New York’s Central Park is home to a thriving population of eastern gray squirrels, often seen by visitors. When you think about the Common Types Of Squirrels In New York, you might picture only gray ones, but the city actually hosts several species. This guide covers the squirrels you’ll spot in parks, backyards, and even on fire escapes.
Common Types Of Squirrels In New York
New York State has three main squirrel species that live in urban and suburban areas. Each one has unique habits and looks. You’ll see them most often in fall when they gather food for winter.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in New York. It’s the one you see chasing friends in Central Park or raiding bird feeders in Brooklyn. These squirrels have gray fur with white bellies, and they grow bushy tails that help them balance.
- Size: 9–12 inches long, plus a tail of 7–10 inches
- Color: Gray with white or light gray belly
- Habitat: Parks, yards, and woodlands across all five boroughs
- Behavior: Active during the day, stores nuts in multiple hiding spots
Eastern grays are smart. They watch you from trees and will wait for you to drop food. They also dig up gardens to bury acorns, which can annoy homeowners.
Red Squirrel
Red squirrels are smaller and louder than grays. They have reddish-brown fur with white bellies and a white ring around their eyes. You’ll hear them chattering from pine trees before you see them.
- Size: 7–9 inches long, tail 4–6 inches
- Color: Reddish-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Coniferous forests in upstate New York, some city parks with pines
- Behavior: Very territorial, makes loud calls to warn others
These squirrels prefer pine cones and seeds. They are less common in dense city areas but can be found in parks like Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. They sometimes chase gray squirrels away from food sources.
Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so you rarely see them. They have grayish-brown fur and a flat tail. Their most special feature is a skin flap between front and back legs that lets them glide between trees.
- Size: 8–10 inches long, tail 3–5 inches
- Color: Gray-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Mature forests with old trees, some suburban parks
- Behavior: Active at night, glides up to 150 feet
New York has two types: northern and southern flying squirrels. Southern ones are more common in the city. They nest in tree cavities and sometimes in attics. If you hear scratching at night, it might be a flying squirrel.
Where To Find Squirrels In New York City
You don’t need to travel far to see squirrels. They live in every park and green space. Here are the best spots to watch them.
Central Park
Central Park has thousands of eastern gray squirrels. They are used to people and will come close for food. Walk along the Mall or near the reservoir to see them. They are most active in early morning and late afternoon.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park in Brooklyn has both gray and red squirrels. The wooded areas near the lake are good places to spot them. Red squirrels are more shy here, so stay quiet.
Van Cortlandt Park
This park in the Bronx has mature forests with oak and hickory trees. You’ll find gray squirrels and maybe a few red squirrels. The park is large, so walk the trails to see more.
Inwood Hill Park
Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan has old-growth forest. This is a good spot for flying squirrels at night. Bring a flashlight and look for glowing eyes in trees.
Squirrel Behavior And Habits
Squirrels are busy animals. They spend most of their day finding food and avoiding predators. Here’s what you need to know about their daily life.
Feeding Habits
Gray squirrels eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes insects. They love acorns, walnuts, and birdseed. Red squirrels prefer pine cones and mushrooms. Flying squirrels eat nuts, berries, and fungi.
Squirrels store food for winter. They bury nuts in many spots, but they forget some. This helps trees grow because forgotten nuts sprout into new plants.
Nesting
Squirrels build nests called dreys. These are made of leaves and twigs high in trees. They also use tree cavities or attics. In winter, they share nests to stay warm.
Flying squirrels nest in groups of up to 20 in cold months. This helps them conserve body heat.
Activity Patterns
Gray and red squirrels are diurnal, meaning active during daylight. Flying squirrels are nocturnal. All squirrels are most active in spring and fall when food is abundant.
In summer, they rest in shade during hot afternoons. In winter, they stay in nests during storms but come out on sunny days.
How To Identify Squirrels In New York
You can tell squirrel species apart by size, color, and behavior. Use these tips to identify them quickly.
