Squirrels in Maine are a familiar sight in backyards, forests, and parks, yet few people realize how many distinct species share the Pine Tree State. These clever rodents are more than acrobatic nut hoarders; they play vital ecological roles in forest regeneration and seed dispersal. In this guide, you’ll explore five fascinating types of squirrels in Maine—each with its own habits, colors, and habitats. Whether you’re a casual observer or a seasoned birder, understanding these animals brings a new level of appreciation for the state’s wild woodlands.
1. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is perhaps the best-known squirrel in Maine, instantly recognizable by its silver-gray fur and bushy tail. Adults measure about 16–20 inches from nose to tail tip and weigh just over a pound. Their fur can shift slightly toward brownish tones in winter, while some individuals display partial melanism—appearing nearly black. Look for a white underbelly and the habit of sitting upright with tail arched over the back like a living question mark. They are quick movers, bounding gracefully across tree limbs or sprinting across lawns in that familiar hop-pause rhythm.
Behavior
Gray squirrels are primarily diurnal, meaning they’re active during daylight hours. They spend their mornings foraging and their afternoons caching food or grooming. Though they appear solitary, their home ranges often overlap, and they communicate using chirps and tail flicks that warn others of danger. Remarkably, these squirrels can remember thousands of food-cache locations, relying on spatial memory rather than scent alone. That’s one reason forests dominated by oaks and maples thrive—many forgotten caches sprout into new saplings come spring.
Habitat and Range
Found across much of southern and central Maine, Eastern Gray Squirrels favor mixed hardwood forests but adapt well to urban areas and suburban yards. You’ll often spot them near stands of oak, beech, and hickory—trees that supply a dependable nut crop. They build large leafy nests, called dreys, high in trees, and occasionally occupy attic spaces or birdhouses if natural cavities are scarce.
Diet
These omnivores have diverse tastes: acorns, beechnuts, maple seeds, corn, fungi, and even bird eggs on occasion. During late summer and autumn, they bury acorns in shallow holes, covering each cache with soil and leaves. Their foraging behavior not only feeds them through winter but also helps spread forest plant species—an ecological service often overlooked.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Gray squirrels breed twice yearly, usually in late winter and midsummer. After a gestation of about 45 days, females give birth to litters averaging three to four kits. Young are blind and furless, staying in the nest for nearly two months before venturing out. A gray squirrel can live up to six years in the wild, although few survive beyond half that due to predators like hawks and foxes.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Gray squirrels can leap nearly nine feet horizontally and rotate their hind feet 180 degrees to descend trees head-first. In winter, they often share dreys for warmth, a sign of cooperative behavior uncommon among other rodents. Their adaptability makes them one of Maine’s most successful mammals.
Human Interaction
Most Mainers see this species daily—sometimes raiding birdfeeders or rummaging in gardens. While they can be a nuisance, they’re also a joy to watch. Providing squirrel-proof feeders or designated feeding platforms lets humans and squirrels coexist peacefully. Wildlife rehabilitators also note that these squirrels quickly adjust when released back into the wild, an indicator of strong survival instincts.
2. American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
Smaller and more fiery in temperament than their gray cousins, American Red Squirrels sport a reddish-brown back, white underparts, and a faint black line separating the two. They measure around 12 inches including the tail and weigh half a pound on average. Their tails, shorter but just as expressive, flick rapidly when they’re alarmed or defending territory. Their bright eyes and piercing calls make them stand out in conifer forests.
Behavior
If gray squirrels are the laid-back neighbors of Maine’s towns, red squirrels are the feisty forest landlords. They claim and defend their territories with fierce chatter—often a long “trrrr” sound that echoes through spruce stands. Unlike gray squirrels that bury nuts singly, reds store cones and seeds in large caches called middens. These mounds of chewed cone scales may contain tens of thousands of pine seeds, enough to last through even the harshest winters.
Habitat and Range
American Red Squirrels dominate the northern and western parts of Maine, thriving in spruce-fir and pine forests. They prefer colder, higher-elevation habitats where conifers are abundant. Their nests may appear in tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, or thick tangles of branches. They’re seldom found in city parks, preferring wild woodland edges and remote campsites.
