Delaware may be the second smallest state in the U.S., but it’s home to a surprising diversity of squirrel species that have adapted to thrive in various habitats throughout the First State.
From the bustling suburbs of Wilmington to the quiet forests of southern Delaware, you’ll encounter four distinct types of squirrels, each with unique characteristics and behaviors that make them fascinating to observe and study.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a backyard bird feeder owner dealing with persistent visitors, or simply curious about the rodents sharing your neighborhood, understanding these squirrel species will enhance your appreciation for Delaware’s local ecosystem. Each species has evolved specific traits that help them succeed in different environments, from urban parks to dense woodlands.
Pro Tip: The best time to observe squirrels is during early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active foraging for food.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is by far the most common and recognizable squirrel species you’ll encounter throughout Delaware. These adaptable creatures have become synonymous with suburban and urban wildlife, thriving in parks, neighborhoods, and wooded areas across the state.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Eastern gray squirrels typically measure 9 to 12 inches in body length, with their distinctive bushy tails adding another 7 to 10 inches. Despite their name, their fur coloration can vary significantly, ranging from silver-gray to brownish-gray, with some individuals displaying reddish or even black color variations. Their underside is typically white or light gray, and they have prominent dark eyes and pointed ears.
One of the most reliable identification features is their size and build – they’re medium-sized squirrels with robust bodies and proportionally large tails that they use for balance and communication. You’ll often see them flicking their tails when agitated or alerting other squirrels to potential threats.
Habitat and Distribution in Delaware
Eastern gray squirrels have successfully colonized virtually every habitat in Delaware that contains trees. They’re equally at home in deciduous and mixed forests, suburban neighborhoods, city parks, and even small woodlots. Their adaptability to human-modified environments has made them one of Delaware’s most successful wildlife species.
These squirrels prefer areas with mature trees, particularly oak, hickory, and maple species that provide both nesting sites and abundant food sources.
In Delaware’s northern counties, you’ll find higher populations in the more densely wooded areas, while southern Delaware’s agricultural landscape supports smaller, more dispersed populations.
Key Insight: Eastern gray squirrels can live up to 12 years in the wild, though most average 6-8 years due to predation and environmental factors.
Behavior and Diet
Eastern gray squirrels are primarily diurnal, meaning they’re most active during daylight hours. They’re omnivores with a diet consisting mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally bird eggs or insects. Their remarkable memory allows them to create and maintain multiple food caches throughout their territory, which is crucial for surviving Delaware’s winters.
These intelligent creatures demonstrate problem-solving abilities that often frustrate homeowners trying to squirrel-proof their bird feeders. They’re excellent climbers and jumpers, capable of leaping up to 10 feet horizontally and surviving falls from considerable heights due to their lightweight bodies and natural agility.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) represents Delaware’s largest tree squirrel species, though it’s considerably less common than its gray cousin. These impressive rodents prefer more open woodland habitats and can be distinguished by their size and distinctive coloration patterns.
Physical Characteristics and Size Differences
Fox squirrels are notably larger than Eastern gray squirrels, with body lengths reaching 13 to 15 inches and tails measuring 10 to 13 inches. Their most distinctive feature is their varied coloration, which can range from rusty red to gray-brown, often with orange or reddish undertones on their belly and legs. Some individuals display striking color variations with darker backs and lighter undersides.
Their ears are proportionally larger than those of gray squirrels, and their overall build is more robust. The combination of size, ear shape, and coloration makes fox squirrels relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for, though color variations can sometimes cause confusion with other species.
Species | Body Length | Tail Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Gray Squirrel | 9-12 inches | 7-10 inches | 1-1.5 lbs |
Fox Squirrel | 13-15 inches | 10-13 inches | 1.5-3 lbs |
Preferred Habitats in Delaware
Fox squirrels show a strong preference for open woodlands, forest edges, and areas with scattered mature trees rather than dense forests. In Delaware, they’re most commonly found in the southern counties where agricultural landscapes intersect with wooded areas. They particularly favor oak-hickory forests and areas with mixed hardwood species.
Unlike Eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels tend to avoid heavily urbanized areas, preferring rural and suburban environments where tree cover is less dense. This habitat preference, combined with historical hunting pressure and habitat loss, has made them less common throughout Delaware compared to other squirrel species.
