West Virginia’s woodlands shelter the secretive southern flying squirrel, a nocturnal glider rarely seen by day. For anyone curious about the Common Types Of Squirrels In West Virginia, you will find that these bushy-tailed residents are both abundant and varied. Whether you spot them in your backyard or while hiking the Appalachian Trail, knowing which squirrel you are watching adds a layer of fun to your outdoor time.
This guide walks you through the main species you might encounter. You will learn their looks, habits, and where they prefer to live. Let’s get started with the most familiar face first.
Common Types Of Squirrels In West Virginia
West Virginia is home to four main squirrel species. Three are tree squirrels, and one is a ground dweller. Each has adapted to the state’s mix of hardwood forests, mountains, and suburban areas. Below, you will find a breakdown of each type, complete with tips for identification.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is the most widespread squirrel in the state. You have almost certainly seen one dashing across a lawn or chattering from a tree branch. They are medium-sized, with a body length of about 9 to 12 inches, not counting their bushy tail.
Their fur is mostly gray, but you might notice a white or light gray belly. Some individuals have a reddish tint along their back or sides. In urban areas, you may even see a black morph, which is just a color variation of the same species.
Where To Find Them
- Deciduous and mixed forests
- Suburban neighborhoods with mature trees
- Parks and college campuses
- Near bird feeders and oak trees
Eastern grays are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They build leafy nests called dreys high in tree forks, but they will also use tree cavities. Their diet includes acorns, hickory nuts, berries, and the occasional insect.
Eastern Fox Squirrel
The eastern fox squirrel is larger and less common than the gray squirrel. It can reach up to 15 inches in body length, making it the biggest tree squirrel in West Virginia. Its fur is a mix of rusty orange, brown, and gray, with a pale belly.
You might confuse a fox squirrel with a gray squirrel at first glance. Look for the fox squirrel’s more robust build and its distinctive orange-brown patches. They also have a fluffier tail that appears almost frosted.
Habitat Preferences
- Open woodlands with scattered trees
- Forest edges near fields or meadows
- Oak-hickory forests
- Sometimes in suburban areas, but less often than grays
Fox squirrels are more ground-oriented than grays. They spend a lot of time foraging on the forest floor for nuts, seeds, and fungi. They are also known to eat tree bark and buds in winter when other food is scarce.
Southern Flying Squirrel
This is the secretive one. The southern flying squirrel is small, only about 8 to 10 inches long including its tail. It has large, dark eyes adapted for night vision and a flap of skin called a patagium that stretches between its front and back legs.
Despite its name, it does not truly fly. It glides from tree to tree, sometimes covering distances of 150 feet or more. You are unlikely to see one during the day because they are strictly nocturnal.
Signs Of Their Presence
- Hollow trees with small entrance holes
- Scratches on tree bark from climbing
- Small piles of nutshells near tree bases
- High-pitched squeaks at night
Southern flying squirrels are social animals. They often nest together in groups during winter to stay warm. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and even bird eggs. They are a favorite prey for owls and snakes.
Eastern Chipmunk
Yes, the eastern chipmunk is a squirrel too. It belongs to the squirrel family Sciuridae. These small, striped rodents are ground dwellers. They measure about 5 to 6 inches long, with a shorter tail than tree squirrels.
Their fur is reddish-brown with five dark stripes running down the back, separated by lighter stripes. They have white stripes above and below each eye. Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
Behavior And Habitat
- Live in underground burrows with multiple chambers
- Collect and store food in cheek pouches
- Prefer rocky areas, stone walls, and forest edges
- Hibernate in winter but wake periodically to eat stored food
Chipmunks eat seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and sometimes small frogs. They are quick and alert, often perching on logs or rocks to watch for predators. Their chattering call is a common sound in West Virginia woods.
How To Identify Squirrels In The Field
Identifying squirrels takes practice. Here are some quick tips to help you tell them apart.
Size And Shape
- Gray squirrel: medium, slender, tail about as long as body
- Fox squirrel: large, stocky, tail very fluffy
- Flying squirrel: small, flat body, large eyes
- Chipmunk: small, striped, short tail
Color Patterns
- Gray squirrel: gray with white belly, sometimes black
- Fox squirrel: rusty orange and brown, pale belly
- Flying squirrel: grayish-brown, white belly
- Chipmunk: reddish-brown with five dark stripes
Activity Time
- Gray squirrel: dawn and dusk
- Fox squirrel: mid-morning and late afternoon
- Flying squirrel: night only
- Chipmunk: early morning and late afternoon
Where To Spot Each Species
Knowing where to look increases your chances of seeing these animals. Each species has preferred habitats within West Virginia.