Diet
Red squirrels rely heavily on pine and spruce seeds, but their menu includes mushrooms, buds, berries, and even maple sap in early spring. They often harvest unripe cones, hang them in tree crotches to dry, and later strip them for seeds—a behavior reminiscent of a forester seasoning wood for future use. Occasionally they raid bird nests, though that’s more opportunism than routine predation.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding begins in late February or early March, when males chase females through treetops in high-speed chases. After about 35 days of gestation, females produce litters of three to six pups. The young grow rapidly, weaned by six weeks, and may disperse by autumn. Lifespans average three to five years, though some individuals reach eight under favorable conditions.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Red squirrels have been observed clipping pine cones before they’re mature, a clever strategy to keep competitors from stealing them. Their vocal repertoire includes more than 20 distinct calls. They also have a surprisingly sharp memory for midden locations, revisiting specific ones year after year.
Human Interaction
Campers in Maine know the sharp scolding of red squirrels all too well. They’ll bark incessantly when people trespass near their caches. While some homeowners view them as pests for nesting in sheds, others enjoy their spirited antics. Wildlife researchers frequently study red squirrels to understand how seed caching influences forest regeneration.
3. Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
Although seldom seen, the Northern Flying Squirrel is one of Maine’s most remarkable mammals. Measuring 10–12 inches including the tail, it’s smaller and silkier than other local species. Its fur is soft brown on top and pale below, with large dark eyes adapted for nocturnal vision. The defining feature is the patagium—a thin flap of skin stretching from wrist to ankle—that allows it to glide between trees. Under good conditions, it can glide over 150 feet in a single leap, steering with its flattened tail like a furry rudder.
Behavior
True to its name, this squirrel is active at night. During daylight hours, it rests in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. Come evening, families emerge together to forage, often communicating with faint chirps. Northern Flying Squirrels are surprisingly social, sharing winter nests of moss and lichens with several individuals to conserve heat. Their quiet presence makes them far less conspicuous than the chattering red squirrel.
Habitat and Range
They inhabit northern Maine’s boreal and mixed forests, where old-growth trees and decaying logs support the fungi they depend on. These squirrels prefer mature stands of spruce, fir, and hemlock—habitats increasingly fragmented by logging. Because they need connected canopies for gliding, large forest corridors are crucial to their survival.
Diet
While they eat nuts, seeds, and berries, flying squirrels have a particular fondness for truffles—the underground fruiting bodies of fungi. By digging up and consuming these, they spread fungal spores that in turn help trees absorb nutrients through root symbiosis. This subtle ecological partnership links the health of forests directly to the survival of flying squirrels.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding usually occurs once each year in early spring. Females raise litters of two to five young, nurturing them in soft nests lined with moss and shredded bark. The young begin gliding practice at about six weeks, following their mother’s short test flights. Average lifespan in the wild is around five years, though predation by owls limits population growth.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Gliding isn’t true flight—it’s more like a controlled parachute drop—but these squirrels make it look effortless. Researchers tracking them with infrared cameras have recorded mid-air course corrections and tandem glides where a juvenile follows its mother’s path precisely. Their fur even glows pink under ultraviolet light, a feature scientists discovered only recently.
Human Interaction
Because they’re nocturnal, few Mainers realize these animals live in their own backyards. Occasionally, they nest in attics near forested areas, entering through small gaps. Conservationists monitor them as indicators of forest health, especially since they depend on old-growth habitats. Encouraging native conifers and leaving dead trees standing can help maintain their populations.
4. Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
The Southern Flying Squirrel may be one of Maine’s most charming nocturnal residents—small, bright-eyed, and almost weightless. Adults measure roughly 9 to 10 inches from nose to tail tip and weigh about two ounces. Their fur is silky gray-brown on top, with creamy-white undersides and a subtly flattened tail used as a stabilizer during flight. Like their northern relatives, they have a gliding membrane called a patagium that stretches between their front and hind legs. The large, jet-black eyes immediately distinguish them, reflecting light like tiny mirrors when caught in a flashlight beam. Their movements are almost birdlike as they leap silently between trees, earning them the nickname “the shadows of the forest.”