Behavioral Patterns and Seasonal Activity
Fox squirrels exhibit similar diurnal patterns to gray squirrels but tend to be more ground-oriented in their foraging behavior. They spend considerable time foraging on the ground for nuts, seeds, and fungi, making them more vulnerable to terrestrial predators but also allowing them to exploit food sources that other squirrel species might miss.
Their breeding season typically occurs twice yearly, in late winter and mid-summer, with females producing litters of 2-4 young. Fox squirrels are known for their elaborate nest-building behavior, creating large leaf nests called dreys in tree forks, as well as utilizing natural tree cavities when available. You can learn more about squirrel behavior patterns in similar habitats across the region.
Important Note: Fox squirrels are considered a species of conservation concern in some northeastern states due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Red Squirrel
The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is Delaware’s smallest tree squirrel and arguably the most energetic and vocal. These feisty little creatures are known for their territorial behavior and distinctive chattering calls that can be heard throughout their woodland territories.
Distinctive Features and Identification
Red squirrels are significantly smaller than both gray and fox squirrels, measuring only 7 to 9 inches in body length with tails of 4 to 6 inches. Their most obvious identifying feature is their reddish-brown to rusty red coat, which can appear more brownish in winter months. They have white or cream-colored undersides and prominent white eye rings that give them an alert, bright-eyed appearance.
During winter, red squirrels develop distinctive ear tufts that make them easily recognizable. Their compact size, combined with their quick, jerky movements and constant vocalizations, makes them quite different from their larger cousins in both appearance and behavior.
Habitat Requirements and Distribution
Red squirrels have very specific habitat requirements, preferring coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. In Delaware, they’re most commonly found in the northern counties where suitable habitat exists, though their populations are limited compared to neighboring states with more extensive coniferous forests.
These squirrels require territories with adequate cone-producing trees such as pine, spruce, and fir, though they’ll also utilize oak and hickory when coniferous food sources are limited. Their territories are typically smaller than those of gray or fox squirrels, but they defend them much more aggressively against intruders.
Unique Behaviors and Territorial Nature
Red squirrels are renowned for their territorial behavior and complex vocal communication system. They produce a variety of calls including chatters, trills, and scolds that serve different purposes in territory defense and social interaction. Their aggressive nature often allows them to dominate bird feeders and food sources despite their small size.
One of their most distinctive behaviors is the creation of large cone caches called middens, where they store thousands of pine cones and other food items. These middens can persist for generations and represent significant investments in territory maintenance. Red squirrels also demonstrate sophisticated food storage strategies that help them survive harsh winters when food becomes scarce.
Pro Tip: Listen for red squirrels’ distinctive “chatter” calls – they’re often heard before they’re seen and can help you locate them in dense forest canopies.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is Delaware’s most secretive and unique squirrel species. These remarkable creatures don’t actually fly but glide through the forest canopy using specialized skin membranes, making them one of the most fascinating wildlife species in the state.
Physical Adaptations for Gliding
Southern flying squirrels are small, measuring 8 to 10 inches in body length with flattened tails of 3 to 4 inches. Their most distinctive feature is the patagium, a furry membrane that stretches between their front and back legs, allowing them to glide distances of up to 150 feet between trees. Their fur is silky soft and typically grayish-brown above with white or cream undersides.
These squirrels have proportionally large eyes adapted for their nocturnal lifestyle, and their lightweight build (typically 2-4 ounces) makes them perfectly suited for their aerial lifestyle. Their flat tails serve as rudders during gliding, helping them navigate between trees with remarkable precision.
Nocturnal Lifestyle and Habitat Preferences
Unlike Delaware’s other squirrel species, southern flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, becoming active shortly after sunset and remaining active throughout the night.
This behavior makes them rarely observed despite being more common than many people realize. They prefer mature deciduous and mixed forests with adequate tree cavity nesting sites.
In Delaware, flying squirrels are found throughout wooded areas but show preferences for forests with diverse tree species and adequate canopy connectivity.
They require multiple nesting sites within their territory and often use abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities. Their presence in an area often indicates a healthy, mature forest ecosystem, similar to what you might find when studying forest ecosystems in neighboring states.
