You’ll spot squirrels in Alaska, but they’re not the same ones darting across lawns down south. Alaska’s got a mix of tree, ground, and marmot species that roam forests, tundra, and rocky alpine slopes—each with its own quirks and survival skills.
Curious about which squirrels live where? Let’s dig into their habitats, how they handle brutal winters, and what to look for if you’re hiking or just hanging out near a cabin.
You’ll get short profiles, habitat clues, and easy ID tips to help you spot them in the wild.
Squirrel Species Found in Alaska
Alaska’s home to three main squirrel types, and each one has its own favorite hangouts, food, and habits.
You’ll notice different clues for each—size, color, the sounds they make, and where they prefer to live.
American Red Squirrel
The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) pops up all over Alaska’s spruce and mixed forests.
You’ll recognize its reddish coat, white belly, and that bushy tail. Adults zip along branches and tree trunks, and they’re not shy about chattering loudly if you get too close.
Red squirrels fiercely defend their territories and stash seeds and cones in big piles called middens.
You can spot their round nests in trees or sometimes in rotting logs. They munch on conifer seeds, fungi, buds, and, now and then, bird eggs.
Breeding happens once or twice a year, depending on how much food they’ve stored up.
Look for well-used middens littered with cone scales and a flurry of activity around a single tree. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has more details on the Red Squirrel species profile.
Arctic Ground Squirrel
You’ll see Arctic ground squirrels out on the tundra and alpine slopes across Alaska.
They’re stocky, brownish, and have a short tail. These guys dig sprawling burrow systems in well-drained soil.
Most of the year, they stay underground, hibernating through the long, harsh winter.
In summer, they eat grasses, seeds, berries, and insects. Keep an eye out for burrow entrances with fresh dirt and clipped plants nearby.
Their alarm calls are quick and sharp, warning their buddies about foxes or raptors swooping in.
These ground squirrels gather in open spots with good drainage and plenty of food. Alaska’s mammal guides talk about how they shape tundra landscapes and help plants and soil.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) hides out in old forests full of tree cavities and mossy branches.
You probably won’t catch one during the day; they glide between trees at night using loose skin called a patagium.
Their fur feels soft, gray-brown on top and pale underneath.
They snack on fungi (especially truffles), lichens, seeds, buds, and sometimes bird eggs. You might notice gnawed mushrooms or hear their squeaky calls at night.
They nest in tree cavities, snags, or leafy nests lined with moss and fur.
Flying squirrels need mature forests and plenty of fungi to do well. You can read more at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Northern Flying Squirrel page.
Habitats and Unique Adaptations of Alaskan Squirrels
You’ll find squirrels in all kinds of places—from thick spruce woods to rocky slopes and wide-open tundra.
Each species picks its own favorite spot and adapts to Alaska’s tough seasons in its own way.
Forest and Tundra Environments
In Southeast and Southcentral Alaska, the northern flying squirrel and American red squirrel live in old spruce, birch, and mixed forests.
Flying squirrels nest in tree cavities and glide between branches at night with their patagium.
Red squirrels claim small territories in spruce stands and build big middens at the base of trees.
Out on the tundra and in the mountains, Arctic ground squirrels and Alaska marmots form colonies.
You’ll spot burrow entrances on dry slopes and among the tussocks. Hoary marmots stick to rocky talus and boulder fields, where they can sunbathe and keep an eye out for danger.
Winter Survival Strategies
Squirrels in Alaska use some impressive winter tricks.
Arctic ground squirrels and marmots hibernate for months, dropping their body temperatures almost to freezing. They live off fat they stored up during summer.
Their burrows, packed with soil and plant material, keep the cold out and help them survive.
Red squirrels don’t hibernate at all. You’ll see them darting around even in winter, guarding their food caches and using tree branches for shelter.
Northern flying squirrels stay active, too, often sharing tree dens to keep warm and eating fungi and lichens when there’s not much else around.
Diet and Food Caching
Red squirrels really go for spruce cones, and they build big piles of cone scales you might spot near the base of forest trees. You’ll see these middens—they stash away thousands of cones and use them as a winter pantry.
Sometimes, you’ll catch them drying mushrooms by hanging them up in tree branches. It’s a clever trick, isn’t it?
Arctic ground squirrels and marmots munch on grasses, sedges, and alpine herbs. In summer, you’ll find them out grazing, working hard to build up fat before hibernation.
Northern flying squirrels have a taste for fungi, lichens, sap, and even small invertebrates. If you’re patient, you might coax them out with a bit of peanut butter at night, but honestly, they’re pretty shy.
