Yep — squirrels call Arizona home, whether you’re hiking pine forests or wandering desert rocks. You’ll run into tree squirrels in the cooler, wooded highlands, while ground squirrels pop up in the dry, rocky lowlands. Wildlife surprises you in more places than you might think.
If you’re into spotting animals on hikes or even just around town, this post is for you. I’ll show you which squirrel species live here, where they hang out, and how they handle Arizona’s wild swings in heat and cold.
You’ll pick up quick ID tips and maybe learn a few quirky behaviors that make each species stand out.
Squirrels Found in Arizona
You can find both tree and ground squirrels all over Arizona. Some make their homes high in ponderosa pine forests.
Others forage down on the desert flats or poke around rocky canyon edges.
Tree Squirrels: Abert’s and Arizona Gray Squirrel
Look for Abert’s squirrel (Sciurus aberti) in ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff and along the Mogollon Rim. It’s got those long black ear tufts in winter and a big, bushy gray tail.
Abert’s spends most of its time up in the canopy, snacking on pine seeds, bark, and fungi. If you spot movement high in pine branches or see nests made of twigs and needles, you might be watching one.
The Arizona gray squirrel (Sciurus arizonensis) prefers riparian corridors and oak canyons in southern Arizona. It doesn’t have ear tufts and sticks to oaks, walnuts, and cottonwoods near water.
You’ll see its pale belly and careful, quiet moves through thick branches. These squirrels nest in cavities or leafy dreys, and they love acorns and fruits.
- Abert’s: ponderosa pine, ear tufts, lives in trees.
- Arizona gray: oak/riparian, nests in cavities, quieter.
Ground Squirrels: Rock, Antelope, and Spotted Species
Rock squirrels (Otospermophilus variegatus) hang out on rocky slopes, canyon walls, and close to trails. They’re big, mottled, and often show up near burrow entrances.
Rock squirrels eat seeds, fruits, insects, and occasionally eggs. You’ll see them acting pretty bold around campgrounds and in human areas.
Harris’s antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii) lives in Sonoran Desert scrub. It’s easy to spot with that white side stripe and its habit of arching its tail over its back for shade.
These little ground squirrels eat seeds, insects, and whatever greens are in season. They stay active all year and duck into shallow burrows to dodge the heat.
Round-tailed ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) pick open desert plains with loose soil for their burrows. They blend in with sandy ground and munch on grasses, seeds, and flowers.
You might see them pop up near farm fields or in scrubby spots.
- Rock squirrel: Otospermophilus variegatus, rocky places.
- Antelope squirrel: Ammospermophilus harrisii, Sonoran Desert.
- Round-tailed: Xerospermophilus tereticaudus, sandy open areas.
Where to Spot Squirrels Across Arizona’s Diverse Landscapes
In the northern high country, check out ponderosa pine forests for Abert’s squirrels and tassel-eared types. Trails near Flagstaff and on the Kaibab Plateau usually deliver.
Bring binoculars and scan the treetops for those ear tufts and fluffy tails.
If you’re in southern Arizona, search riparian corridors and oak stands for the Arizona gray squirrel. Town parks with walnuts or oaks sometimes have them too.
For desert species, look at rocky outcrops, washes, and open flats. Rock squirrels rule the cliffs and canyon ledges.
Harris’s antelope squirrels and round-tailed ground squirrels hang out in Sonoran scrub and along the edges of farm fields, especially near saguaros and creosote. Early mornings or shaded hours boost your chances of seeing desert squirrels.
For more ID help and photos, check out a field guide to Arizona’s common squirrels.
Habitats, Behaviors, and Adaptations
Arizona’s squirrels show up wherever food, water, and shelter come together. You can find them from shady riparian corridors to pine forests, and sometimes even in desert washes near saguaros.
Desert and Forest Habitats
In southern Arizona, you’ll notice rock and tree squirrels near riparian corridors and desert washes. Look for them where mesquite, cottonwood, or saguaros provide shade and seeds.
Around Tucson and in places like Saguaro National Park, tree squirrels use cacti and palo verde for perches, with nearby wash banks for cover.
At higher elevations, like the Santa Catalina Mountains and mixed-conifer forests, you’ll see pine and Douglas-fir stands. Gray and fox-type squirrels use tree cavities and build stick nests there.
Across the Colorado Plateau and into New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, habitats shift to pinyon-juniper and montane forests. Squirrel species change with elevation, so you might spot different types within just a few miles.
Squirrel Activity and Social Life
Most Arizona squirrels are diurnal — out during the day — so you’ll catch them at dawn and late afternoon. They spend mornings foraging for nuts, seeds, and fruit.
Afternoons, they rest or groom in the shade. Squirrels use chirps, tail flicks, and scent marks to warn about hawks or coyotes.
You’ll see them alone during non-breeding times, but in spots with lots of food, they might feed close together.
Some species stash food in shallow digs. In sandy soil or loose leaves, you can spot little scatter-hoarded caches.
These habits help local trees and shrubs by spreading seeds.
Burrows, Colonies, and Unique Adaptations
Ground-dwellers like Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) dig big burrow colonies that reshape their habitat. Prairie dogs aren’t true tree squirrels, but they share burrowed landscapes with ground squirrels and change plant communities.
Cliff chipmunks and ground squirrels dig burrows in rock outcrops and sandy soils. You’ll find entrances near cliff bases or under shrubs.
These tunnels give them cool shelter from summer heat and hideouts from predators.
Tree squirrels adapt by building dreys or using tree cavities. Flying squirrels (found in higher woodlands) glide from tree to tree using a patagium.
All these traits help different species thrive in deserts, riparian strips, or mountain forests across Arizona.
Human Encounters and Squirrels as Pests
Put out some bird seed or leave pet food sitting around, and you’ll see squirrels show up in no time. In towns and campgrounds, they raid feeders with surprising boldness.
They chew wiring in attics and nest in soffits, which honestly makes them a headache for many homeowners. Near orchards or farms, squirrels go after fruit and nuts, turning up right when you don’t want them.
Burrowing species can really mess with irrigation lines or pastureland by digging their tunnels. These problems can get out of hand before you realize it.
You can try to cut down on conflicts by securing feeders and blocking access to your attic. Removing food that’s easy to reach also helps, though it’s not always foolproof.
If you’re dealing with burrows or a big colony that’s causing safety issues, it’s best to reach out to local wildlife officials. They’ll know the humane, legal ways to handle it.
