Ohio’s suburban parks host a lively mix of eastern gray squirrels and the occasional red squirrel. If you want to know the **common types of squirrels in Ohio**, you’re in the right place. This guide covers every squirrel species you might spot in your backyard or on a hike across the Buckeye State.
Common Types Of Squirrels In Ohio
Ohio is home to several squirrel species, each with unique traits and habits. The most widespread include the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, red squirrel, and southern flying squirrel. You might also see the least chipmunk or woodchuck, which are part of the squirrel family. Let’s break down each one so you can identify them easily.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Ohio. You see them everywhere—in parks, neighborhoods, and forests. They have gray fur with a white belly and a bushy tail. Their tail helps them balance when jumping between trees.
- Size: 9 to 12 inches long, plus a 7 to 10 inch tail
- Weight: 14 to 21 ounces
- Color: Gray with white underparts
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, urban areas, and parks
- Diet: Acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, and bird eggs
Eastern grays are active during the day. They build leaf nests called dreys in tree branches. In winter, they may use tree cavities for warmth. They are not shy around humans and often raid bird feeders.
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels are the largest squirrel species in Ohio. They have a rusty-red or orange-brown coat with a pale belly. Their tail is less bushy than the gray squirrel’s. You can spot them in open woodlands and farmlands.
- Size: 10 to 15 inches long, tail 8 to 13 inches
- Weight: 1 to 2.5 pounds
- Color: Reddish-brown with white or orange belly
- Habitat: Oak-hickory forests, edges of fields, and suburbs
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, fruits, and corn
Fox squirrels are less common in dense cities. They prefer areas with scattered trees and open ground. They are ground feeders more often than gray squirrels. You might see them foraging for acorns under oak trees.
Red Squirrel
Red squirrels are smaller and more agressive than gray squirrels. They have reddish-brown fur with a white belly. Their tail is shorter and less fluffy. They make a loud chattering sound when disturbed.
- Size: 7 to 9 inches long, tail 4 to 6 inches
- Weight: 5 to 9 ounces
- Color: Reddish-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests
- Diet: Pine seeds, mushrooms, berries, and bird eggs
Red squirrels are territorial. They defend their food caches fiercely. In Ohio, they are most common in the northeastern and eastern parts of the state. They prefer areas with pine or spruce trees.
Southern Flying Squirrel
Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal and rarely seen. They have grayish-brown fur with a white belly. A flap of skin called a patagium stretches between their front and back legs. This allows them to glide up to 150 feet.
- Size: 5 to 6 inches long, tail 3 to 4 inches
- Weight: 2 to 3 ounces
- Color: Gray-brown with white belly
- Habitat: Mature forests with dead trees
- Diet: Nuts, insects, bird eggs, and fungi
These squirrels are social and live in groups. They nest in tree cavities. If you put up a nest box, you might attract them. They are active year-round but huddle together in winter for warmth.
Northern Flying Squirrel
Northern flying squirrels are less common in Ohio. They look similar to southern flying squirrels but are slightly larger. They have darker fur and a gray belly. They live in cool, northern forests.
- Size: 6 to 7 inches long, tail 4 to 5 inches
- Weight: 3 to 5 ounces
- Color: Dark gray-brown with gray belly
- Habitat: High-elevation forests with conifers
- Diet: Lichens, fungi, seeds, and insects
Northern flying squirrels are rare in Ohio. They are mostly found in the Appalachian foothills. They depend on old-growth forests for nesting cavities. Deforestation has reduced their numbers.
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern chipmunks are small ground squirrels. They have reddish-brown fur with five dark stripes on their back. They have cheek pouches for carrying food. You see them scurrying along stone walls and logs.
- Size: 5 to 6 inches long, tail 3 to 4 inches
- Weight: 2 to 5 ounces
- Color: Reddish-brown with stripes
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, and rocky areas
- Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries, and insects
Chipmunks are diurnal and active in spring and summer. They hibernate in winter but wake up occasionally to eat stored food. They dig burrows with multiple chambers for nesting and food storage.
Least Chipmunk
Least chipmunks are smaller than eastern chipmunks. They have three dark stripes on their face and five on their back. Their tail is longer and more slender. They are less common in Ohio.
- Size: 4 to 5 inches long, tail 3 to 4 inches
- Weight: 1 to 2 ounces
- Color: Gray-brown with pale stripes
- Habitat: Open forests, meadows, and rocky slopes
- Diet: Seeds, berries, and small insects
Least chipmunks are found in the northern and western parts of Ohio. They prefer drier habitats than eastern chipmunks. They are quick and shy, making them hard to spot.
Woodchuck (Groundhog)
Woodchucks are large ground squirrels. They have brown fur with a grizzled appearance. They are stocky with short legs and a bushy tail. You see them in fields and along roadsides.
- Size: 16 to 20 inches long, tail 4 to 7 inches
- Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
- Color: Brown with lighter belly
- Habitat: Open fields, pastures, and woodland edges
- Diet: Grass, clover, vegetables, and fruits
Woodchucks are true hibernators. They sleep from October to February. They dig extensive burrow systems with multiple entrances. They can cause damage to gardens and foundations.
How To Identify Squirrels In Ohio
Identifying squirrels is easy once you know what to look for. Focus on size, color, tail shape, and behavior. Use these steps to tell them apart.
