Ohio’s forests, parks, and even suburban neighborhoods are home to a fascinating variety of squirrels. From energetic Eastern Gray Squirrels darting across lawns to secretive Northern Flying Squirrels gliding silently at night, these creatures are an essential part of the state’s ecosystems. In this guide, we explore eight species of squirrels in Ohio, detailing how to identify them, their behaviors, diets, and habitats. Whether you’re a casual observer, wildlife enthusiast, or backyard naturalist, this article provides a complete and friendly review of the squirrels that call Ohio home.
1. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of the most familiar squirrels in Ohio. Measuring 9 to 12 inches in body length with an 8-10 inch tail, it displays a gray-brown coat with occasional hints of silver and a lighter underbelly. Some individuals appear almost completely black due to melanism. Its bushy tail serves as a balance when leaping and as a blanket during cold weather. Observing them in your backyard is often easy, thanks to their bold and inquisitive nature.
Behavior
Eastern Gray Squirrels are diurnal and highly social, often seen chasing one another or scolding intruders with rapid chattering. They are expert climbers and leapers, known for their remarkable agility. Fall triggers a flurry of “scatter hoarding,” where squirrels bury acorns and nuts in numerous secret locations. Remarkably, they remember the majority of their caches using a combination of spatial memory and scent cues.
Habitat and Range
Eastern Gray Squirrels thrive in woodlands rich in oak, walnut, and hickory trees, but they adapt well to urban areas. Nests, known as dreys, are typically built high in trees using leaves and twigs, providing shelter and insulation against harsh Ohio winters. These squirrels are found throughout the state, from the forests of the north to suburban parks.
Diet
Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, buds, and occasionally bird eggs or fungi. In suburban areas, bird feeders provide a convenient snack. Seasonal changes influence their diet: fall focuses on nuts and seeds, while spring may include buds and insects. Their foraging behavior contributes to forest regeneration as forgotten seeds sprout into new trees.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs twice a year, in late winter and mid-summer. Females gestate for around 45 days, giving birth to 2-5 kits per litter. Young squirrels open their eyes at four weeks and are independent by 10 weeks. Lifespan in the wild ranges from three to six years, though predators and human hazards can shorten this span.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Eastern Gray Squirrels use tail flicks and vocalizations to communicate. Their continuously growing teeth allow them to gnaw on hard nuts and even wood. They can leap up to nine feet horizontally, an impressive feat for a small animal weighing less than a pound. Observing their energetic antics can be a source of amusement and wonder.
Human Interaction
These squirrels are commonly found in urban and suburban settings. While they may occasionally raid bird feeders or nesting areas, they are generally harmless and provide entertainment. Feeding them in moderation can help you observe their behavior closely without causing dependency.
2. Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
Fox Squirrels are the largest tree squirrels in Ohio, measuring 15 to 20 inches including their tails. Their reddish-brown fur and golden bellies distinguish them from gray squirrels. Paler or darker regional variations occur, reflecting local environmental conditions. They have expressive eyes and rounded ears, giving them a calm and alert appearance. Observing their deliberate movements contrasts with the hyperactive demeanor of gray squirrels.
Behavior
Fox Squirrels are mostly terrestrial, foraging on the ground for nuts, seeds, and insects. When threatened, they dart up nearby trees and flick their tails as a warning signal. They are less anxious than gray squirrels, moving with a confident, methodical approach. Their behavior demonstrates a mix of caution and boldness, especially when encountering humans in parks or farmlands.
Habitat and Range
Fox Squirrels prefer open woodlands, scattered forests, and farmland edges. They adapt well to urban environments with large trees and parks. Nests are spherical, built high in trees from twigs and leaves, providing shelter for litters and protection from predators. They are distributed widely throughout Ohio, particularly in areas with mature hardwoods.
Diet
Omnivorous in nature, their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, corn, and occasional insects. In autumn, they forage extensively to store food for winter. Their ground-foraging behavior helps them discover new food sources, and their caching contributes to tree regeneration across Ohio landscapes.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Fox Squirrels mate in late winter and early summer, producing 2-4 young after a 45-day gestation. The young remain with the mother for several weeks before independence. Lifespan ranges from six to eight years in favorable conditions, though predation and urban hazards can reduce longevity.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Fox Squirrels can leap up to 15 feet and fall from heights without injury. They play a key role in forest health by dispersing acorns. Their calm demeanor and impressive size make them easier to observe than some other squirrel species. Watching their careful foraging and occasional acrobatic leaps can be highly entertaining.
Human Interaction
Fox Squirrels often share suburban and park spaces with humans. While they may occasionally raid bird feeders, they are largely admired for their graceful movements and striking coloration. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts frequently seek them out for observation.
