Four Common Types Of Squirrels In the Southeastern United States

If you have a yard anywhere in America, chances are you have seen a squirrel running around. They may be eating from your bird feeder, running along telephone wires, or tunneling near your foundation. In this blog, we’ll talk about four common types of squirrels you’ll find in the Southeast and what you should do about them.

1. Eastern Gray Squirrel

• Sciurus carolinensis
• Average Size: 16.6-21.6 inches / 42-55 cm
• Weight: 14-21 oz / 400-600 grams
• Lifespan:  Roughly six years. Some can live up to 12 years in the wild.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of the most common species in our region. They typically have bushy tails and a mix of black, white, and brown fur that appears gray from a distance. Their undersides are white or gray, and the flattened, bushy gray tail features silver-tipped hairs. 

Their preferred foods include seeds, nuts, and berries, but they can also be omnivorous, feeding on insects as well as amphibians. As winter settles in, these squirrels start to hide food, which provides them with a steady supply throughout the colder months. 

These squirrels are often found in large, dense deciduous forests full of trees that provide food. However, they’re equally comfortable living in suburban and urban neighborhoods or parks.

2. American Red Squirrel

• Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
• Average Size: 11-14 inches / 28-35.5 cm
• Weight: 7.1-8.8 oz / 200-250 g
• Lifespan: If they survive their first year, the average lifespan is roughly 2-3 years. Some have been found to live up to 8 years.

The American Red Squirrel is fairly common across the Southeastern United States. Its upperparts are a reddish-gray color, but its belly is white. Around its eyes is a noticeable white eye ring, and its tail is bushy with a touch of white. Some red squirrels also have a black stripe along each side. Typically, this species of squirrel is known to be a lot smaller than other species. 

The American Red Squirrels are primarily found in coniferous forests due to their diet, which consists of seeds from evergreen trees. They can also be found in deciduous forests, backyards, parks, and urban areas. 

Red squirrels prefer to feed on seeds and cones of evergreen trees, but like other squirrels, they become more omnivorous at times. These squirrels are best known for their aggressive personality.

3. Fox Squirrel

• Sciurus niger
• Average Length (Including tail): 17.7-27.6 inches / 45-70 cm
• Weight: 1.1-2.2 pounds / 500-1000 grams
• Lifespan: Roughly 18 years.

Fox Squirrels are the largest tree squirrel in the Southeastern United States. They are most often found in small patches of deciduous forests that include trees that produce their favorite foods. They generally feed on acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hickory nuts. Its fur is gray and black on top, orangish on the belly, and cinnamon mixed with black on the tail. 

To prepare for winter, they hide caches of nuts all over the place to be eaten later when the weather turns cold. Fox Squirrels seem to thrive around people. 

They are commonly found in urban parks and neighborhoods. You will typically see Fox Squirrels on the ground, as they spend much of their time looking for food that may have fallen off a tree. 

4. Southern Flying Squirrel

• Glaucomys volans
• Average Length (Including tail): 8.3-10.2 inches / 21-26 cm
• Weight: 2-3 oz / 56-85 grams
• Lifespan: Roughly 2 years.

Generally, Southern flying squirrels have fur that is reddish-brown or gray, while its belly is cream white. They are also known for their large black eyes. Southern Flying Squirrels are a bit smaller than other species and often feed at night looking for sunflower seeds and peanuts. 

Even though they are common in the Southeastern United States, you will rarely spot one. This species is nocturnal and spends most of its time in the canopies of deciduous forests. With that being said though, these squirrels are extremely social with one another and are often observed foraging, gliding, and resting together in large groups. In winter, it’s been found that groups of up to 20 squirrels come together in one nest to conserve energy and stay warm.

Need Squirrel Control?

The Lookout Pest Control professionals are leaders in local wildlife control, providing high-quality squirrel control services to residents in the the Southeastern United States area for over three decades. You can count on us to get the job done correctly and efficiently. 

If you are having a squirrel infestation problem and need professional squirrel removal, call Lookout Pest Control today!