Diet and Social Behavior
Flying squirrels are omnivores with a more varied diet than other squirrel species. They consume nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, insects, bird eggs, and even small nestlings.
Their ability to glide allows them to access food sources that ground-bound animals cannot reach, giving them a unique ecological niche within Delaware’s forest communities.
These squirrels are more social than other squirrel species, often sharing nesting sites during winter months for warmth. Groups of 10-20 individuals may huddle together in a single tree cavity during cold weather, demonstrating cooperative behavior rarely seen in other squirrel species. This social structure helps them survive Delaware’s winter months when food becomes scarce and energy conservation is critical.
Key Insight: Flying squirrels are important seed dispersers for many tree species, particularly those that fruit at night when other animals are less active.
Conservation Status and Population Trends
While southern flying squirrels aren’t currently considered threatened in Delaware, their populations face pressure from habitat fragmentation and loss of mature forest cover.
Their dependence on interconnected forest canopies makes them particularly vulnerable to development that creates gaps in tree cover.
Forest management practices that maintain mature trees with natural cavities benefit flying squirrel populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving large blocks of connected forest habitat and maintaining snag trees that provide essential nesting sites. Understanding regional conservation strategies helps inform local habitat management decisions.
Identification Tips and Comparison Guide
Successfully identifying Delaware’s squirrel species requires attention to several key characteristics including size, coloration, habitat preferences, and behavioral patterns. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you distinguish between species in the field.
Size and Physical Characteristics
Size is often the first distinguishing factor when identifying squirrels. Fox squirrels are the largest, followed by Eastern gray squirrels, then red squirrels, with flying squirrels being the smallest. However, individual variation and seasonal changes can sometimes make size comparisons challenging.
- Fox squirrels: Largest, robust build, varied coloration from rusty red to gray-brown
- Eastern gray squirrels: Medium size, predominantly gray with white undersides
- Red squirrels: Smallest tree squirrel, distinctive reddish coat and white eye rings
- Flying squirrels: Very small, large eyes, furry gliding membrane visible when extended
Habitat and Behavioral Clues
Where and when you observe squirrels provides important identification clues. Urban and suburban environments strongly suggest Eastern gray squirrels, while rural forest edges might indicate fox squirrels. Coniferous forest areas increase the likelihood of red squirrel encounters, and nocturnal activity points to flying squirrels.
Behavioral observations can be equally revealing. Red squirrels’ aggressive territoriality and constant vocalizations make them distinctive, while flying squirrels’ nocturnal gliding behavior is unmistakable when observed. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to look for in similar regional habitats.
Common Mistake: Don’t rely solely on color for identification – Eastern gray squirrels can have brownish or even black color phases that might be confused with other species.
Seasonal Activity Patterns and Best Viewing Times
Understanding seasonal patterns enhances your chances of observing different squirrel species throughout Delaware. Each species shows distinct activity patterns that correspond to food availability, breeding cycles, and weather conditions.
Spring and Summer Activity
Spring brings increased activity as squirrels emerge from winter dormancy and begin breeding activities. Eastern gray and fox squirrels become highly visible as they search for nesting materials and establish territories. Red squirrels are particularly vocal during this period, aggressively defending their territories against intruders.
Summer months offer excellent viewing opportunities for all diurnal species. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best observation windows when temperatures are cooler and squirrels are most active. Flying squirrels remain active throughout summer nights, though they’re rarely observed without specific effort to locate them.
Fall Preparation and Winter Survival
Fall represents peak activity for most squirrel species as they prepare for winter. This season offers the best opportunities to observe natural behaviors including food caching, nest building, and territorial interactions. All species increase their foraging intensity, making them more visible and predictable in their movements.
Winter activity varies significantly between species. Eastern gray and fox squirrels remain active throughout winter, though they may remain in their nests during severe weather. Red squirrels continue defending their territories and accessing cached food supplies. Flying squirrels maintain their nocturnal activity patterns but may share nesting sites for warmth, similar to behaviors observed in northern populations.
Human-Squirrel Interactions and Management
Delaware residents frequently encounter squirrels in their yards, gardens, and neighborhoods. Understanding how to coexist with these adaptable creatures while managing potential conflicts requires knowledge of their behavior and motivations.