Behavior
Unlike many other squirrels in Maine, the Southern Flying Squirrel is strictly nocturnal. They become active just after sunset, spending the night foraging and exploring. Highly social creatures, they sometimes form communal nests during colder months, sharing body heat in groups of up to ten individuals. Scientists have noted that their gliding ability allows them to travel nearly 30 yards in a single glide, using air resistance and tail control to steer. They land with precision—almost silently—on tree trunks before scurrying around the bark in search of insects or nuts.
Habitat and Range
This species is more common in southern Maine, where mixed deciduous forests provide a balance of hardwoods and nut-producing trees. They are especially fond of mature oak, beech, and hickory groves with ample tree cavities for nesting. In contrast to the Northern Flying Squirrel, which favors cooler conifer forests, the southern species thrives in warmer, lower-elevation woodlands. They occasionally enter suburban neighborhoods where large shade trees and birdfeeders offer easy foraging opportunities.
Diet
Southern Flying Squirrels have a broad diet: acorns, hickory nuts, fungi, fruit, buds, and insects. During summer, they often consume moths and beetles, while in fall they focus on storing nuts for winter. One fascinating behavior is their habit of cutting small holes in nuts, extracting the meat, and caching the shells as markers. They’ve also been known to gnaw into birdhouses to access seeds or nesting material, demonstrating both resourcefulness and persistence.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs twice a year—typically in late winter and midsummer. After a gestation of about 40 days, the female gives birth to litters averaging three to five young. The babies are born hairless and blind, remaining dependent on the mother for about six weeks. By two months, they can glide on their own and join the colony’s nightly adventures. Most individuals live four to five years, though many fall prey to owls, snakes, and domestic cats.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
The Southern Flying Squirrel is one of the few mammals known to exhibit ultraviolet fluorescence—their fur glows pinkish under UV light. Scientists are still unsure why, but it may help with nocturnal communication or camouflage. These squirrels also make a soft “chirrup” call while gliding, believed to help coordinate movements among group members. Another intriguing fact: they are exceptional climbers, able to run headfirst down trees thanks to specialized claws that grip bark securely.
Human Interaction
Although rarely seen, these squirrels are often heard—residents near wooded lots sometimes report scratching noises at night in attics, where small colonies take refuge. They are gentle by nature and seldom destructive. Wildlife enthusiasts who install nesting boxes in forested yards sometimes attract flying squirrels without even realizing it. Observing them requires patience, red-filtered lights, and quiet evenings, but it’s worth it: seeing a flying squirrel glide under the stars feels like witnessing a small miracle of nature.
5. Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Physical Characteristics & Identification Tips
Rounding out our list of types of squirrels in Maine is the Eastern Chipmunk—a lively ground-dwelling member of the squirrel family. Despite its small size, it’s instantly recognizable by the five dark stripes running down its reddish-brown back, separated by white bands. Measuring about 8 to 10 inches in total length and weighing just a few ounces, chipmunks have large, glossy eyes, rounded ears, and expandable cheek pouches that can hold impressive amounts of food. When scurrying across a trail or patio, their quick, darting movements and distinctive “chip-chip” calls give them away instantly.
Behavior
Eastern Chipmunks are solitary and highly territorial, except during mating season. They are diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon. These industrious little animals spend much of their time gathering seeds, nuts, and berries to store in their underground burrows. A single chipmunk may gather and cache over 8 pounds of food in a season—a monumental feat for such a small creature. When alarmed, they emit a sharp “chip” or “cluck” sound, sometimes standing upright to assess threats. Their constant vigilance helps them survive in landscapes filled with predators like hawks, weasels, and foxes.
Habitat and Range
Eastern Chipmunks inhabit woodlands, brushy areas, stone walls, and even suburban gardens across Maine. Their burrows, often hidden beneath roots or logs, can stretch up to 30 feet long with multiple entrances. These tunnels contain storage chambers, sleeping quarters, and escape routes. Chipmunks prefer dry, well-drained soil and areas with plenty of cover from shrubs or fallen leaves. They are commonly spotted darting across forest trails or sitting on logs, nibbling sunflower seeds with both paws.
Diet
Chipmunks have a varied diet that includes seeds, acorns, berries, insects, and the occasional small frog or bird egg. They gather food in their cheek pouches and transport it back to their burrow for later consumption. In fall, they enter a state of semi-hibernation—sleeping for long stretches but waking periodically to eat from their stored supply. Their habit of hoarding seeds inadvertently helps replant forests, earning them an underrated role as “mini foresters.”
