8 Squirrels in New Hampshire (With Pictures and Identification)

Among the many forests, parks, and quiet backyards of New Hampshire, a energetic number of squirrels leap, glide, and chatter by means of the altering seasons. From the frequent Japanese Grey Squirrel to the elusive Northern Flying Squirrel, these agile creatures are an important a part of the state’s pure steadiness. Their fixed exercise provides vitality and movement to each nook of the Granite State’s landscapes.

Squirrels in New Hampshire belong to a number of fascinating teams—tree squirrels, floor squirrels, and flying squirrels—every with its personal distinct look, conduct, and habitat preferences. Some are daring and vocal, fiercely defending their territories, whereas others transfer silently by means of the cover below the duvet of night time. Every species has tailored completely to its atmosphere, making them a significant a part of the area’s biodiversity.

This text explores 8 forms of squirrels present in New Hampshire, that includes detailed identification suggestions, bodily traits, habitats, and intriguing behavioral information. From forest dwellers to suburban guests, these squirrels reveal the adaptability and appeal of New England’s wildlife at its most interesting.

Forms of Squirrels Present in New Hampshire

Japanese Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

The Japanese Grey Squirrel is without doubt one of the commonest and recognizable mammals in New Hampshire. These medium-sized tree squirrels have predominantly grey fur with a refined brownish wash on their backs and a pure white underside. Their bushy tails, typically edged with silver, make them look bigger than they’re. Adults sometimes weigh between 14 to 21 ounces and measure about 16 to twenty inches from nostril to tail tip, making them among the many largest tree squirrels within the area.

Identification of the Japanese Grey Squirrel is comparatively simple as a consequence of its coloration and dimension. Not like the smaller pink squirrel, it has a softer, grayer coat and a extra subdued vocal conduct. Their giant darkish eyes present wonderful imaginative and prescient for navigating treetops, whereas their robust hind legs and sharp claws permit them to leap from department to department effortlessly. In the course of the colder months, they develop a thicker winter coat for insulation towards the snow and wind.

Behaviorally, Japanese Grey Squirrels are extremely smart and adaptable. They’re recognized for his or her food-hoarding habits, burying nuts and acorns in quite a few places to maintain themselves by means of winter. Their outstanding reminiscence and sense of scent assist them relocate these caches months later. Though primarily diurnal, they’re most lively in the course of the morning and late afternoon, avoiding noon warmth or intense chilly.

When it comes to habitat, these squirrels thrive in deciduous and combined forests, particularly the place oak, hickory, and maple timber are considerable. In addition they adapt nicely to suburban and concrete environments, making them a standard sight in parks, neighborhoods, and backyards all through southern and central New Hampshire. They assemble leafy nests known as dreys in tree forks or occupy tree cavities for higher shelter.

A enjoyable truth about Japanese Grey Squirrels is their fascinating communication system. They use tail flicks, chirps, and physique postures to sign hazard or specific dominance. Moreover, regardless of their identify, some people have black and even white coats as a consequence of genetic variations—a phenomenon that has given rise to small “black squirrel” populations in sure areas of New England.

Pink Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

The Pink Squirrel, also called the Pine Squirrel, is a feisty and energetic native of New Hampshire’s coniferous forests. Smaller than the grey squirrel, it’s simply recognized by its reddish-brown again, white stomach, and black lateral stripe in summer season, which can fade throughout winter. Its tail, although bushy, seems barely much less full than that of its grey cousin. Adults normally measure between 11 to 14 inches lengthy and weigh round 7 to 9 ounces.

This species is very vocal, utilizing fast trills and sharp chirps to defend its territory. Pink Squirrels are notoriously territorial and can push back intruders, even birds, from their meals caches. Their sharp claws and powerful hind legs make them agile climbers, able to darting up and down tree trunks at unimaginable pace. They’re typically seen sitting upright, busily stripping cones for seeds—a favourite exercise that leaves behind piles of cone scales known as “middens.”

Pink Squirrels exhibit fascinating conduct, particularly in the case of meals storage. Not like grey squirrels, which scatter-hoard nuts throughout a large space, pink squirrels create giant central caches referred to as middens. These are sometimes positioned close to logs or below tree roots and may include hundreds of pine cones saved for winter consumption. Their desire for coniferous seeds ties them carefully to pine, spruce, and fir forests.

