A quick question which you can use to stump your friends at the bar next time: how many types of squirrels exist in the world? The answer is over 200. The Tar Heel state is home to five of those: gray, red, fox, southern flying, and northern flying squirrels. When we think of squirrels in common parlance, we’re usually thinking of that homely critter from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: a gray squirrel. Let’s discuss the five varieties and how to spot the differences.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

The most common is the grey squirrel, found in all 100 counties of the state. In fact, the grey squirrel holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s official State Mammal!

This squirrel has grey fur, a white belly, a large bushy tail, and can vary in size from nine to twelve inches. These squirrels are diurnal (active during the day) and hoarders. They are also tolerant of humans and therefore not afraid to raid a bird feeder or open a trash can. Mixing hot pepper flakes into regular bird seed (it won’t hurt the birds) and keeping those trash cans closed can act as squirrel deterrents.

Red Squirrel

If you see a squirrel with a hint of red in its fur, most likely it’s a Red Squirrel. Red squirrels are about half the size of gray squirrels. These small tree squirrels have fur that is gray-red in the winter and orange-red in the summer with a white belly. During the winter months, red squirrels will grow tufts of fur on their ears. Red squirrels can cause extensive damage to objects and property. A homemade repellent of hot sauce and water can help to deter red squirrel damage. Put the mixture in a hand-held sprayer and spray around the base of trees, feeders, birdhouses and other areas where red squirrels are persistent and cause damage.

Fox Squirrel

The Southeastern fox squirrel is the largest type of squirrel, ranging from 17 to 27 inches long. These large squirrels come in two distinct color groups. One has dark fur in shades from black to gray, with tan or gold undersides. These dark-colored squirrels have black heads with white noses, ears and feet. The other color is reddish, tan or orange. Polyethylene mesh netting around trees, flower beds or other areas you don’t want squirrels to invade is a simple and affordable deterrent. The squirrel cannot gnaw through it, and the Southeastern fox is generally too big to wiggle through openings.

Southern Flying Squirrel

Similar to its brethren listed below, this variation is distinguishable from the others because it is nocturnal. They are also brown and have large eyes, and the flaps appear when they spread their arms to glide.

Northern Flying Squirrel

Although you are extremely unlikely to run into one of these squirrels, because they’re also active at night, it’s nonetheless helpful to know about them. This little fella typically grows to be ten inches and has a distinguishable flat tail, which aids in flight. They are social and share nests so if you do catch a glimpse of one, it’s likely that you will see multiple.

If you are having squirrel trouble on your property, keep Critter Control in mind. Contact us today.