Squirrels are some of the most familiar and fascinating wildlife found throughout Indiana’s forests, parks, and neighborhoods. With their energetic movements and diverse colors, these small mammals play an important role in the state’s natural environment. If you’ve ever wondered which squirrel species are common in Indiana or how to identify them, this guide will provide clear answers.
This article explores four of the most common squirrels in Indiana: the Eastern Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, Red Squirrel, and Southern Flying Squirrel. You will discover how to recognize each species by their distinctive features, behaviors, and habitats. Along with helpful pictures, this guide makes it easier to spot and distinguish these squirrels. Dive into the fascinating world of Indiana’s squirrels and learn more about these remarkable animals!
Different Types of Squirrels in Indiana
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of the most recognizable squirrels in Indiana and is especially abundant in both rural and urban environments. Its fur is primarily gray with white or pale underparts, though some individuals exhibit variations such as a cinnamon tinge or even a rare melanistic (black) phase. This medium-sized squirrel typically measures 16 to 20 inches in total length, with its bushy tail making up almost half of its body length. The tail serves several important purposes, including helping the squirrel maintain balance while leaping, providing warmth during cold months, and acting as a signaling device when communicating with other squirrels. Their sharp claws and strong hind legs make them expert climbers, allowing them to navigate tree canopies with ease.
Eastern Gray Squirrels are diurnal and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are scatter-hoarders, meaning they bury nuts individually in multiple locations to retrieve later, which serves as a crucial winter survival strategy. Their diet mainly consists of acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, and beechnuts, but they will also consume seeds, buds, fruits, mushrooms, and even bird eggs if food is scarce. Interestingly, these squirrels have a strong sense of smell and spatial memory, which helps them locate many of their buried food caches even months later. However, they do forget some, and these forgotten nuts often sprout into new trees, making Eastern Gray Squirrels accidental foresters that contribute to forest regeneration…