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding occurs twice per year, in early spring and late summer. After a gestation period of about 31 days, females give birth to litters of four to five pups. The young emerge from the burrow after about six weeks, already capable of feeding themselves. Chipmunks usually live two to three years in the wild, although they can reach five years in protected environments. Predation and harsh winters are the main limiting factors.
Fun Facts / Unique Traits
Chipmunks have an astonishing spatial memory—they can remember the location of hundreds of hidden food caches, each carefully organized by type. Their burrows include specialized “waste chambers” to keep living areas clean, a behavior rare among rodents. In autumn, they often appear round and plump, the result of both fat reserves and stuffed cheek pouches. Despite their small stature, they are fierce defenders of territory, engaging in high-pitched squeaking battles to deter intruders.
Human Interaction
Eastern Chipmunks have adapted well to human presence. Gardeners sometimes find them raiding birdfeeders or nibbling on garden bulbs, but their overall impact is minor. Many people enjoy their antics and cheerful calls, which bring a touch of wilderness to suburban backyards. Watching a chipmunk fill its cheeks until they bulge comically is a reminder that even small creatures can have big personalities. For those hoping to observe them, scattering a few sunflower seeds near logs or rocks will often bring a curious chipmunk into view.
FAQ’s
1. Are there red squirrels in Maine?
Yes. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), also known as pine squirrels, are common throughout Maine’s forests. They are smaller and more vocal than gray squirrels and are often seen around conifer trees.
2. What kind of squirrels are in Maine?
Maine is home to several species of squirrels, including the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the American Red Squirrel, and the Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels. These species thrive in forests, parks, and even suburban areas.
3. Are there black squirrels in Maine?
Black squirrels, which are a melanistic form of the Eastern Gray Squirrel, are rare but can occasionally be found in parts of Maine. Their dark coloration comes from a genetic variation, not a separate species.
4. Why is it illegal to hunt on Sundays in Maine?
Maine law prohibits hunting on Sundays, a tradition that dates back to the 1800s as part of the state’s “blue laws.” The rule is meant to provide a weekly day of rest for both hunters and wildlife.
5. Are grey squirrels native to Maine?
Yes. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is native to Maine and widely distributed across the state. They are most common in deciduous forests, wooded suburbs, and city parks.
6. How to identify a grey squirrel?
Gray squirrels are medium-sized with gray fur, a white belly, and a large, bushy tail. They may also have hints of brown or black on their backs. Their behavior is energetic and acrobatic compared to red squirrels.
7. Where do squirrels live in Maine?
Squirrels in Maine live in a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests, pine groves, rural areas, and urban neighborhoods. They build nests called dreys high in trees, while flying squirrels prefer tree cavities.
8. Do we have black squirrels in Maine?
Yes, though rare, black squirrels do exist in Maine. They are not a separate species but a color variation of the gray squirrel, most often spotted in the southern and central parts of the state.
9. Can you eat squirrels in Maine?
Yes. Squirrel hunting is legal in Maine, and their meat is edible. Many hunters consider squirrel meat lean and flavorful, often used in stews or roasted dishes.
10. Is it legal to shoot squirrels with a pellet gun in Maine?
Using a pellet gun to shoot squirrels is subject to state hunting laws. It is legal only during the open squirrel hunting season and with a valid hunting license. Discharging firearms or pellet guns within city limits may be restricted.
11. Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in Maine?
Yes. A small game hunting license is required to hunt squirrels in Maine. Hunters must also follow season dates, bag limits, and weapon restrictions as outlined by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
Conclusion
Maine’s forests, from the southern oak stands to the northern spruce belts, are alive with squirrel activity year-round. Each species—from the bold gray squirrel to the secretive flying squirrel—plays a vital role in maintaining forest balance. Together, they disperse seeds, feed predators, and enrich the state’s wild character. Whether you glimpse one bounding across a trail or gliding under moonlight, these small mammals are reminders of how intertwined life in the woods truly is. So next time you hear the rustle of leaves overhead, look up—you might just meet one of Maine’s remarkable squirrels in motion.
Read more: 10 Types of Squirrels in Minnesota (Pictures And Identification)