5 Types of Squirrels in Maryland (With Pictures and Identification)

Squirrels are among the most visible and recognizable mammals in Maryland. They appear in city parks, suburban neighborhoods, farmland edges, and deep forests. Despite how common they seem, many people are surprised to learn that Maryland is home to several distinct squirrel species, each with its own appearance, behavior, and habitat preferences.

Some are active during the day and comfortable around people. Others are nocturnal, rarely seen, and easily mistaken for something else. A few are declining quietly due to habitat changes, even while others thrive.

This guide covers five types of squirrels found in Maryland, with clear identification features, behavior patterns, and habitat details to help you understand which species you are seeing and why it is there.

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Identification Overview

The eastern gray squirrel is the most familiar squirrel species in Maryland and the one most people picture when they think of a squirrel. Its coat ranges from silver-gray to gray-brown, with a pale white or cream-colored underside. The tail is long, thick, and bushy, often edged with lighter, frosted hairs that give it a slightly shimmering look in sunlight.

Color variation is common. In many urban parks and mature forests, individuals appear very dark brown or nearly black. These black squirrels are not a separate species but a melanistic form of the eastern gray squirrel. Adults typically measure between 16 and 20 inches from nose to tail tip, with the tail accounting for nearly half of that length.

Behavior and Activity

Eastern gray squirrels are diurnal and extremely adaptable. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, but in busy urban areas they may remain active throughout the day. Their boldness around people is one of their defining traits. They readily approach human activity zones and quickly learn patterns associated with food availability.

They are exceptional climbers and jumpers, capable of leaping long distances between branches, fences, and rooftops. When threatened, gray squirrels rely on speed and elevation rather than concealment, racing up trees or across overhead routes to escape danger.

Habitat in Maryland

This species thrives across nearly all of Maryland. It is especially common in hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory, beech, and maple trees, which provide reliable nut crops. Over time, eastern gray squirrels have adapted remarkably well to suburban neighborhoods, city parks, college campuses, and residential areas with mature trees.

Any landscape that combines tree cover with consistent food sources can support a stable gray squirrel population, which explains their widespread presence throughout the state.

Diet and Ecological Role

Eastern gray squirrels primarily feed on acorns, nuts, seeds, buds, and fruits, but their diet expands seasonally to include fungi, flowers, and occasionally insects. Their habit of burying nuts for later use plays a crucial ecological role. Many of these cached seeds are never recovered, allowing new trees to sprout and regenerate forests naturally.

By consuming and dispersing fungi, gray squirrels also help spread fungal spores that support healthy tree root systems, making them an important contributor to forest ecosystems.

Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

Identification Overview

The eastern fox squirrel is the largest tree squirrel found in Maryland. It has a heavier, more robust build than the eastern gray squirrel, with adults often exceeding 20 inches in total length, including the tail. Fur coloration varies widely, ranging from grayish-brown to rich reddish-orange. Many individuals have rusty-colored legs, feet, and undersides.

The tail is long and bushy but usually edged with warm yellow or orange tones rather than gray, giving fox squirrels a distinctly warmer overall appearance.

Behavior and Activity

Fox squirrels are diurnal but noticeably calmer and slower-moving than gray squirrels. They spend more time foraging on the ground and often move with deliberate, measured steps rather than rapid bursts. When startled, they may freeze in place, relying on their coloration to blend into their surroundings instead of immediately fleeing.

They tend to be less aggressive and less tolerant of dense urban environments, preferring quieter landscapes with more open space.

Habitat in Maryland

In Maryland, fox squirrels are most commonly found in open woodlands, agricultural edges, river bottoms, and areas with scattered mature trees. They are particularly associated with farmland landscapes and rural settings where tree cover is broken rather than continuous.

They are far less common in city centers, where gray squirrels dominate, and are more likely to be encountered in eastern and southern rural parts of the state.

Diet and Ecological Role

Fox squirrels eat many of the same foods as gray squirrels, including nuts and seeds, but they rely more heavily on ground-foraged items such as fallen acorns, corn, grains, and agricultural crops. Like gray squirrels, they contribute to seed dispersal, but their foraging patterns favor open habitats and forest edges rather than dense woodland interiors.

American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

Identification Overview

The American red squirrel is much smaller and more compact than both gray and fox squirrels. It has a reddish-brown coat along the back, a clean white underside, and a distinctive white eye ring that makes its face stand out. The tail is shorter, narrower, and less fluffy, often edged with dark or black hairs.

Adults usually measure between 11 and 14 inches in total length, giving them a noticeably smaller, tighter appearance.

Behavior and Activity

Red squirrels are highly territorial and among the most vocal squirrel species. They frequently produce sharp chattering and scolding calls when defending their space. Compared to other squirrels, they are more aggressive and more likely to confront intruders.

Unlike gray squirrels, red squirrels defend specific food territories. They create cone caches called middens, where they store and guard large quantities of conifer cones. These middens become the center of their territory and are defended year-round.

Habitat in Maryland

Red squirrels are less common in Maryland than in northern states, but they are present, particularly in western Maryland and areas with dense evergreen cover. They favor spruce, pine, and mixed conifer forests where cone-producing trees are abundant.

Their distribution is patchier than other squirrel species and closely tied to suitable forest structure.

Diet and Ecological Role

Their diet focuses heavily on conifer seeds, along with fungi, berries, buds, and insects. By harvesting and storing cones, red squirrels influence which seeds survive and where they are dispersed. Their feeding habits shape forest regeneration patterns, especially in evergreen-dominated habitats.

Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

Identification Overview

The southern flying squirrel is small, soft-furred, and rarely seen due to its nocturnal lifestyle. It has gray-brown upper fur, a bright white belly, very large black eyes, and a flattened tail. A thin membrane of skin, called a patagium, stretches from the wrists to the ankles, allowing it to glide.

