You might spot a flash of red-brown fur darting up a pine tree during your morning hike, or notice a small, striped creature sitting atop a rock pile near your campsite.
Eastern Washington is home to an impressive diversity of squirrels in Eastern Washington—14 distinct species that have adapted to everything from dense coniferous forests to open shrubsteppe landscapes.
Whether you’re exploring the Columbia Basin’s arid grasslands or hiking through northeastern woodlands, you’ll encounter these remarkable rodents thriving in their specialized niches.
This guide will help you identify each species, understand where to find them, and appreciate the unique behaviors that make Eastern Washington’s squirrel populations so fascinating.
1. Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) represents one of the most adaptable rodents you’ll encounter in urban and suburban areas of Eastern Washington. Though not native to the region, this species has established thriving populations since its introduction in the early 1900s.
You’ll recognize this squirrel by its gray coat with brownish tones along the back, contrasting white belly, and prominent bushy tail that measures about half its 20-inch total length.
Some individuals display almost entirely black coloration, while others show variations of brown mixed throughout their fur. The species thrives in city parks, residential neighborhoods, and areas with mixed deciduous and coniferous trees.
Where to Find Them: Eastern gray squirrels concentrate in developed areas throughout eastern portions of the state, particularly around Spokane and other urban centers. They’ve adapted remarkably well to human environments, often spotted running along power lines, climbing buildings, or foraging in yards.
Behavior and Diet: These squirrels remain active year-round during daylight hours, demonstrating impressive intelligence and resourcefulness. They consume acorns, seeds, fruits, tree buds, and bark, often raiding bird feeders with acrobatic skill. Their vocal repertoire includes a distinctive “que, que, que, que” call accompanied by tail flicks. Eastern gray squirrels are considered invasive in many regions, outcompeting native species for food and nesting space.
2. Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) claims the title of largest tree squirrel in Eastern Washington, reaching impressive sizes up to 26 inches in length and weighing as much as 2.5 pounds. This non-native species has established populations primarily in central and southeastern portions of the state.
Physical identification becomes straightforward once you know what to look for: fox squirrels display a distinctive mix of gray and orange or rusty-red fur, with reddish bellies and tails that set them apart from their gray squirrel cousins.
Their large claws and strong limbs make them powerful climbers, though their movement appears more lumbering compared to other tree squirrels. The tail measures 9-10 inches and often shows bright orange coloration.
Where to Find Them: You’ll discover fox squirrels in rural and urban habitats across three main population centers in central and southeastern Washington. They prefer areas with mature oak and nut trees, adapting well to parks, campuses, and residential areas with sufficient tree cover.
Behavior and Diet: Fox squirrels are solitary and most active during early morning and late afternoon hours. They feast on acorns, nuts, seeds, tree bark, and various plant materials. During autumn, they become exceptionally busy on the ground, scatter-hoarding nuts and acorns in preparation for winter. Unlike many squirrels, fox squirrels may breed nearly year-round in moderate climates, with mating occurring in late winter and midsummer.
3. Douglas Squirrel
The Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii), affectionately called the “chickaree,” brings vibrant energy to coniferous forests throughout parts of eastern Washington where dense forest habitat persists. This small native tree squirrel measures just 10-14 inches in total length, making it noticeably smaller than gray and fox squirrels.
Summer coats display extremely dark brown coloring on the back with bright orange bellies, while winter brings grayer tones with less pronounced orange. Adults develop a distinctive black stripe running along the length of their bodies. Their tails appear slim and brown compared to the bushier appendages of larger tree squirrels.
Where to Find Them: Douglas squirrels inhabit dense coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by cedar, pine, and fir trees. They avoid urban areas, preferring undisturbed forest environments in the Cascade foothills and northeastern mountainous regions where evergreen forests remain intact.