In New Hampshire, Pink Squirrels are discovered statewide, particularly in northern and higher-elevation forests. They like cooler habitats and are much less frequent in city settings in comparison with grey squirrels. They construct nests in tree cavities or make compact spherical dreys out of leaves, moss, and bark. Throughout harsh winters, they could stay of their nests for days, venturing out solely to retrieve cached meals.

A enjoyable truth concerning the Pink Squirrel is its function in shaping forest regeneration. By storing conifer cones and generally forgetting them, these squirrels unintentionally help within the germination of recent timber. Their loud chatter and daring perspective have additionally earned them the nickname “chickaree” amongst locals, mimicking the fast sound of their territorial calls.

Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)

The Northern Flying Squirrel is a nocturnal glider that inhabits New Hampshire’s mature forests. Not like typical squirrels, it doesn’t actually fly however glides between timber utilizing a membrane of pores and skin known as the patagium that stretches from its wrists to its ankles. Its comfortable, dense fur is grayish-brown on the again and creamy white beneath, with giant darkish eyes completely tailored for night time imaginative and prescient. Adults usually measure round 10 to 12 inches lengthy, together with their flattened tail, and weigh between 3 to five ounces.

Identification of the Northern Flying Squirrel is finest accomplished at night time when they’re lively. Their gliding capability permits them to cowl distances as much as 150 toes in a single leap. Their tails perform as rudders, serving to management their flight path and stability. Their actions are practically silent, permitting them to evade predators and transfer effectively searching for meals. Their spherical, flattened tail and comfortable fur distinguish them from smaller Southern Flying Squirrels.

Behaviorally, these squirrels are mild and social, typically sharing nesting websites throughout winter to preserve heat. They feed primarily on fungi, lichens, seeds, and nuts, but additionally eat bugs and berries. One fascinating side of their eating regimen is their symbiotic relationship with fungi—by consuming and dispersing spores, they contribute considerably to forest well being and regeneration.

Northern Flying Squirrels desire mature coniferous and combined forests with loads of previous timber and snags that provide nesting cavities. In New Hampshire, they’re mostly discovered within the northern and higher-elevation areas the place spruce and fir dominate. They’re hardly ever seen as a consequence of their nocturnal habits, however indicators of gliding paths and scat close to tree trunks can point out their presence.

A enjoyable truth about Northern Flying Squirrels is that they glow pink below ultraviolet gentle—a discovery made by researchers in 2019. This distinctive biofluorescent trait, seen solely below UV, would possibly play a job in communication or camouflage towards predators like owls. Their secretive life-style and mild nature make them one of the crucial intriguing nocturnal mammals in New England.

Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

The Southern Flying Squirrel is the smallest of New Hampshire’s native squirrels and is analogous in look to its northern cousin, although barely smaller and with softer, extra tawny-gray fur. It has giant black eyes, a flat tail, and a pores and skin membrane that permits it to glide gracefully between timber. Adults are about 8 to 10 inches lengthy, weighing between 2 to three ounces, making them light-weight and completely tailored for aerial navigation.

This species is definitely mistaken for the Northern Flying Squirrel, however refined variations assist in identification. The Southern selection tends to have a whiter stomach and a smaller physique general. It additionally inhabits barely hotter, lower-elevation forests. Like its northern relative, it glides silently by means of the forest cover, aided by its huge, flattened tail that acts as a stabilizer and brake throughout touchdown.

Behaviorally, Southern Flying Squirrels are extremely social and sometimes type communal nests throughout winter months, generally with as much as 20 people sharing the identical cavity for heat. They’re omnivorous, feeding on nuts, seeds, bugs, chicken eggs, and even fungi. Their gliding permits them to forage effectively whereas minimizing floor publicity to predators comparable to owls, snakes, and raccoons.

In New Hampshire, Southern Flying Squirrels are most often discovered within the southern a part of the state, the place hardwood forests dominate. They favor areas with considerable oak, hickory, and beech timber that present each shelter and meals sources. They nest in tree cavities or deserted woodpecker holes, typically lining them with leaves and moss for insulation throughout chilly climate.