3. American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
Smaller than the Gray and Fox Squirrels, American Red Squirrels measure 7-9 inches with a less fluffy tail. They have bright reddish-brown fur above and creamy white below, with distinct contrast stripes on the sides. Their large black eyes give them an alert and energetic appearance. They are easily recognized by their small size and feisty temperament.
Behavior
Red Squirrels are highly territorial and vocal. They defend their food caches and nesting areas aggressively, often chasing intruders. Their communication includes chirps, trills, and tail flicks. They cache seeds and mushrooms in underground or tree-based storage areas, demonstrating impressive foresight. They are active year-round, with bursts of energy particularly noticeable during fall caching periods.
Habitat and Range
American Red Squirrels prefer coniferous or mixed forests, especially pine and spruce habitats in northern Ohio. They utilize dense foliage for protection and nesting, constructing small platforms or cavities lined with moss and bark. Their territories are usually limited to small forest patches, which they defend rigorously.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of seeds from conifers, nuts, fungi, berries, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. Red Squirrels store food in underground middens to survive winter months. This behavior contributes to the dispersal of seeds and overall forest regeneration.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs in early spring and midsummer, producing litters of three to six pups. Young are dependent on the mother for several weeks before becoming independent. Average lifespan is about four years, with predation and environmental factors influencing survival rates.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Red Squirrels have been observed drying mushrooms on branches before storing them — an unusual food preservation tactic. They also have a highly developed alarm system, using specific vocalizations to alert others of aerial or ground predators. Their bold personality and energetic antics make them memorable for anyone observing Ohio forests.
Human Interaction
Though small, Red Squirrels leave a strong impression on humans due to their loud calls and feisty nature. Gardeners often notice their presence around bird feeders and pine trees. Despite occasional crop or seed raiding, they remain an essential and entertaining part of Ohio’s wildlife.
4. Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Southern Flying Squirrel is a small, nocturnal glider measuring about 8–10 inches in total length, including its flat, bushy tail. Its soft, gray-brown fur with lighter underparts provides camouflage in tree canopies. The most distinctive feature is the patagium — a stretch of skin connecting the front and hind limbs — which allows it to glide silently through the forest. Large, dark eyes enhance night vision, making it well-adapted to nocturnal life.
Behavior
These squirrels are social and often share tree cavities in small groups. At night, they emerge to forage, gliding effortlessly from branch to branch. Their vocalizations include chirps, squeaks, and whistles, used to communicate with family members. Southern Flying Squirrels are cautious but curious, frequently exploring the edges of human properties near wooded areas.
Habitat and Range
They prefer mature deciduous forests rich in oaks, hickories, and maples. Nests are built in tree cavities, often abandoned woodpecker holes, and lined with moss, leaves, and fur. While they are primarily forest dwellers, they occasionally inhabit suburban areas with large trees.
Diet
Southern Flying Squirrels are omnivorous. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, insects, and bird eggs. They store surplus food in tree cavities to survive lean winter months. These squirrels play a subtle yet important role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs twice a year — in early spring and summer. Litters typically contain 2–6 pups, which are born hairless and helpless. Juveniles begin gliding within two months and are independent shortly afterward. Lifespan ranges from 3–5 years in the wild.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Southern Flying Squirrels can glide over 100 feet in a single leap, using their tail as a rudder. They also display unusual social behavior, including communal nesting, which helps conserve heat during colder months.
Human Interaction
They rarely enter homes but may use attics or birdhouses if accessible. Observing their gliding and nocturnal activity is a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts. They are harmless and an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems.
5. Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Eastern Chipmunk is a small, ground-dwelling squirrel measuring 5–6 inches in body length, with a short, flat tail. Its reddish-brown fur with five dark stripes running down the back and sides is instantly recognizable. Cheek pouches are a distinctive trait, used to carry food to storage areas. Alert eyes and quick movements make it a lively subject for observation.
Behavior
Chipmunks are diurnal and highly energetic. They spend most of their time foraging and storing food in underground burrows. Burrow systems can extend over 30 feet and include sleeping chambers, food storage areas, and escape tunnels. They communicate with a series of chirps and trills, which serve as warning calls to other chipmunks.
Habitat and Range
Eastern Chipmunks inhabit forests, woodlots, gardens, and suburban yards across Ohio. They prefer areas with loose soil for burrowing and dense vegetation for cover. While primarily ground dwellers, they can climb shrubs and trees for food.
Diet
They consume seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and insects. Food is stored in burrows for winter consumption. By dispersing seeds during caching, chipmunks contribute to plant propagation in Ohio ecosystems.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Chipmunks breed twice a year, producing 4–6 young per litter. Offspring remain in burrows for several weeks before becoming independent. Lifespan averages 2–3 years in the wild.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Eastern Chipmunks’ cheek pouches can expand dramatically, allowing them to transport multiple seeds in a single trip. Their complex burrows demonstrate advanced engineering for such a small animal, and their vocal alarm system is surprisingly sophisticated.