Behavior and Diet: These highly territorial squirrels announce intruders with intense vocalizations—a rapid “tsik tsik tsik, chrrrrrrrr—siew siew siew siew” that echoes through the forest. They primarily consume pine seeds, expertly peeling scales off pinecones to reach the nutritious interior. Large piles of discarded pinecone scales near trees serve as telltale signs of Douglas squirrel activity. They also eat mushrooms, berries, bird eggs, and young birds when available. Active throughout the year, they build large round nests called dreys high in tree limbs or sleep in tree cavities.
4. Red Squirrel
The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) thrives across northeastern Washington’s deciduous and coniferous forests, bringing splashes of rusty-red color to the landscape. This species closely resembles the Douglas squirrel in size—approximately the same body length—but distinctive coloring makes identification straightforward.
You’ll immediately notice their rusty-red to light red-brown coat and white or grayish-white bellies that create sharp contrast. Their slim tails differ markedly from the bushy appendages of gray and fox squirrels. During summer months, a black stripe separates the white belly from the brown back, though this marking disappears in winter.
Where to Find Them: Red squirrels inhabit eastern Washington extensively, particularly in areas east of the Cascade Range. They adapt to various forest types including coniferous woods and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. Unlike some native species, red squirrels tolerate suburban areas with sufficient tree coverage, making them accessible to backyard wildlife watchers.
Behavior and Diet: Similar to their Douglas squirrel cousins, red squirrels demonstrate territorial behavior and produce alarm calls when intruders approach. Their diet includes seeds from evergreen trees, fruit, fungi, bird eggs, and nestlings. They build nests underground or in tree hollows. Mating season occurs in late winter, with babies born about one month later. Young squirrels remain with their mothers until reaching 18 weeks of age, learning essential survival skills before dispersing. Red squirrels experience severe first-year mortality, with only about 20% of babies surviving to adulthood.
5. Northern Flying Squirrel
The Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) represents Eastern Washington’s most elusive tree squirrel species, measuring just 10-12 inches in total length—the smallest tree squirrel in the state. These remarkable nocturnal gliders possess rich brown or dark gray upper bodies with creamy undersides.
Their most distinctive features include exceptionally large, dark eyes adapted for nighttime navigation, and a wide, flat tail that aids in steering during glides. The patagium—a furry membrane connecting front and back legs—allows them to glide gracefully between trees, covering impressive distances through the forest canopy.
Where to Find Them: Despite being surprisingly common, Northern flying squirrels remain seldom seen due to their nocturnal habits. They inhabit forest homes throughout mountainous regions of eastern Washington, preferring mature coniferous forests with abundant tree cavities for nesting. Their range extends across the state’s forested areas, from the Cascade foothills eastward.
Behavior and Diet: These specialized squirrels become active at dusk, gliding between trees with remarkable precision using their patagium. They feed on fungi, seeds, nuts, tree buds, and lichens. Scientists credit flying squirrels with promoting forest health by spreading fungal species that form beneficial relationships with tree roots. Their quiet, high-pitched, birdlike “tick tick” call differs dramatically from the loud vocalizations of their diurnal cousins. Multiple flying squirrels will share duck or owl nest boxes during hibernation periods.
6. Townsend’s Ground Squirrel
Townsend’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus townsendii) brings a different lifestyle to Eastern Washington’s squirrel community, spending most of its time on or below ground rather than in trees. This small ground-dwelling species occupies specific habitat niches in the region’s shrubsteppe and grassland ecosystems.
These compact squirrels display grayish-brown coloring with white or light gray undersides. Their tails remain relatively short compared to tree squirrels, and their overall body structure appears stockier and built for terrestrial life. Unlike tree squirrels with large bushy tails, ground squirrels sport more modest appendages suited to burrow dwelling.
Where to Find Them: Townsend’s ground squirrels inhabit shrubsteppe and grassland areas of central and southeastern Washington, particularly in the Columbia Basin region. They prefer areas with sandy or loamy soils suitable for extensive burrow construction. Look for them in open landscapes with scattered sagebrush and native grasses.