Forest Types And Squirrel Distribution
- Oak-hickory forests: all four species, but especially gray and fox squirrels
- Mixed hardwood forests: grays and flying squirrels common
- Pine forests: fewer squirrels, mostly grays
- Rocky slopes and talus fields: chipmunks abundant
Flying squirrels are most common in mature forests with plenty of dead trees for nesting. Chipmunks thrive in areas with loose soil for digging burrows. Fox squirrels prefer open woods with a mix of trees and grassy areas.
Seasonal Behavior Of West Virginia Squirrels
Squirrels change their habits with the seasons. Understanding these patterns helps you predict when and where to see them.
Spring
This is breeding season for most squirrels. You will see more activity as they search for mates and build nests. Young squirrels emerge in late spring. Chipmunks become very active after hibernation.
Summer
Squirrels are busy gathering food for winter. Gray and fox squirrels cache nuts in scattered locations. Flying squirrels raise their young in tree cavities. Chipmunks fill their burrows with seeds.
Fall
This is the peak season for squirrel watching. They are frantically collecting acorns and hickory nuts. You may see them crossing roads more often. Fox squirrels are especially visible in open areas.
Winter
Tree squirrels remain active but reduce their range. They rely on stored food and may visit bird feeders. Flying squirrels huddle together for warmth. Chipmunks hibernate underground.
Why Squirrels Matter In West Virginia
Squirrels play important roles in the ecosystem. They are seed dispersers, helping forests regenerate. When they bury nuts and forget them, new trees grow. They also serve as prey for hawks, owls, foxes, and snakes.
For hunters, squirrels are a popular game species. West Virginia has a long squirrel hunting season, which helps manage populations. For birdwatchers, squirrels can be a nuisance at feeders, but they are also entertaining to watch.
Tips For Watching Squirrels Safely
If you want to observe squirrels, follow these simple guidelines.
- Stay still and quiet. Sudden movements scare them away.
- Use binoculars for a closer look without disturbing them.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for best activity.
- Look for signs like chewed nuts, tracks, or nests.
- Do not feed them by hand. They can bite and may become dependent on humans.
Remember that squirrels are wild animals. Enjoy them from a distance and respect their space.
Common Questions About West Virginia Squirrels
Here are answers to some frequent queries from readers.
Are There Any Rare Squirrel Species In West Virginia?
The southern flying squirrel is not rare, but it is seldom seen due to its nocturnal habits. The fox squirrel is less common than the gray squirrel but still widespread. No squirrel species in West Virginia is currently endangered.
Can I Keep A Squirrel As A Pet In West Virginia?
No. It is illegal to keep native wildlife as pets without a special permit. Squirrels are also not suitable pets because they require specialized care and can carry diseases.
What Should I Do If I Find A Baby Squirrel?
First, check if it is injured or orphaned. If it is healthy and fully furred, try to reunite it with its mother. Place it in a shallow box near the tree where you found it. If it is injured or the mother does not return, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Do Squirrels Damage Trees?
They can strip bark from branches, especially in winter when food is scarce. This usually does not kill healthy trees. However, they may damage young trees or fruit trees. Wrapping trunks with metal guards can help prevent damage.
How Many Squirrels Live In West Virginia?
Population estimates vary by year and habitat. Gray squirrels are the most abundant, with densities reaching 2 to 5 per acre in good habitat. Fox squirrels are less dense, usually 1 per 2 to 5 acres. Flying squirrels and chipmunks are harder to count but are common.
Final Thoughts On Squirrel Watching
West Virginia offers excellent opportunities to see these lively creatures. Whether you are a seasoned naturalist or a casual observer, taking time to watch squirrels can be rewarding. They are active, curious, and full of personality.
Next time you are outside, look up. You might see a gray squirrel leaping between branches or a chipmunk scurrying along a stone wall. With a little patience, you could even spot a flying squirrel gliding through the dusk. Enjoy the wildlife that makes West Virginia special.