Squirrels of Minnesota

Minnesota has vast areas of unspoiled natural habitats which offer a home for numerous animal species. The state alone is home to 11 members of the sciuridae, or squirrel family. Squirrels come in three basic types: flying, tree and ground squirrels, all three of which are represented in the state.

  1. Tree Squirrels

    • Minnesota is home to three species of tree squirrel, the largest of which is the eastern fox squirrel. It grows to almost 2 feet in length, on average, and weighs over 1 1/2 lb. The fox squirrel is found in all but the most northeastern areas of the state. The eastern gray is small and grows to 18 inches in length and just over 1 lb. The smallest tree variety is the red squirrel, which grows to over a foot in length, and weighs 1/2 lb. Both the eastern gray and red squirrels are found throughout the state.

    Flying Squirrels

    • The United States is home to two species of flying squirrel, both of which can be found in Minnesota. The northern flying squirrel is found in the most northeastern regions of the state. It grows to over 1 foot in length and less than 1/2 lb. in weight. The southern flying squirrel is found in most of the state except for the most northern regions. It is smaller, growing to around 9 inches in length and only around 2 1/2 ounces.

    Ground Squirrels

    • The state is home to three ground squirrels. the largest of which is Franklin's ground squirrel. It grows to over one foot in length and weighs up to 2 lb. It is found in all but the most extreme northeastern part of the state. Richardson's ground squirrels are slightly smaller, at nearly 12 inches in length and weighing just over 1 1/2 lb., they are only found in the west of Minnesota. The other species is the 13-lined ground squirrel. It grows to less than 10 inches in length and 5 ounces in weight. The species is found statewide.

    Chipmunks and Marmot

    • Chipmunks and marmots are also types of ground squirrel. Minnesota is home to two chipmunk species. The least chipmunk grows to 8 inches and weighs up to 1 1/2 ounces. The eastern chipmunk is slightly larger, at over 9 inches and around 3 ounces in weight. The marmot is the largest of the state's squirrel species. It grows to over 2 feet in length and almost 8 lb.