- Look at the size. Fox squirrels are the largest. Red squirrels are the smallest among tree squirrels.
- Check the color. Gray squirrels are gray with white bellies. Fox squirrels are reddish-orange. Red squirrels are rusty red.
- Observe the tail. Gray squirrels have bushy tails. Red squirrels have thinner tails. Flying squirrels have a flat tail.
- Watch the activity time. Gray and red squirrels are active during the day. Flying squirrels come out at night.
- Listen for sounds. Red squirrels make loud chatters. Gray squirrels make soft clucks.
Use a field guide or app to confirm your sighting. Take a photo if you can. Note the habitat—forest, park, or field.
Where To Find Each Species
Different squirrels prefer different habitats. Here is a quick breakdown.
- Eastern gray squirrel: Urban parks, backyards, and deciduous forests
- Fox squirrel: Farmlands, open woodlands, and suburban areas
- Red squirrel: Pine forests and mixed woodlands in eastern Ohio
- Southern flying squirrel: Mature forests with dead trees statewide
- Northern flying squirrel: High-elevation forests in the Appalachian region
- Eastern chipmunk: Woodlands, gardens, and rocky areas
- Least chipmunk: Open forests and meadows in northern Ohio
- Woodchuck: Fields, pastures, and roadsides
Squirrel Behavior And Habits
Squirrels are active and curious animals. They spend most of their day foraging for food. They store nuts and seeds for winter. This behavior is called caching.
Gray squirrels scatter hoard—they bury nuts in many locations. Red squirrels larder hoard—they pile food in one spot. Flying squirrels cache food in tree cavities.
Squirrels communicate with tail flicks and vocalizations. They use scent marking to claim territory. Mating season happens twice a year: in late winter and summer.
Nesting And Shelter
Tree squirrels build nests in branches or use tree holes. Dreys are made of leaves and twigs. Cavities offer better protection from weather.
Ground squirrels like chipmunks and woodchucks dig burrows. Burrows have separate rooms for sleeping, storing food, and waste. They are often hidden under rocks or logs.
Diet And Feeding
Squirrels are omnivores but prefer plant food. Their diet changes with the seasons.
- Spring: Tree buds, flowers, and insects
- Summer: Berries, fruits, and seeds
- Fall: Acorns, nuts, and corn
- Winter: Stored food and tree bark
They also eat bird eggs, small insects, and fungi. Flying squirrels eat lichens and mushrooms. Woodchucks eat grass and clover.
Squirrel Watching Tips
Watching squirrels is fun and easy. Here are tips to get the best views.
- Visit parks early in the morning or late afternoon. Squirrels are most active then.
- Sit quietly near a tree with nuts or a bird feeder. Wait for them to come.
- Use binoculars to see details without disturbing them.
- Keep a notebook to record species, colors, and behaviors.
- Offer unsalted nuts in a feeder to attract them closer.
Be patient. Squirrels are cautious but curious. They will approach if you stay still.
Photographing Squirrels
To take good squirrel photos, use a zoom lens. Shoot at eye level for better composition. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. Focus on the eyes for sharp images.
Natural light works best. Avoid using flash, which can scare them. Try capturing them eating or jumping for dynamic shots.
Conservation And Management
Squirrels are common in Ohio, but some species face threats. Habitat loss affects flying squirrels and red squirrels. Woodchucks are considered pests in some areas.
You can help by preserving natural habitats. Plant native trees like oaks and hickories. Leave dead trees standing if safe—they provide nesting cavities.
If squirrels become a nuisance, use humane methods. Seal entry points to attics. Use baffles on bird feeders. Avoid poisons, which can harm pets and wildlife.
Legal Status
In Ohio, squirrels are classified as game animals. You can hunt them during designated seasons with a license. Check Ohio DNR rules for current regulations.
Flying squirrels are protected and cannot be hunted. Woodchucks are considered furbearers and have a trapping season. Always follow state laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common squirrel in Ohio?
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Ohio. You see them in almost every urban and suburban area.
Are there black squirrels in Ohio?
Yes, black squirrels are a color morph of the eastern gray squirrel. They are common in some Ohio cities like Kent and Oberlin.
Do flying squirrels live in Ohio?
Yes, both southern and northern flying squirrels live in Ohio. Southern flying squirrels are more widespread.
Can I keep a squirrel as a pet in Ohio?
No, it is illegal to keep native squirrels as pets in Ohio without a permit. They are wild animals and need specialized care.
How can I tell a fox squirrel from a gray squirrel?
Fox squirrels are larger and have reddish-orange fur. Gray squirrels are smaller with gray fur and white bellies.
Final Thoughts On Ohio Squirrels
Ohio is home to a diverse group of squirrels. From the common gray to the elusive flying squirrel, each species has its own story. Knowing the **common types of squirrels in Ohio** helps you appreciate these animals more.
Next time you walk in a park, take a moment to watch them. Notice their colors, behaviors, and sounds. You might spot a red squirrel chasing a gray one away from a feeder. Or see a chipmunk stuffing its cheeks with seeds.
Squirrels are a part of Ohio’s natural charm. They bring life to our yards and forests. With a little patience, you can enjoy watching them all year round.