A enjoyable truth concerning the Southern Flying Squirrel is its outstanding communication capability. These squirrels use high-frequency ultrasonic calls—past the vary of human listening to—to work together with one another at midnight. Regardless of their small dimension, they’re extraordinarily agile and may glide as much as 200 toes in a single leap, making them the true aerial acrobats of New Hampshire’s forests.

Japanese Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

The Japanese Chipmunk is considered one of New Hampshire’s most acquainted and endearing small mammals. Simply acknowledged by its reddish-brown fur and distinctive darkish and light-weight stripes working down its again and sides, this chipmunk is smaller than tree squirrels, sometimes measuring 8 to 10 inches lengthy together with its tail. Its cheeks are expandable, permitting it to hold giant quantities of meals—comparable to nuts, seeds, and berries—to retailer in its burrow. The white stomach and small rounded ears give it an enthralling, alert look that makes it a standard sight in woodlands and backyards alike.

Identification is kind of easy as a consequence of its striping sample. The Japanese Chipmunk has 5 darkish stripes and two white stripes on either side, however none on the pinnacle, distinguishing it from different chipmunk species present in North America. Additionally it is recognized for its distinctive “chip-chip” name, which serves as a territorial warning to different chipmunks. Their brief tails and fast darting actions make them extremely agile each on the bottom and in low shrubs.

Behaviorally, chipmunks are solitary and extremely territorial. They spend a lot of their time gathering and storing meals in intricate burrow programs that may prolong greater than 30 toes underground. These burrows include storage chambers, nesting rooms, and even waste disposal areas. Whereas they don’t hibernate absolutely, they enter a state of torpor throughout winter, waking periodically to eat from their stockpiles. Their industrious meals storage conduct is important for his or her survival throughout lengthy New Hampshire winters.

Japanese Chipmunks inhabit deciduous forests, forest edges, and suburban gardens all through New Hampshire. They like areas with ample floor cowl comparable to logs, rocks, or shrubs for defense from predators. They’re equally comfy close to human dwellings, typically nesting in stone partitions or below decks the place they discover meals and security. Their adaptability has helped them thrive whilst forested land offers strategy to suburban growth.

A enjoyable truth concerning the Japanese Chipmunk is that it performs an necessary ecological function in seed dispersal. By forgetting a few of their buried seeds, they contribute to the expansion of recent timber and crops, aiding forest regeneration. They’re additionally featured in quite a few Native American legends as symbols of vitality, curiosity, and resourcefulness.

Woodchuck / Groundhog (Marmota monax)

The Woodchuck, also called the Groundhog, is the biggest member of the squirrel household in New Hampshire. These sturdy rodents can develop as much as 26 inches lengthy and weigh between 5 to 12 kilos. Their fur is coarse and brownish-gray, with a brief bushy tail and highly effective limbs constructed for digging. Their broad heads and small ears give them a stocky look, and they’re most frequently seen grazing in open fields or alongside woodland edges.

Identification is easy—no different native rodent matches the woodchuck’s dimension and construct. Their incisors develop repeatedly, requiring fixed gnawing on vegetation to maintain them trimmed. When alarmed, woodchucks emit a pointy whistle to warn others, incomes them the nickname “whistle-pig.” Their giant claws and powerful shoulders make them professional diggers able to creating complicated burrow programs with a number of entrances and chambers.

Behaviorally, Woodchucks are solitary and diurnal, spending most of their day feeding on grasses, clover, greens, and different crops. They’re true hibernators, coming into deep sleep in the course of the winter months, typically from October to March. Their hibernation dens are insulated and protected from freezing temperatures. In summer season, they will typically be seen basking close to burrow entrances, ever alert for predators comparable to foxes, coyotes, and hawks.

In New Hampshire, Woodchucks are frequent all through the state, favoring open meadows, farmlands, and woodland borders. They dig burrows that may prolong as much as 30 toes lengthy, generally inflicting points in gardens or pastures. Regardless of being thought of pests by some farmers, they play an important function in soil aeration and supply properties for different wildlife as soon as their burrows are deserted.

A enjoyable truth concerning the Woodchuck is its affiliation with “Groundhog Day.” In response to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2 and sees its shadow, it means six extra weeks of winter. Although this custom is extra cultural than scientific, it highlights the deep connection between people and these fascinating creatures.

