Texas is home to a diverse population of squirrels, a fact often obscured by common backyard species. The state’s vast geography, spanning from the dense, humid forests of the east to the arid plains and mountains of the west, provides a wide variety of ecological niches. This environmental diversity supports numerous species, including arboreal, terrestrial, and gliding types. Understanding the specific habitats and behaviors of these different squirrels offers a clearer picture of Texas’s fauna.
The Most Common Tree Dwellers
The squirrels most frequently encountered are the Eastern Fox Squirrel ($Sciurus niger$) and the Eastern Gray Squirrel ($Sciurus carolinensis$). The Eastern Fox Squirrel is the larger of the two, often displaying a body length of up to 28 inches, including its lengthy tail. Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from a grizzled grayish-brown on its back to distinct reddish-orange or buffy yellow on its underparts and tail. These squirrels are widely distributed across most of Texas, thriving in open, park-like woodlands and adapting well to urban environments where mature trees are present.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is noticeably smaller and generally faster than its fox counterpart. As its name suggests, this species is predominantly gray with a white belly. Its distribution is primarily concentrated in the eastern third of the state, where the denser, humid hardwood forests provide preferred habitat. Gray squirrels tend to be more comfortable in continuous forest canopy, using their agility to leap between branches, whereas the Fox Squirrel spends more time foraging on the ground between trees. Both species construct large nests, known as dreys, from leaves and twigs high in the trees, though they will also use natural tree cavities for shelter.
Terrestrial Species of Texas
Texas supports several species of ground squirrels that have adapted to open and rocky landscapes. The Mexican Ground Squirrel ($Ictidomys mexicanus$) is found across central and southern Texas, inhabiting grasslands, pastures, and areas with mesquite. This species has a slender body and a relatively short, non-bushy tail, often marked by rows of white spots or lines across its back. They are proficient burrowers, excavating complex underground tunnel systems that can reach up to 20 feet in length, which they use for shelter and to store food.
The Rock Squirrel ($Otospermophilus variegatus$) is found primarily in the rocky canyons and cliffs of the Hill Country and West Texas. Despite being classified as a ground squirrel, the Rock Squirrel is large, approaching the size of the tree-dwelling Fox Squirrel, and possesses a long, bushy tail. Its appearance is often a mix of dark gray and black, particularly on the head and shoulders, which helps it camouflage against the rugged terrain. While it lives in burrows, often near rock crevices or under boulders, the Rock Squirrel is an excellent climber and is frequently seen foraging in trees for nuts and berries.
Flying Squirrels and Other Rare Sightings
The Southern Flying Squirrel ($Glaucomys volans$) is a small, elusive mammal found in the mature forests of East Texas. This species is the only nocturnal squirrel in North America, which accounts for the rarity of its sightings despite being common in its range. It does not actually fly but rather glides, using a furry membrane of skin called the patagium that stretches from its wrist to its ankle. By launching from a high point, these tiny squirrels can steer with their flattened tails and glide distances of up to 100 yards between trees.
Texas harbors other highly localized species, such as the distinctive Abert’s Squirrel ($Sciurus aberti$). This squirrel is recognizable by its prominent ear tufts and its strong association with Ponderosa pine forests. In Texas, its presence is restricted to the isolated, high-elevation Ponderosa pine stands found only in the far western mountainous regions, making it a rare sight for the vast majority of the state’s residents.