You can spot squirrels pretty much anywhere—except in Antarctica and most of Australia. They live in trees, on the ground, and in forests or grasslands all over the world, so you’ll probably see them near parks, woods, or even in some city neighborhoods.
This post explores where different types of squirrels actually live. Some nest up in branches, while others dig burrows underground.
You’ll see clear examples of their habitats and the regions they prefer. Next time you’re out for a walk, maybe you’ll spot one.
Some squirrels love dense forests. Others seem to do just fine on open plains or in busy towns.
Their homes really shape how they act and what they eat.
Global Distribution of Squirrels
Squirrels live across most of the world and use all kinds of places to survive. Let’s look at where they live by continent and how different habitats suit them.
You’ll also notice how squirrel species change and adapt to local conditions.
Continents and Regions Where Squirrels Live
You’ll find members of the family Sciuridae on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. North America has loads of tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and prairie dogs.
Europe is home to common tree species like the red squirrel, plus several ground squirrels. Asia’s got a wild mix: tiny pygmy tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and the Indian palm squirrel running around cities and forests.
Africa supports ground and tree squirrels in savannas and rainforests. South America’s got arboreal species living in the Amazon and up in the Andean forests.
Some islands or remote areas might have their own unique squirrel species—or sometimes none at all. If you’re curious about numbers, global accounts list about 270–280 species in the family Sciuridae.
Habitat Diversity Across the World
Squirrels take over forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and even cities. Tree squirrels build dreys in branches or nest in tree cavities.
Ground squirrels and marmots dig burrows in prairies, alpine meadows, or deserts. Flying squirrels need a connected canopy so they can glide between trees.
Urban and suburban areas give adaptable species like gray squirrels and some Indian palm squirrels both food and nesting sites. High-altitude species live above the treeline in rocky spots or alpine meadows.
In rainforests, tiny species like African pygmy squirrels stick to the dense canopy layers.
Some key habitats:
- Forest canopies and mixed woodlands for most tree and flying squirrels.
- Open grasslands and prairies for ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots.
- Urban parks and gardens for those super-adaptable tree squirrels.
- Tropical rainforests for unique arboreal species.
Species Adaptation to Geography
A squirrel’s shape and behavior really match where it lives. Tree squirrels have strong claws for climbing and bushy tails for balance.
They love nuts and seeds. Ground squirrels and marmots look stockier and dig burrows for shelter and hibernation.
Flying squirrels use special membranes to glide across gaps in the forest. Chipmunks are small and quick, and they stuff food into their cheek pouches.
Some desert species have lighter fur and act in ways that help them handle the heat. Mountain species might hibernate or store fat for long winters.
Behavior matters too. Many squirrels scatter-hoard seeds, which actually helps forests grow back.
Some form social colonies—prairie dogs, for example—while others prefer to live solo. These traits explain why you’ll find different types of squirrels in certain regions and habitats.
Natural Habitats of Squirrels
Squirrels settle wherever they can find food, shelter, and safe spots to raise their young. You’ll see them in trees, underground, in forest canopies, and often hanging around people in towns and yards.
Tree Squirrels: Forests, Parks, and Gardens
Tree squirrels live in deciduous, conifer, and mixed forests across many continents. They build dreys—those leafy, twiggy nests—in branches or use tree cavities for shelter and raising their young.
They love trees that give them nuts, seeds, and buds. Oaks, pines, and maples are some of their favorites.
In cities and suburbs, tree squirrels hang out in parks and big gardens. Mature trees and bird feeders keep them well-fed.
Some species, like those in the subfamily Sciurinae and groups like oriental giant squirrels, stick up in the canopy. Smaller tree squirrels move more on the thinner branches.
If a cavity’s available, a squirrel might choose it to keep its kits safe from weather and predators. Dreys are quick to build and patch up, but cavities offer better long-term protection.
Ground Squirrels: Grasslands and Burrow Systems
Ground squirrels mostly live in open places—prairies, grasslands, deserts, and rocky slopes. You’ll spot their burrow systems, which have lots of entrances, nesting chambers, and storage spots.
Burrows keep them safe from heat, cold, and predators. They also help social species live together in colonies.
Species like the white-tailed antelope squirrel and the thirteen-lined ground squirrel dig in sandy or loamy soils, which are easier for tunneling.
Alpine marmots and some Xerinae members choose higher altitudes or rocky ground. Ground squirrels eat grasses, seeds, and sometimes insects.
Their burrows help them hibernate or escape harsh weather in places with seasons.
Flying Squirrels: Woodlands and Canopy Environments
Flying squirrels stick to mature forests where they can glide between tall trees. You’ll find them in coniferous, mixed, and tropical forests with big trunks and open gaps for landing.
They use tree cavities and nest boxes at night. Their patagium—the skin membrane between their limbs—lets them glide.
Gliding helps them cross clearings without touching the ground, which keeps them safer from ground predators. Species in Glaucomys (North America) and several Callosciurinae and Sciuridae groups in Asia rely on dense canopy and lots of vertical space.
You probably won’t see them during the day since they’re mostly nocturnal. If you’re lucky, you might spot round exit holes in old trees or hear soft rustling near cavities around dusk.
Squirrels in Urban and Suburban Areas
In towns, squirrels quickly figure out how to use parks, yards, and street trees if they find enough food or nesting spots. You might notice tree squirrels darting along roof eaves, sneaking into attics, or building dreys in ornamental trees.
They munch on garden plants, grab birdseed, and sometimes dig through human leftovers. Suburban neighborhoods with big, old trees and leafy corridors attract both tree squirrels and, every so often, flying squirrels.
Ground squirrels show up on vacant lots, along roadside verges, or even golf courses—anywhere the soil feels right for burrowing. If you want to keep them out of your attic, make sure to secure pet food and seal up any gaps you find.
Urban squirrels seem to thrive, but let’s be honest, they run into plenty of trouble: cars, curious pets, and not a lot of native food options. If you’d like to help, try planting native nut- or seed-bearing trees. Just avoid feeding them directly, since that can make them a bit too reliant on people.