Look At Size And Color
- Gray squirrels: Medium size, gray fur, white belly
- Red squirrels: Small size, reddish fur, white eye ring
- Flying squirrels: Small size, gray-brown fur, flat tail
Watch Behavior
- Gray squirrels: Run on ground, climb trees, bury nuts
- Red squirrels: Very vocal, chase others, eat pine cones
- Flying squirrels: Active at night, glide between trees
Check The Tail
Gray squirrels have thick, bushy tails. Red squirrels have thinner tails. Flying squirrels have flat tails that help them steer during glides.
Squirrel Problems And Solutions
Squirrels can cause trouble in gardens and homes. They dig up plants, chew wires, and enter attics. Here are ways to manage them humanely.
Protecting Bird Feeders
Use squirrel-proof feeders with cages or weight-sensitive perches. Place feeders on poles with baffles. You can also offer safflower seeds, which squirrels don’t like.
Preventing Home Entry
Seal gaps in roofs, eaves, and vents. Trim tree branches that touch your house. Use metal mesh to block openings. Squirrels can squeeze through small holes, so check carefully.
Garden Protection
Use netting over plants and bulbs. Plant flowers squirrels avoid, like daffodils and marigolds. You can also use motion-activated sprinklers to scare them away.
Interesting Facts About New York Squirrels
Squirrels are more than just cute animals. They have surprising abilities and history in the city.
- Eastern gray squirrels can run up to 12 miles per hour
- They have excellent memory for where they hide nuts
- Flying squirrels can glide over 150 feet without touching ground
- Red squirrels have been known to eat bird eggs sometimes
- Central Park’s squirrel population is estimated at over 2,000
Squirrels also help forests grow by spreading seeds. Each gray squirrel buries thousands of nuts each year, many of which become new trees.
Seasonal Squirrel Watching Tips
Different seasons offer different squirrel activities. Here’s when to watch them.
Spring
Spring is mating season. You’ll see squirrels chasing each other and building nests. Young squirrels leave nests in late spring.
Summer
Squirrels are less active in summer heat. They rest in shade and forage early morning. Watch for them drinking from puddles.
Fall
Fall is peak activity. Squirrels gather and store food for winter. They are busy and easy to spot. This is the best time for watching.
Winter
Squirrels stay in nests during cold spells. They come out on sunny days to eat stored food. Look for tracks in snow near trees.
Common Misconceptions About Squirrels
Many people believe wrong things about squirrels. Here are facts to clear them up.
- Myth: Squirrels remember every nut they bury. Fact: They forget many, which helps trees grow
- Myth: Squirrels hibernate all winter. Fact: They stay active but sleep more in bad weather
- Myth: Red squirrels are rare in New York. Fact: They are common in upstate areas and some city parks
- Myth: Flying squirrels can fly. Fact: They glide using skin flaps, not true flight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common squirrel in New York?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common. It lives in parks, yards, and forests across the state.
Are there black squirrels in New York?
Yes, black squirrels are a color variant of eastern gray squirrels. They are less common but can be seen in some areas like Buffalo and parts of Manhattan.
Do flying squirrels live in New York City?
Yes, southern flying squirrels live in parks with old trees. They are nocturnal and hard to spot.
What should I do if a squirrel enters my home?
Open windows and doors to let it leave. Do not chase it. If it stays, call a wildlife removal service.
Can I feed squirrels in New York parks?
It is not recommended. Feeding squirrels can make them dependent on humans and cause health problems. Some parks have rules against feeding wildlife.
Final Thoughts On New York Squirrels
Squirrels are a natural part of New York’s urban landscape. They adapt well to city life and provide entertainment for residents and visitors. Knowing the common types of squirrels in New York helps you appreciate these clever animals more. Next time you see a squirrel in the park, take a moment to watch its behavior. You might notice something new.
Whether you live in Manhattan or upstate, squirrels are always nearby. They remind us that nature thrives even in busy cities. Enjoy watching them, but remember to keep a safe distance and let them find their own food.