark stripes
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, rocky areas
- Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, bird eggs
Chipmunks are diurnal and very active. They collect food in their cheek pouches to carry back to their burrows. They hibernate in winter but wake up occasionally to eat stored food.
Their burrows can be extensive with multiple chambers. They use these for sleeping, storing food, and raising young. Chipmunks are solitary except during mating season.
Eastern Chipmunk Behavior
These squirrels are fast and alert. They make a sharp chip sound when alarmed. They are also known to climb trees for fruits or to escape predators.
They eat a lot of seeds and nuts, which helps disperse plants. In gardens, they might dig up bulbs or eat strawberries. They are generally harmless but can be a minor pest.
How To Identify Squirrels In Kentucky
Identifying squirrels is easier if you look at size, color, and behavior. Use these tips to tell them apart.
- Check the size: Fox squirrels are largest, flying squirrels are smallest.
- Look at the tail: Gray squirrels have bushy tails, fox squirrels have less fluffy tails.
- Note the time of day: Flying squirrels are nocturnal, others are diurnal.
- Watch for stripes: Chipmunks have clear stripes, other squirrels do not.
- Observe the habitat: Fox squirrels prefer open areas, grays like dense woods.
If you see a squirrel with a white belly and gray back, it is likely an eastern gray. A larger squirrel with a rusty belly is a fox squirrel. A tiny squirrel gliding at night is a southern flying squirrel. A small striped squirrel is an eastern chipmunk.
Where To See Squirrels In Kentucky
You can find squirrels all over Kentucky. Here are some top spots.
- Mammoth Cave National Park: Great for flying squirrels near caves
- Daniel Boone National Forest: Abundant gray and fox squirrels
- Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: Easy viewing of all species
- Your own backyard: Put up a feeder to attract grays and chipmunks
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to watch diurnal squirrels. For flying squirrels, go out after sunset with a red flashlight. Be patient and quiet.
Squirrel Behavior And Ecology
Squirrels play important roles in Kentucky’s ecosystems. They spread seeds and fungi, which helps forests grow. They also serve as food for hawks, owls, snakes, and foxes.
Feeding Habits
All squirrels are opportunistic feeders. They eat a mix of plant and animal matter. Tree squirrels mainly eat nuts and seeds. Ground squirrels eat more insects and fungi.
In fall, squirrels increase their food intake to build fat reserves. They also cache food for winter. Chipmunks store food in their burrows, while tree squirrels scatter hoard.
Reproduction
Breeding seasons vary by species. Gray and fox squirrels breed twice a year. Flying squirrels breed once or twice. Chipmunks breed in spring and summer.
Litter sizes range from 2 to 6 babies. Mothers care for the young alone. Juveniles leave the nest after 8 to 12 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at about one year.
Predators
Squirrels have many predators. Hawks and owls are the main threats from above. Foxes, raccoons, and snakes hunt them on the ground. Domestic cats also kill many squirrels.
To avoid predators, squirrels rely on speed and agility. They use trees for escape. Flying squirrels can glide away from danger. Chipmunks dive into their burrows.
Living With Squirrels In Kentucky
Squirrels can be fun to watch but sometimes cause problems. Here is how to manage them.
Attracting Squirrels To Your Yard
If you want to see more squirrels, provide food and shelter. Put out a squirrel feeder with corn or nuts. Leave dead trees standing if safe. Plant oak, hickory, or walnut trees.
Provide a water source like a bird bath. Avoid using pesticides that harm their food sources. Give them space and do not try to touch them.
Preventing Squirrel Damage
Squirrels can damage bird feeders, gardens, and homes. Use squirrel-proof feeders with baffles. Protect garden bulbs with wire mesh. Seal any holes in your attic or eaves.
Trim tree branches that hang over your roof. This reduces access to your home. Use motion-activated sprinklers to scare them away from gardens.
If squirrels get inside, use live traps and relocate them. Check local laws before trapping. Call a wildlife professional if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Common Squirrel In Kentucky?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. You will see it in almost every county. It adapts well to both rural and urban areas.
Are There Black Squirrels In Kentucky?
Yes, black squirrels are a color variant of the eastern gray squirrel. They are less common but can be found in some areas. They have the same behavior as gray squirrels.
Do Flying Squirrels Live In Kentucky?
Yes, the southern flying squirrel lives in Kentucky. It is nocturnal and hard to spot. Look for it in mature forests with hollow trees.
What Is The Difference Between A Gray Squirrel And A Fox Squirrel?
Fox squirrels are larger with a rusty belly. Gray squirrels are smaller with a white belly. Fox squirrels prefer open areas, while grays like dense woods.
Can I Keep A Squirrel As A Pet In Kentucky?
It is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets in Kentucky. They are wild animals and need special care. If you find an injured squirrel, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Conclusion
Kentucky is home to four common types of squirrels: the eastern gray, fox squirrel, southern flying squirrel, and eastern chipmunk. Each species has unique features and behaviors. Knowing them helps you appreciate the wildlife around you.
Whether you are watching from your window or hiking in a forest, take time to observe these energetic creatures. They are an important part of Kentucky’s natural heritage. Enjoy watching them, but respect their wild nature.