Squirrel Species in Minnesota

Minnesota, with its vast areas of natural habitat, is home to numerous mammal species. Of the many species, six are members of the squirrel family, or sciuridae. The family is made up of three main body types: flying squirrels, ground squirrels and tree squirrels. Squirrels are found all over the world except in Australia and extreme southern South America.

  1. Flying Squirrels

    • Minnesota is home to northern and southern flying squirrels, both of which look similar in appearance. The southern variety grows to around 9 inches long and 2 ounces in weight. The northern is slightly larger and grows to 11 inches long and 3 ounces in weight. Both species have olive-brown fur with pale-colored bellies and large, dark eyes. These squirrels are the only nocturnal varieties in the state.

    Fox Squirrel

    • The fox squirrel is Minnesota's largest squirrel species. It grows to 34 inches, nose to tail, and weighs up to 3 lbs. It has orange-gray to dark orange fur with a long, bushy tail. It lives throughout much of the state except for the northeastern portion. The squirrel can be found in almost any kind of forested area in the state and is an adept climber.

    Eastern Gray Squirrel

    • The eastern gray is one of the state's most common squirrel species. It grows to around 20 inches in length and weighs up to 1 1/2 lbs. As the name suggests, the squirrel is mainly gray in color with brownish or white bellies. Some individuals can be white or black in color. The eastern gray can be spotted almost anywhere trees are found throughout Minnesota.

    Red Squirrel

    • The red squirrel, also known as the pine squirrel, is the state's smallest tree squirrel variety. It grows to around 18 inches, nose to tail, and weighs up to 9 ounces. It is rusty red in color with a pale white to gray belly. During the summer months it is grayer in color than in the winter. It lives throughout most of the state except for the southwestern portion.

    Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel

    • The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is a small native species. It grows to around 11 inches long and weighs up to 9 ounces. It is buff in color with longitudinal black-and-white stripes running the length of its body. It lives in the grassy plains of most of Minnesota except for the northeastern portion.