You might be surprised by which states have the most squirrels. Texas probably leads the pack, just because it’s huge, filled with different habitats, and loaded with food and green space. That quick answer gives you a sense of where you’ll spot squirrels darting around—or maybe even causing a little backyard chaos.
Let’s dig into how state size, habitat, and the mix of species all shape squirrel numbers. You’ll also get a look at which places have unusual squirrel species and why some states just seem to have more variety.
Which States Have the Most Squirrels?
You’ll find out which states have the biggest squirrel populations and the widest mix of species. The squirrel-to-human ratios change a lot by state, and habitat or human activity can really drive those numbers.
Top States by Squirrel Species and Populations
Texas probably has the most squirrels overall. It’s big, and its range of habitats supports both eastern gray and fox squirrels.
States with lots of forests and suburbs—like Pennsylvania and Ohio—see big numbers of eastern gray and fox squirrels.
Out west, states like Oregon and Washington host several species, including western gray squirrel, Douglas squirrel, and both northern and Humboldt’s flying squirrels.
California’s got a diverse bunch too: California ground squirrel, Douglas squirrel, western gray squirrel, and Humboldt’s flying squirrel all call it home.
Some states offer a lot of species but not necessarily huge numbers. Michigan and Minnesota, for example, have flying squirrels, chipmunks, eastern gray, and American red squirrel.
Wyoming and Montana support Abert’s squirrel or American red squirrel in their forests, but their overall squirrel counts stay low due to fewer people and lots of wild land.
If you want more species, check out states with mixed forests and mountains. If you’re after sheer numbers, look to big, populated states with tons of yards and parks.
Squirrel-to-Human Ratios by State
When you measure squirrels per person, the picture flips. Wyoming and Montana have high squirrel-per-human ratios, thanks to all their wild land and low population.
Maps or local studies often highlight this contrast.
Urban states like New York or California pack in millions of squirrels in cities and suburbs, but their per-person ratio can actually be lower than in sparsely populated states.
You’ll usually see high squirrel-to-human ratios where people are few and habitat is good.
Rural and exurban counties in states like Pennsylvania, Maine, and the Dakotas often report more squirrels per person than cities.
Local wildlife agencies sometimes release estimates—those are handy if you want precise local numbers.
Factors That Influence Squirrel Abundance
Habitat makes the biggest difference. Forested states with a mix of deciduous trees support eastern gray, fox, and American red squirrels.
Conifer or pine-heavy areas favor Douglas squirrel and Abert’s squirrel.
Food is huge. Nut- and seed-producing trees, bird feeders, and gardens can all boost squirrel numbers.
Urban green spaces and parks help eastern gray and fox squirrels thrive in cities.
Climate shapes where you’ll find certain species.
Southern flying squirrel and northern flying squirrel stick to different latitudes and forests, so you’ll only see them where conditions work for nesting and surviving winter.
Ground squirrels, like California ground squirrel and thirteen-lined ground squirrel, do well in open fields and prairies.
People play a role too. Suburban development adds food but can shrink some habitats.
Conservation, hunting rules, and the presence of predators all change local squirrel numbers.
Unique Squirrel Species and Distribution Across the US
Here’s where you’ll find certain squirrel types, which ones humans moved around, and which species you’re most likely to bump into, depending on where you live.
Squirrel Species Diversity by Region
The Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies have a bunch of species. Oregon and Washington each list eight major types, including Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) and Western gray (Sciurus griseus).
Coastal and mountain forests attract tree squirrels and flying squirrels like Glaucomys sabrinus.
In the Midwest and Northeast, you’ll see Eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis) and American red (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).
States like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin offer a mix of tree, ground, and flying squirrels.
The Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) shows up across prairie states.
The Southwest and California have species that handle drier or piney habitats. California’s home to the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) and Humboldt’s flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis).
Arizona and New Mexico feature the Arizona gray (Sciurus arizonensis) and Abert’s squirrel (Sciurus aberti).
Native and Introduced Squirrels
Some squirrels got here naturally, but people spread others around. The Eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis) is native to the eastern U.S., but people introduced it to parts of the West and even Great Britain.
If you see an Eastern gray in California or Oregon, it’s probably from an introduced population.
Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) have moved into suburbs and farms, so you’ll spot them in a lot of states where forests meet open land.
Ground squirrels like Spermophilus beecheyi stick to open, rocky places and haven’t been moved much by people.
Flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans and Glaucomys sabrinus) usually stay native to forested regions because they need tree cavities.
Introductions can shake up local squirrel communities.
You might notice fewer native tree squirrels if introduced grays take over.
That can matter for your backyard bird feeders and even for the health of local forests.
Notable Squirrel Species You Might Spot
You’ll notice a bunch of different squirrel species if you pay attention to their size, tail shape, or color. The eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis) pops up a lot in parks and suburban yards; it’s got that big, bushy tail and a plain gray coat.
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) looks a bit bulkier, and you’ll often spot some rusty fur on it. American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) stay smaller and fiercely guard their conifer seed stashes.
Douglas squirrels (Tamiasciurus douglasii) look pretty similar to reds, but they stick to Pacific coastal conifer forests. The western gray (Sciurus griseus) stands out with a long, flat tail and prefers western oak and pine woodlands.
Flying squirrels? Those little guys come out at night. Both Glaucomys sabrinus (northern) and Glaucomys volans (southern) glide from tree to tree.
Humboldt’s flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis) hangs out in parts of California and Oregon, and it’s smaller and darker than the others. As for ground squirrels like Ictidomys tridecemlineatus, they stay low and have striped backs.
If you’re curious about which species live near you, you might want to check a regional list like the Squirrel Population by State 2026.