Bird Feeder Challenges and Solutions
Eastern gray squirrels are notorious for their persistence in accessing bird feeders, often displaying remarkable problem-solving abilities that frustrate homeowners.
Effective management strategies include using squirrel-proof feeders, strategic placement away from jumping distances, and providing alternative food sources to redirect their attention.
Understanding squirrel behavior helps in developing effective deterrent strategies. Rather than viewing them as pests, consider them intelligent wildlife neighbors that require thoughtful management approaches.
Some homeowners find success in providing dedicated squirrel feeding stations away from bird feeders, creating a win-win situation for both wildlife observation and bird feeding activities.
Garden and Landscape Interactions
Squirrels can impact gardens and landscaping through their digging and caching behaviors, particularly when burying nuts and seeds for winter storage. While this can be frustrating for gardeners, it’s important to remember that squirrels play crucial ecological roles as seed dispersers and forest regeneration agents.
Property owners can minimize conflicts by choosing plants that naturally deter squirrels or by using physical barriers around vulnerable plants. Understanding that squirrel activity often reflects seasonal patterns helps in timing garden activities and protective measures appropriately.
Pro Tip: Providing natural food sources like oak or hickory trees can reduce squirrel interest in gardens while supporting local wildlife populations.
Safety and Health Considerations
While squirrels are generally harmless, it’s important to maintain appropriate distances and avoid direct contact. Like all wildlife, squirrels can carry diseases and parasites, and they may bite if cornered or handled. Observing squirrels from a respectful distance provides the best experience for both humans and animals.
Property owners should be aware that squirrels occasionally enter attics or other structures seeking nesting sites. Professional wildlife control services can provide humane removal and exclusion services when necessary. Prevention through proper building maintenance and exclusion measures is always preferable to dealing with established populations.
Conservation and Habitat Protection
Delaware’s squirrel populations benefit from conservation efforts that protect and enhance forest habitats throughout the state. Understanding the connection between habitat quality and wildlife populations helps inform both individual and community conservation decisions.
Habitat Requirements and Protection Strategies
Each squirrel species has specific habitat requirements that influence their distribution and population stability. Eastern gray squirrels benefit from diverse forest compositions and urban tree canopy preservation. Fox squirrels require open woodland habitats and forest edge environments that are increasingly fragmented by development.
Red squirrels depend on coniferous forest components that are limited in Delaware’s primarily deciduous forests. Flying squirrels need mature forests with adequate cavity trees and connected canopy coverage. Conservation strategies that address these diverse needs benefit entire forest communities and the complex predator-prey relationships that depend on healthy squirrel populations.
Urban Wildlife Management
Delaware’s growing urban and suburban areas present both opportunities and challenges for squirrel conservation. Urban forest management that maintains diverse tree species and age classes supports robust squirrel populations while providing ecosystem services for human communities.
Community education about wildlife coexistence helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts while fostering appreciation for urban biodiversity. Programs that teach residents about squirrel behavior and management strategies create more wildlife-friendly communities throughout Delaware.
Conclusion
Delaware’s four squirrel species – Eastern gray, fox, red, and southern flying squirrels – each contribute unique elements to the state’s wildlife diversity. From the adaptable gray squirrels thriving in suburban neighborhoods to the secretive flying squirrels gliding through forest canopies, these remarkable rodents demonstrate the incredible adaptability and ecological importance of Delaware’s native wildlife.
Understanding these species enhances your appreciation for the natural world around you, whether you’re walking through Wilmington’s parks or exploring the forests of southern Delaware.
By learning to identify different species and understanding their habitat needs, you become a more informed observer of Delaware’s wildlife heritage.
As Delaware continues to grow and develop, maintaining habitat connectivity and quality becomes increasingly important for sustaining healthy squirrel populations.
Through thoughtful conservation efforts and wildlife-friendly practices, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy observing these fascinating creatures throughout the First State.
Whether you’re dealing with persistent bird feeder visitors or simply enjoying wildlife observation opportunities in your backyard, remember that squirrels are intelligent, adaptable creatures that have successfully coexisted with humans for generations.
With proper understanding and management approaches, this coexistence can continue to benefit both wildlife and human communities throughout Delaware.