13-Lined Floor Squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)

The 13-Lined Floor Squirrel is a uncommon however intriguing species discovered primarily in southern New Hampshire. Its identify comes from the 13 alternating brown and whitish stripes that run alongside its again and sides. These small, slender squirrels measure about 7 to 12 inches in complete size and weigh between 6 to 9 ounces. Their brief fur and smooth our bodies are tailored for all times in open grasslands and prairies fairly than forests.

Identification of this species is unmistakable as a consequence of its placing sample. The stripes are composed of seven darkish and 6 gentle strains, a few of that are dotted, giving them a novel “noticed stripe” look. Their small rounded ears, brief tails, and expressive faces make them fairly distinct from different squirrels in New England. They’re extra carefully associated to floor squirrels of the Midwest, and their presence in New Hampshire is proscribed to areas with sandy soil and open fields.

Behaviorally, these squirrels are extremely alert and spend a lot of their day standing upright, scanning for hazard. They’re quick runners and retreat shortly to burrows when threatened. They feed totally on seeds, grasses, and bugs, typically storing meals underground. Throughout colder months, they enter a real hibernation lasting as much as eight months, rising in spring to breed and forage.

In New Hampshire, 13-Lined Floor Squirrels are uncommon and principally restricted to open, sunny habitats within the southernmost areas close to the Massachusetts border. They like dry, grassy areas comparable to previous fields, golf programs, or pastures. Their distribution is proscribed as a result of New Hampshire’s closely forested atmosphere is much less appropriate for his or her life-style.

A enjoyable truth about this species is that it has been a key mannequin organism in organic analysis, significantly in research of hibernation and metabolism. Their capability to decrease physique temperature and coronary heart charge drastically throughout hibernation has supplied insights into medical purposes comparable to organ preservation and hypothermia remedy.

Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

The Fox Squirrel is an unusual customer to New Hampshire however can often be discovered close to the state’s southern border. It’s the largest tree squirrel species in North America, measuring 18 to 27 inches lengthy and weighing as much as 2 kilos. Its fur is often reddish-gray or orange-brown, with a big, fluffy tail and a rusty underside. Its dimension and coloration distinguish it from the smaller Japanese Grey Squirrel.

Identification is simple as a result of Fox Squirrel’s sturdy construct and orange-tinted coat. Some people have grayish backs with orange bellies, whereas others seem practically golden. Their giant claws and muscular hind legs make them highly effective climbers, however they’re extra typically seen foraging on the bottom than different tree squirrels. Their sluggish, deliberate actions distinction with the faster, extra agile conduct of grey and pink squirrels.

Behaviorally, Fox Squirrels are calm and adaptable. They spend a lot of their time feeding on acorns, nuts, seeds, and infrequently bugs or chicken eggs. They’re solitary besides throughout mating season or when elevating younger. Like grey squirrels, they cache meals in shallow holes for later consumption. Throughout chilly winters, they depend on tree cavities or giant leaf nests for shelter.

In New Hampshire, Fox Squirrels will not be native however have slowly expanded their vary from the Midwest and southern New England. They’re primarily discovered close to the Massachusetts border in open woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas. Their desire for oak-hickory forests aligns nicely with the southernmost elements of the state, although sightings stay rare.

A enjoyable truth about Fox Squirrels is their spectacular leaping capability—they will leap distances of as much as 15 toes between timber. Regardless of their identify, they don’t have any relation to foxes, although their reddish fur doubtless impressed the nickname. Their calm demeanor and flexibility make them profitable survivors wherever forests meet open fields.

Suggestions for Observing and Figuring out Squirrels in New Hampshire

Recognizing and figuring out squirrels in New Hampshire generally is a rewarding expertise for each wildlife fans and informal nature lovers. With a bit persistence and some tips, you may be taught to inform every species aside primarily based on its dimension, conduct, and habitat.

1. Observe Their Habitat and Location

Totally different squirrel species desire particular habitats. Japanese Grey Squirrels and Pink Squirrels are most frequently seen in forests and suburban areas, whereas Flying Squirrels keep on with dense woodlands. Floor dwellers like Chipmunks and Woodchucks favor open fields, stone partitions, and backyard edges. Figuring out the place you might be helps slim down which species you’re seeing.