Human Interaction
Gardeners often notice chipmunks foraging near vegetable patches and bird feeders. Though they can be minor nuisances, their charm and industriousness make them enjoyable to observe. Simple deterrents like fencing or netting usually suffice if they overstep boundaries.
6. Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
This small ground squirrel measures 5–7 inches, with 13 alternating light and dark stripes running from head to tail. The underbelly is light-colored, contrasting with the dorsal stripes. Its tail is short and slightly flattened. Their distinctive pattern makes them easy to identify in Ohio grasslands and prairies.
Behavior
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels are diurnal and primarily terrestrial. They dig extensive burrows for nesting and food storage. They hibernate in winter and are highly active during warmer months, displaying rapid darting movements to evade predators. Their alert posture, standing on hind legs, is a common sight in open fields.
Habitat and Range
They prefer open grasslands, meadows, and prairies across Ohio. Burrows are constructed in well-drained soil and may have multiple entrances. They avoid dense forests, favoring open areas where they can quickly spot threats.
Diet
These squirrels are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Their diet changes seasonally, with insects supplementing protein in summer. Burrow-stored food ensures survival during periods of scarcity.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs in spring, producing 4–7 young per litter. Offspring emerge fully furred after about four weeks. Adults hibernate in winter, resuming activity in early spring.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels can be surprisingly bold, often sunbathing near burrow entrances. Their striped pattern provides camouflage, and their hibernation behavior showcases impressive energy conservation skills.
Human Interaction
They are generally harmless but may dig in gardens or lawns. Observing them in open fields provides insight into the ecology of Ohio grasslands. They are a key prey species for hawks and foxes, playing a vital role in local food webs.
7. Woodchuck / Groundhog (Marmota monax)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Woodchuck, also called a Groundhog, is a large, robust squirrel measuring 16–26 inches including its tail. Its coarse fur ranges from brown to gray, with a lighter underbelly. Short, powerful legs and strong claws make it an expert digger. Its stout body and rounded ears make it immediately recognizable in Ohio fields and suburban edges.
Behavior
Woodchucks are diurnal and mostly terrestrial. They are solitary animals, except during mating season. They spend considerable time digging elaborate burrows, which serve as nesting sites, protection from predators, and hibernation dens. Alert and wary, Woodchucks will whistle a high-pitched alarm to warn others of danger, a behavior that has inspired the “Groundhog Day” tradition.
Habitat and Range
They inhabit open fields, meadows, pastures, and woodland edges throughout Ohio. Burrows are dug in well-drained soil, often with multiple entrances. Woodchucks are adaptable and sometimes occupy suburban yards and gardens, though they prefer undisturbed natural areas.
Diet
Primarily herbivorous, Woodchucks feed on grasses, clover, fruits, and vegetables. Occasionally, they nibble on insects or grubs. In gardens, they may target leafy greens and root crops, earning a reputation as a minor nuisance. Seasonal feeding prepares them for hibernation during colder months.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Mating occurs in early spring, producing 3–6 kits after a 31–32 day gestation. Young emerge from burrows at about six weeks old. Woodchucks hibernate through winter, with adults living up to six years in the wild, though predation and human activity often shorten this span.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Woodchucks are excellent diggers, capable of moving hundreds of pounds of soil while constructing burrows. Their hibernation involves significant metabolic slowdown, conserving energy for months. Their high-pitched whistle is so distinctive it has become a symbol in folklore and culture.
Human Interaction
Though they may eat garden vegetables, Woodchucks are fascinating to watch and play a vital ecological role. They aerate soil with their burrowing and serve as prey for hawks, foxes, and coyotes. Respectful observation from a distance allows humans to enjoy their behaviors without conflict.
8. Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Northern Flying Squirrel is a small, nocturnal glider measuring 9–10 inches, including the tail. Its gray-brown fur with a paler underbelly, large dark eyes, and a patagium between limbs distinguish it from other squirrels. The tail functions as a stabilizer while gliding. It is often mistaken for the Southern Flying Squirrel but is slightly larger and favors northern hardwood forests.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, Northern Flying Squirrels are social within communal nests during winter. They glide silently between trees in search of food, sometimes covering over 100 feet in a single leap. They communicate with chirps, whistles, and tail flicks. These squirrels are secretive and rarely seen during daylight hours.
Habitat and Range
They inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests across northern Ohio. Preferred nesting sites include tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or even nests built in dense foliage. They are highly dependent on forests with abundant nut and seed production.
