Squirrels are among the rodent family’s most familiar and diverse members, known for their bushy tails and acrobatic feats.
Found worldwide, these small mammals have adapted to various habitats, from urban parks to dense forests.
Each squirrel species exhibits unique characteristics, behaviors, and appearances, contributing to the rich biodiversity of our ecosystems.
This blog will explore 20 types of squirrels, highlighting their key features and where they can be found.
List of Different Types of Squirrels
1. Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of North America’s most common squirrel species.
Known for its gray fur with white underparts, this adaptable squirrel thrives in urban and suburban areas and forests.
- Color: Gray with white underparts
- Habitat: Urban areas, forests
- Found In: Eastern United States, Canada
2. Western Gray Squirrel
The Western Gray Squirrel is larger than its eastern counterpart.
It has a striking silver-gray coat and bushy tail and is typically found in the oak and pine forests of the western United States.
- Color: Silver-gray
- Habitat: Oak and pine forests
- Found In: Western United States
3. Red Squirrel
Red Squirrels are small, agile, and known for their reddish-brown fur.
They are highly territorial and are commonly found in coniferous forests across North America and Eurasia.
- Color: Reddish-brown
- Habitat: Coniferous forests
- Found In: North America, Eurasia
4. Fox Squirrel
Fox Squirrels are the largest tree squirrels in North America.
They have reddish-gray fur and a bushy tail.
They prefer open woodlands and are often seen foraging on the ground.
- Color: Reddish-gray
- Habitat: Open woodlands, parks
- Found In: Central and Eastern United States
5. Douglas Squirrel
The Douglas Squirrel, also known as the “chickaree,” is native to the coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest.
It has a reddish-brown coat and is known for its loud, chattering call.
- Color: Reddish-brown
- Habitat: Coniferous forests
- Found In: Pacific Northwest, United States
6. Flying Squirrel
Flying Squirrels are unique for their ability to glide between trees using a special membrane called the patagium.
They are nocturnal and can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia forests.
- Special Feature: Gliding ability
- Habitat: Forests
- Found In: North America, Europe, Asia
7. Southern Flying Squirrel
The Southern Flying Squirrel is the smallest of the flying squirrels in North America.
It has a grayish-brown coat and large, dark eyes adapted for nocturnal activity.
- Color: Grayish-brown
- Habitat: Deciduous forests
- Found In: Eastern United States
8. Northern Flying Squirrel
The Northern Flying Squirrel is slightly larger than its southern counterpart and is found in coniferous and mixed forests.
It plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by spreading fungal spores.
- Color: Brownish-gray
- Habitat: Coniferous forests
- Found In: Northern United States, Canada
9. Abert’s Squirrel
Abert’s Squirrel is easily recognized by its tufted ears and dark gray to black fur.
It is commonly found in ponderosa pine forests in the southwestern United States.
- Color: Dark gray to black
- Special Feature: Tufted ears
- Found In: Southwestern United States
10. Arizona Gray Squirrel
The Arizona Gray Squirrel is native to the riparian woodlands of Arizona and New Mexico.
It has a gray coat with white underparts and is more elusive than other gray squirrels.
- Color: Gray with white underparts
- Habitat: Riparian woodlands
- Found In: Arizona, New Mexico
11. Black Squirrel
The Black Squirrel is a melanistic variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel, characterized by its black fur.
It is commonly found in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada.
- Color: Black
- Habitat: Urban areas, forests
- Found In: Northeastern United States, Canada
12. American Red Squirrel
The American Red Squirrel is smaller than its Eurasian cousin. It has a reddish-brown coat and white underparts.
It is highly active and often found in coniferous forests.
- Color: Reddish-brown
- Habitat: Coniferous forests
- Found In: North America
13. Eurasian Red Squirrel
The Eurasian Red Squirrel has a reddish coat that can vary in shade depending on the season.
It is native to Europe and Asia, inhabiting coniferous and mixed forests.
- Color: Reddish, varies by season
- Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests
- Found In: Europe, Asia
14. Kaibab Squirrel
The Kaibab Squirrel is found exclusively on the Kaibab Plateau in Arizona.
It is known for its striking black body, white tail, and tufted ears.
- Color: Black body, whitetail
- Special Feature: Tufted ears
- Found In: Kaibab Plateau, Arizona
15. Indian Giant Squirrel
The Indian Giant Squirrel, also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is one of the largest squirrel species.
It is native to the forests of India and has a multicolored coat of maroon, brown, and cream.
- Color: Maroon, brown, cream
- Size: Large
- Found In: India
16. Japanese Squirrel
The Japanese Squirrel is a small, native species with a grayish-brown coat and white underparts.
It is found in forests across Japan and is known for its bushy tail and large eyes.
- Color: Grayish-brown
- Habitat: Forests
- Found In: Japan
17. Prevost’s Squirrel
Prevost’s Squirrel is a strikingly colorful species found in Southeast Asia.
It has a black body, white belly, and reddish-orange sides, making it one of the most visually striking squirrels.
- Color: Black, white, reddish-orange
- Habitat: Tropical forests
- Found In: Southeast Asia
18. Malabar Giant Squirrel
The Malabar Giant Squirrel, a subspecies of the Indian Giant Squirrel, is known for its vibrant, multicolored fur.
It is an arboreal species found in the Western Ghats of India.
- Color: Multicolored (brown, cream, maroon)
- Habitat: Western Ghats, India
- Found In: India
19. Albert’s Squirrel
Albert’s Squirrel is another name for Abert’s Squirrel, known for its tufted ears and dark fur.
It is commonly found in ponderosa pine forests in the southwestern United States.
- Color: Dark gray to black
- Special Feature: Tufted ears
- Found In: Southwestern United States
20. Northern Palm Squirrel
The Northern Palm Squirrel is a small, striped squirrel native to India and Sri Lanka.
It has a brownish coat with white stripes running down its back and is often seen in urban areas and gardens.
- Color: Brown with white stripes
- Habitat: Urban areas, gardens
- Found In: India, Sri Lanka
Conclusion
Squirrels are a diverse and fascinating group of mammals, each species adapted to its unique environment.
Whether it’s the acrobatic flying squirrels or the vibrantly colored giant squirrels of India, these creatures play a vital role in their ecosystems.
By exploring the various types of squirrels, we can better appreciate the diversity of wildlife and the importance of conserving their habitats.