2. Look ahead to Dimension and Tail Form

The Fox Squirrel is the biggest, whereas the Southern Flying Squirrel is the smallest. Grey Squirrels have lengthy, full tails that assist them steadiness when leaping, whereas Pink Squirrels’ tails are shorter and thinner. Flying Squirrels’ tails are flat and act as rudders throughout gliding.

3. Take heed to Their Calls

Every species has its personal distinctive sound. Pink Squirrels are extremely vocal and emit sharp, chattering calls, whereas Grey Squirrels produce softer “kuk-kuk” or “quaa” noises. Chipmunks are named for his or her “chip-chip” calls, typically heard echoing by means of wooded backyards. Listening fastidiously can typically affirm identification even earlier than you see them.

4. Search for Meals Storage Indicators

Squirrels are professional hoarders. Grey Squirrels scatter-hoard nuts throughout giant areas, whereas Pink Squirrels preserve centralized piles of pine cones known as “middens.” Chipmunks retailer meals underground in complicated burrows. Recognizing these caches or chewed pine cone piles can reveal which species is close by.

5. Go to on the Proper Time

Most squirrels are diurnal—lively throughout daytime—besides the Flying Squirrels, that are strictly nocturnal. Early morning or late afternoon are one of the best occasions to look at exercise, as squirrels are busy gathering meals or patrolling their territories. Throughout winter, persistence is essential, since many species scale back exercise or hibernate.

FAQs About Squirrels in New Hampshire

What’s the commonest squirrel in New Hampshire?

The Japanese Grey Squirrel is essentially the most widespread and generally seen species throughout the state. It thrives in each forested and concrete environments, adapting nicely to human presence.

Are flying squirrels actually present in New Hampshire?

Sure, each the Northern Flying Squirrel and Southern Flying Squirrel inhabit New Hampshire. The Northern species prefers cooler, coniferous forests, whereas the Southern is discovered within the hotter, hardwood areas of the south.

Do squirrels hibernate throughout winter?

Most tree squirrels, just like the Grey and Pink Squirrel, don’t actually hibernate however stay much less lively, counting on meals caches. Groundhogs and 13-Lined Floor Squirrels, nonetheless, enter deep hibernation in the course of the chilly months.

What do squirrels eat in New Hampshire?

Squirrels have various diets relying on species. Widespread meals embrace nuts, seeds, fungi, fruit, bugs, and buds. Pink Squirrels focus on conifer cones, whereas Chipmunks and Groundhogs eat a mixture of seeds, berries, and vegetation.

Are there any uncommon squirrel species in New Hampshire?

Sure, the 13-Lined Floor Squirrel is taken into account uncommon in New Hampshire, discovered solely in restricted southern areas with open, grassy habitats. Fox Squirrels are additionally unusual guests, often seen close to the Massachusetts border.

Can squirrels be lively at night time?

Solely Flying Squirrels are nocturnal. All different squirrel species in New Hampshire—Grey, Pink, Chipmunk, and Groundhog—are lively in the course of the day and relaxation at night time.

Do squirrels injury timber or property?

Whereas squirrels are usually innocent, they will generally chew bark, dig in gardens, or search shelter in attics. Grey Squirrels and Pink Squirrels are the most probably culprits. Preventive measures like sealing entry factors and securing chicken feeders can scale back conflicts.

How can I inform the distinction between a Pink and Grey Squirrel?

Pink Squirrels are smaller, extra aggressive, and have reddish coats with white bellies, whereas Grey Squirrels are bigger and have grey fur with a silvery tail. Their vocalizations and most popular habitats additionally differ—reds favor conifer forests, grays desire combined hardwoods.

Why are squirrels necessary to New Hampshire’s ecosystem?

Squirrels are very important for forest regeneration. By burying seeds and forgetting a few of their caches, they assist new timber develop. Their burrows additionally present shelter for different small animals as soon as deserted, contributing to general habitat well being.

Can I feed wild squirrels?

Feeding wild squirrels is just not beneficial. It may possibly make them reliant on people, alter pure behaviors, and trigger aggressive competitors. As a substitute, preserve native timber and shrubs that naturally present meals sources for them year-round.