Behavior and Diet: These ground squirrels live in colonies, creating complex burrow systems with multiple entrances and chambers. They hibernate during winter months, emerging in spring to breed and forage actively. Their diet consists primarily of seeds, green vegetation, and occasionally insects. Colonial living provides safety advantages, as multiple individuals watch for predators like hawks, coyotes, and badgers. When danger approaches, they emit high-pitched warning calls before diving into their burrows.
7. Columbian Ground Squirrel
The Columbian ground squirrel (Urocitellus columbianus) represents one of Eastern Washington’s larger ground-dwelling squirrels, inhabiting mountainous and foothill regions. This social species creates bustling colonies in suitable habitat, with individuals frequently standing upright to survey their surroundings.
Physical characteristics include mottled grayish-brown fur with white or buff-colored undersides. Their bodies appear robust and cylindrical, adapted for digging extensive burrow networks. The tail measures moderately long for a ground squirrel but remains far shorter and less bushy than tree squirrel tails.
Where to Find Them: You’ll encounter Columbian ground squirrels in northeastern Washington’s mountainous regions, particularly in the Kettle Range, Selkirk Mountains, and areas along the Idaho border. They prefer mountain meadows, alpine areas, and foothill grasslands with deep soils suitable for burrowing.
Behavior and Diet: These highly social squirrels maintain complex colonies with defined territories. They hibernate for extended periods—typically six to eight months annually—emerging in spring for an intensive period of feeding and reproduction. Their diet includes grasses, forbs, seeds, bulbs, and occasionally insects. Columbian ground squirrels spend considerable time standing erect on their hind legs, watching for threats. Their alarm calls alert colony members to approaching predators, including golden eagles, coyotes, and badgers.
8. Washington Ground Squirrel
The Washington ground squirrel (Urocitellus washingtoni) holds special conservation significance as a species endemic to the Columbia Basin region. This small ground squirrel occurs only in eastern Washington and north-central Oregon, making it a true regional specialty.
You can identify this species by its grayish coloring with distinctive white spots on the back, creating a mottled appearance. They possess a white eye ring, grayish-white underside, and small rounded ears.
Their tails measure just 1-2 inches—remarkably short even among ground squirrels. Males grow slightly larger than females, with total body lengths ranging from 7-9 inches.
Where to Find Them: Washington ground squirrels inhabit the Columbia Basin region east and south of the Columbia and Spokane Rivers. They prefer shrubsteppe and native grassland habitats with deep silty loam soils that provide ample space for burrow construction. The species has greatly declined or become extirpated in many historical locations.
Behavior and Diet: These burrowing specialists live primarily in small to fairly large colonies, though some individuals occur solitarily. They hibernate during winter, emerging in late winter or early spring to breed and forage intensively. Their diet consists of seeds, green vegetation, and forbs. Conservation efforts have included translocations to suitable habitat on public lands, with artificial burrow systems constructed using specialized machines to give populations a head start. The species faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and predation in areas lacking protective cover.
9. Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel
The golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) often gets mistaken for a large chipmunk due to its striped pattern, but key differences make identification possible. This handsome species inhabits mountainous regions of extreme northeastern and southeastern corners of Eastern Washington.
The most distinctive feature is the coppery-red or golden-orange head and shoulders that give this species its name. Body stripes run along the flanks but notably do NOT extend onto the head—the primary distinction from true chipmunks. They measure 25-30 cm in total length with tails spanning 6-12 cm, making them considerably larger than chipmunks.
Where to Find Them: Look for golden-mantled ground squirrels in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and mountainous areas of the extreme northeast. They inhabit semiopen conifer forests, rocky outcrops, and alpine meadows, typically at higher elevations than most ground squirrel species.
Behavior and Diet: These squirrels demonstrate excellent climbing abilities despite being primarily ground-dwellers. They frequent dense thickets and rocky areas, foraging for seeds, nuts, fungi, green vegetation, and insects. Unlike strictly terrestrial ground squirrels, golden-mantled individuals occasionally climb shrubs and low tree branches. They hibernate during winter months in underground burrows, emerging in spring to breed. Their diet more closely resembles chipmunk eating habits than typical ground squirrel preferences for grasses.
10. Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel
The Cascade golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus saturatus) closely resembles its golden-mantled cousin but occupies different geographic territory within Eastern Washington. This species represents the Cascade Mountains’ version of the golden-mantled ground squirrel complex.
Like its relative, this squirrel displays body stripes similar to chipmunks but lacks head stripes—the defining characteristic that separates these ground squirrels from true chipmunks.
The golden-orange head and shoulder coloration provides quick identification, though this species may appear slightly darker or more saturated in color compared to the golden-mantled ground squirrel found in the Blue Mountains.
Where to Find Them: Cascade golden-mantled ground squirrels inhabit the Cascade Range, including areas along the eastern slopes that extend into what’s considered Eastern Washington. They prefer semiopen conifer forests and alpine meadows, particularly in areas with a mix of rocky outcrops and meadow vegetation.
Behavior and Diet: These squirrels behave similarly to golden-mantled ground squirrels, showing climbing ability unusual among ground squirrels. They forage for seeds, nuts, berries, green vegetation, and insects. Active during daylight hours, they hibernate through winter in underground burrows. During summer and fall, they busily gather food, storing it in cheek pouches and transporting it to cache sites. Their diet preferences align more with chipmunks than typical grass-eating ground squirrels, focusing on seeds and nuts from conifers.
11. Yellow-Bellied Marmot
The yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) represents Eastern Washington’s largest member of the squirrel family, weighing 4-9 kg and measuring 45-80 cm in total length. These impressive rodents bring a different scale to the region’s squirrel diversity.
You’ll recognize marmots by their stocky, robust build and brownish fur mixed with white or grizzled coloring. True to their name, they display yellow-buff colored undersides.
Their tails measure 15-25 cm—substantial for their body size but appearing short relative to their massive builds. When standing upright, which they do frequently, their size becomes particularly impressive.
Where to Find Them: Yellow-bellied marmots inhabit rocky areas, talus slopes, and meadows of south-central Washington’s mountainous regions. They require both suitable rocky den sites for burrows and nearby meadows or grasslands for foraging. Elevation preferences typically range from mid-elevation foothills to alpine zones.
Behavior and Diet: These social animals live in colonies centered around rocky den sites. They spend considerable time sunbathing on rocks, particularly during morning hours as they warm up. Marmots emit loud, piercing whistles when alarmed—earning them the nickname “whistle pig.” They hibernate for six to eight months annually, with emergence timing depending on snowmelt and elevation. Their diet consists of grasses, forbs, wildflowers, and occasionally insects. Multiple individuals share sentinel duties, watching for predators including golden eagles, coyotes, and bears.
12. Least Chipmunk
The least chipmunk (Neotamias minimus) earns its name honestly as the smallest chipmunk species in Washington, measuring just 160-225 mm in total length with tails spanning 70-115 mm. This tiny powerhouse brings energetic activity to Eastern Washington’s forests and shrublands.
Distinctive stripes mark both body and head—the key feature separating true chipmunks from golden-mantled ground squirrels. Five dark stripes alternate with four light stripes on the back, while three dark and two light stripes adorn each side of the face.
The outermost light stripe appears nearly white, creating striking facial contrast. Their coloring tends toward grayish-brown or sandy tones adapted to their preferred habitats.
Where to Find Them: Least chipmunks inhabit extreme northeastern Washington, particularly in open forests, sagebrush areas, and rocky outcrops. They tolerate more open, arid conditions than some chipmunk species, adapting to shrubsteppe edges and dry forest environments.
Behavior and Diet: These hyperactive chipmunks move swiftly through their territories with tails cocked upward. When pursued, they disappear quickly but reappear nearby if observers remain motionless. They often sit atop shrubs rather than staying strictly ground-bound. Their diet includes seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and bird eggs when available. During fall, they busily gather seeds in expandable cheek pouches, transporting them to underground caches that may contain tens of thousands of seeds—winter food stores that allow them to remain in burrows during harsh weather without hibernating deeply like some relatives.