Adults typically measure 8 to 10 inches in length, including the tail.

Behavior and Activity

Southern flying squirrels are active almost entirely at night. They do not truly fly but glide gracefully between trees, steering with subtle movements of their limbs and tail. Glides can span impressive distances when conditions are right.

They are highly social and often nest together in tree cavities, especially during colder months when shared body heat improves survival. Because of their nocturnal habits, many people never realize flying squirrels live nearby.

Habitat in Maryland

This species is widespread across Maryland wherever mature hardwood forests exist. Oak and hickory forests are particularly important because they provide both food and nesting cavities.

Southern flying squirrels also adapt well to suburban woodlots, provided sufficient tree cover remains and human disturbance is limited.

Diet and Ecological Role

Their diet includes acorns, nuts, fruits, insects, eggs, and fungi. As nocturnal foragers, they disperse seeds and fungal spores during hours when other squirrels are inactive. They also serve as an important prey species for owls and other nighttime predators.

Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)

Identification Overview

The northern flying squirrel closely resembles the southern flying squirrel but is slightly larger and darker. Its fur has a cooler gray tone, and the belly hairs are gray at the base rather than pure white, which is the most reliable identification feature.

Adults usually measure between 10 and 12 inches in total length.

Behavior and Activity

Northern flying squirrels are nocturnal gliders like their southern relatives, but they are quieter and more elusive. They rely heavily on dense forest cover and are less tolerant of disturbance. Their movements are subtle, and sightings are rare even where populations exist.

Habitat in Maryland

In Maryland, northern flying squirrels have a very restricted range. They are primarily found in high-elevation forests of western Maryland, particularly within the Appalachian region. These forests are cooler, moister, and more stable than lowland areas.

They depend on mature forests with large trees, abundant moss, and rich fungal communities.

Diet and Ecological Role

Northern flying squirrels feed heavily on fungi, especially underground truffles. This diet makes them ecologically significant because they disperse fungal spores that form essential relationships with tree roots. By supporting these fungal networks, northern flying squirrels contribute directly to forest health and resilience.

How to Tell Maryland Squirrels Apart

Size and Shape

Fox squirrels are the largest, followed by gray squirrels. Red squirrels are much smaller and compact. Flying squirrels are the smallest and have noticeably large eyes and flattened tails.

Tail Characteristics

Gray and fox squirrels have large, bushy tails. Red squirrel tails are thinner and more rigid. Flying squirrel tails are flattened and less fluffy.

Activity Time

Gray, fox, and red squirrels are active during the day. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and usually only seen at night or discovered accidentally in nest boxes.

Habitat Clues

Urban parks and neighborhoods almost always host gray squirrels. Rural open areas suggest fox squirrels. Dense conifer forests point toward red squirrels. Mature forests with little daytime squirrel activity may indicate flying squirrels.

Why Squirrels Are So Successful in Maryland

Maryland’s mix of forests, farmland, suburbs, and urban green spaces creates ideal conditions for squirrels. Seasonal food availability, mild winters, and diverse tree species allow multiple squirrel species to coexist.

Human development has helped some species, particularly gray squirrels, while challenging others like northern flying squirrels that depend on undisturbed forests.

Conservation and Coexistence

Most squirrel species in Maryland are stable, but habitat fragmentation remains a concern. Protecting mature forests, maintaining tree cover in neighborhoods, and preserving natural corridors helps support less visible species.

Squirrels are not pests by default. They are essential components of forest ecosystems, shaping tree regeneration and supporting predator populations.

FAQs About Squirrels in Maryland

How many squirrel species live in Maryland?

Maryland is home to five squirrel species: eastern gray squirrel, eastern fox squirrel, American red squirrel, southern flying squirrel, and northern flying squirrel.

What is the most common squirrel in Maryland?

The eastern gray squirrel is by far the most common and widespread species, especially in cities, suburbs, parks, and mixed woodlands.

Are black squirrels a separate species in Maryland?

No. Black squirrels are a color variation of the eastern gray squirrel, not a separate species. Their darker fur is caused by genetics, not behavior or habitat differences.

Do flying squirrels really live in Maryland?

Yes. Both southern and northern flying squirrels live in Maryland. They are nocturnal and rarely seen, which is why many people are unaware of their presence.

What is the difference between southern and northern flying squirrels?

Northern flying squirrels are slightly larger, darker, and have gray-based belly fur. In Maryland, they are limited to high-elevation forests in the western part of the state.

Are squirrels active year-round in Maryland?

Yes. Squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active year-round, although activity may decrease during extreme cold or storms.

Which squirrels are most likely to enter attics or buildings?

Eastern gray squirrels and southern flying squirrels are the most likely to use attics, chimneys, or wall cavities if access points are available.

Are squirrels dangerous to humans?

Squirrels are generally not aggressive. They may bite if handled or cornered, but this is rare. Most conflicts involve property damage rather than direct danger.

Do squirrels cause damage to trees or forests?

Squirrels can damage individual trees by chewing bark or buds, but overall they play a beneficial role by dispersing seeds and supporting forest regeneration.

Are any squirrel species in Maryland protected?

Most squirrel species are managed as game or nongame wildlife depending on location and season. Northern flying squirrels have more limited populations and are closely monitored due to habitat sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

Maryland is home to a diverse group of squirrels, from the familiar eastern gray squirrel to the elusive northern flying squirrel hidden in mountain forests. Each species fills a unique ecological role and responds differently to human-altered landscapes.

Learning to identify these squirrels adds depth to everyday wildlife encounters and reveals how much diversity exists even among animals we think we already know.