Diet
Northern Flying Squirrels are omnivorous. They eat nuts, seeds, fungi (including truffles), fruits, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. Fungi form an important dietary component, contributing to forest ecosystem health through spore dispersal.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs once or twice annually, producing 2–4 pups. Offspring are born blind and hairless, developing gliding abilities over several weeks. Lifespan in the wild is typically 3–5 years.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
These squirrels have an extraordinary ability to glide between trees, navigating the forest with agility and precision. They often share communal nests for warmth during colder months, highlighting their surprisingly social side.
Human Interaction
Northern Flying Squirrels rarely interact directly with humans due to their nocturnal and secretive habits. However, observing their glides at dusk or using motion-sensitive cameras can provide a fascinating glimpse into Ohio’s hidden wildlife. They serve as excellent indicators of healthy, mature forests.
Frequently Asked Questions about Squirrels in Ohio
1. What types of squirrels live in Ohio?
Ohio is home to 8 common squirrel species: Eastern Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, American Red Squirrel, Southern Flying Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, Woodchuck (Groundhog), and Northern Flying Squirrel.
2. Are there flying squirrels in Ohio?
Yes, both Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels are found in Ohio. They are nocturnal and glide between trees using a special membrane called a patagium.
3. Which squirrel is the most common in Ohio?
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the most widespread and frequently observed squirrel species across urban, suburban, and forested areas in Ohio.
4. Do Ohio squirrels hibernate?
Most tree squirrels like Eastern Gray, Fox, and Red Squirrels remain active year-round. However, ground squirrels such as Woodchucks and Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels hibernate during the winter months.
5. Can squirrels damage gardens in Ohio?
Yes, squirrels may feed on vegetables, flowers, or birdseed, but their ecological benefits, such as seed dispersal and soil aeration, make them valuable members of Ohio’s wildlife.
6. Are there black squirrels in Ohio?
Yes, black squirrels, a melanistic variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel, are found in some parts of Ohio, particularly in the central and northern regions.
7. Are fox squirrels native to Ohio?
Yes, Eastern Fox Squirrels are native to Ohio. They are larger than gray squirrels, with reddish-brown fur and bushy tails, and are more common in rural and open wooded areas.
8. What is the largest squirrel in Ohio?
The Fox Squirrel is the largest squirrel in Ohio. Adults can reach up to 28 inches in length, including their tail, and weigh around 2–3 pounds.
9. Are white squirrels in Ohio?
Yes, white squirrels exist in certain towns in Ohio, such as Marion and Olney. They are rare and usually the result of a genetic mutation.
10. What is the most common type of squirrel in Ohio?
The most common type is the Eastern Gray Squirrel, followed by the Eastern Fox Squirrel. Gray squirrels dominate urban and suburban areas, while fox squirrels prefer open woodlands.
11. Are black squirrels in Ohio rare?
Black squirrels are uncommon but not extremely rare. They are localized in specific areas, and sightings are mostly in parks or suburban neighborhoods.
12. What time of year do squirrels have babies in Ohio?
Squirrels in Ohio typically have two breeding seasons. The first occurs in late winter to early spring (February–April), and the second in late summer (July–August). Litters usually contain 2–5 young.
13. Where do squirrels go in the winter in Ohio?
Squirrels remain active during the winter but spend more time in tree nests (dreys) or cavities. They rely on cached food like nuts and acorns to survive the cold months.
14. What is the most abundant squirrel in Ohio?
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the most abundant species in Ohio. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, suburban areas, and city parks.
15. How long do squirrels live in Ohio?
In the wild, squirrels in Ohio typically live 6–12 years, although most do not survive past 5 years due to predators, disease, and harsh winters.
16. Does Ohio have a squirrel season?
Yes, Ohio has an established squirrel hunting season. Hunters need a valid small game license, and there are specific bag limits and season dates regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
17. Is it legal to have a pet squirrel in Ohio?
No, it is illegal to keep a wild squirrel as a pet in Ohio without a special wildlife permit. Only licensed rehabilitators or wildlife facilities can legally care for squirrels.
Conclusion
Ohio is home to a remarkable diversity of squirrels, ranging from the familiar Eastern Gray and Fox Squirrels to the nocturnal and elusive Flying Squirrels. Each species plays a vital role in maintaining the state’s forest and grassland ecosystems, whether through seed dispersal, soil aeration, or providing prey for predators. Observing these squirrels provides insight into natural behaviors, adaptations, and interactions that sustain Ohio’s wildlife. Whether you’re watching a chipmunk dart through a backyard or spotting a Flying Squirrel glide silently through a forest at dusk, these species showcase the energy, ingenuity, and charm that make squirrels an unforgettable part of Ohio’s natural landscape.
Read more: 8 Types of Squirrels in Illinois (Pictures and Identification)