13. Red-Tailed Chipmunk
The red-tailed chipmunk (Neotamias ruficaudus) brings vibrant coloration to mountainous forests of Eastern Washington. This medium-sized chipmunk displays particularly striking features that make identification straightforward once you know what details to observe.
The standout characteristic appears in the tail, which shows reddish or rufous coloring underneath—the source of both common and scientific names.
Body stripes follow the typical chipmunk pattern with five dark and four light stripes on the back, plus facial stripes. Overall coloring tends toward brighter, more richly colored tones compared to the subdued least chipmunk, with more pronounced reddish-brown hues throughout the pelage.
Where to Find Them: Red-tailed chipmunks inhabit mountainous areas of northeastern Washington and the northern Cascade Range’s eastern slopes. They prefer coniferous forests with substantial undergrowth, fallen logs, and rocky areas. You’ll find them at moderate to high elevations, typically in more densely forested environments than least chipmunks tolerate.
Behavior and Diet: These chipmunks demonstrate typical chipmunk behavior—quick, jerky movements through their territories with frequent pauses to assess surroundings. They forage primarily on the ground and in low vegetation, gathering seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, and insects. They transport food in cheek pouches to cache sites, building extensive underground food stores. Red-tailed chipmunks nest in burrow systems excavated beneath logs, rocks, or tree roots. They remain active through much of the year, relying on cached food during winter rather than entering deep hibernation.
14. Shadow Chipmunk
The shadow chipmunk (Neotamias senex) represents one of Eastern Washington’s less commonly encountered chipmunk species, inhabiting specific forest zones along the eastern Cascade slopes and adjacent ranges. This species displays more muted coloring than some chipmunk relatives, fitting its “shadow” designation.
Physical features include the standard chipmunk striping pattern—alternating dark and light stripes on body and head. However, shadow chipmunks show more subdued, grayish-brown tones rather than the bright colors of red-tailed chipmunks. The stripes remain visible but appear less contrasting against the overall darker pelage. Body size falls in the medium range for chipmunks.
Where to Find Them: Shadow chipmunks inhabit forested areas along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, extending into the transition zones between mountain forests and drier eastern landscapes. They prefer mixed coniferous forests with Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and understory vegetation, typically at mid-elevations.
Behavior and Diet: Like other chipmunks, shadow chipmunks exhibit energetic foraging behavior, moving quickly through their territories while gathering food. They consume seeds, nuts, berries, green vegetation, and insects. These chipmunks build extensive burrow systems for nesting and food storage, often located beneath logs or among rocky areas. They cache large quantities of seeds during productive fall months, creating food reserves that sustain them through winter. While they reduce activity during coldest periods, shadow chipmunks don’t hibernate as deeply as some ground squirrel relatives, emerging during warm winter days to access cached food.
Conservation and Living with Squirrels
Eastern Washington’s diverse squirrel populations face varying conservation challenges. Native species like the Washington ground squirrel require active management due to habitat loss and fragmentation in shrubsteppe ecosystems.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains protection status for all native tree squirrels and chipmunks, making them illegal to harm or harass.
Meanwhile, introduced species like Eastern gray and fox squirrels continue expanding their ranges, sometimes competing with native species for resources. If you encounter conflicts with squirrels around your property, consider exclusion methods rather than removal.
Seal potential entry points to buildings, trim tree branches away from structures, and use barriers around gardens or specific plants you want to protect.
Understanding which species inhabit your area helps you appreciate Eastern Washington’s remarkable squirrel diversity.
Whether you’re watching a red squirrel announce your presence with territorial calls in a northeastern forest, observing yellow-bellied marmots sunbathing on rocky slopes, or spotting the rare Washington ground squirrel in shrubsteppe habitat, each encounter offers a window into the specialized adaptations that allow 14 distinct species to share this varied landscape.
Next time you’re outdoors in Eastern Washington, take a moment to look closer—you might discover squirrel species you never knew called this region home.
