Squirrels and Allies

(Sciuridae Spp.)

There are about 275 species of tree, ground, and flying squirrels throughout the world, ranging from the five-inch
pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) of Africa to the nearly three-foot giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) of Asia.
Currently, there are five species of squirrel found in Rhode Island: The Eastern gray squirrel, the Southern flying
squirrel, the red squirrel, the chipmunk, and the woodchuck. Tree squirrels are those species that nest in trees,
while ground squirrels nest in underground burrows. This publication is intended to provide information on the
above species found in Rhode Island.

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Gray squirrels are the most common species of squirrel in Rhode Island. They are
a tree squirrel, however they spend much of their time on the ground, and have
adapted well to human-altered environments. They are commonly found in urban
and suburban habitats. Gray squirrels can be grayish-brown, gray or black, with
a white or light brown underside. Adults range in size from 15 to 20 inches, and
between 1 to 1 ½ pounds. Their bushy tail accounts for almost half of their length.
Gray squirrels may live between four and eight years in the wild, but they have
been known to live up to ten years in captivity. They are active mainly during the
day and do not hibernate. In the winter they spend days at a time in their nests, leaving only to gather food. Their
habitat is mainly any wooded area with mast producing trees, where they live in tree cavities or leaf nests. Their
home range varies between one and one hundred acres, depending on season and food availability.

Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

The red squirrel, also known as the chickaree, is reddish-brown to copper, with
a light gray or white underbelly. They are intermediate in size, between the
gray and flying squirrel, ranging from 10 to 14 inches. In the winter they
undergo a color change, becoming a deep red with a gray underbody. They also
develop prominent ear tufts. They prefer to live in coniferous forests, but also
occur in mixed hardwood stands as well. Red squirrels are more commonly
found in rural areas and often do not occur in suburban or urban areas. The red
squirrel is also most known for its vocalizations and can be heard scolding
human trespassers.

Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

At a size of eight to ten inches, with a three-inch tail, flying squirrels are the smallest species of tree squirrel in
Rhode Island. Common throughout the mainland part of the state, they are rarely seen because of their nocturnal
behavior. Flying squirrels do not actually fly. Instead, they glide from tree to tree with the aid of the flying
 membrane, a loose flap of skin stretching from fore to hind legs on each side of the body. During
a glide, which can transport an animal up to 150 feet in a single trip, the tail acts as a rudder,
aiding in a successful landing. Because they are active mainly at night, they have large, protruding
eyes. Flying squirrels commonly take up residence in attics and houses, often in groups of 10 or
more individuals. In this way they are able to keep each other warm during the cold weather.
Flying squirrels also do not hibernate.

Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus)

Chipmunks are relatively common in Rhode Island; they are a member of the squirrel
family that lives primarily on the ground. However, it is an excellent climber and often
climbs to get food. They are small animals, ranging from 5 to 8 inches. They have
distinctive coats, reddish brown with a light underbelly, and five black stripes along their
backs. They live in dens located under logs or stones where they store nuts and seeds.

Woodchucks (Marmota monax)

The woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, gopher or land beaver, is the largest
member of the squirrel family. They live in underground burrows in open fields,
and they eat mainly clover, grasses, and other plants. During the winter they
hibernate in their burrows, a period of inactivity stretching from late fall to early
spring. During the spring season, woodchucks can become a nuisance when they
feed from fields and on crops. For more information, see the Woodchucks
information sheet on the Division of Fish and Wildlife page at www.dem.ri.gov.

Food Habits
The Rhode Island squirrel species share similar diets, consisting mainly of tree buds in the spring, fruits and
berries during the summer, nuts and seeds in the fall, and tree bark in the winter, which is then supplemented by
cached seeds and nuts gathered in the fall. Red squirrels store food in their nests, while gray squirrels bury it
throughout their home range. Oftentimes, they will store more food than is needed, which leads to reforestation
and diversification when the seeds sprout and take root. In addition to these staples, they will eat whatever is
available, often including insects and other animal matter. Flying squirrels commonly consume insects,
mushrooms and bird eggs to their diets. In areas of human population, squirrels take advantage of gardens,
orchards, and birdfeeders. Some squirrel species, particularly gray squirrels, may occur at much higher densities
in urban and suburban areas than in rural areas due to the abundance of food sources and lack of natural predators.

Disease Carriers
Squirrels carry very few diseases that affect humans. Like all mammals, squirrels can become infected with the
rabies virus, however, rodents have a very low susceptibility to the virus. The Division of Fish and Wildlife
occasionally receives reports of gray squirrels infected with fibromas, a virus that causes lesions and raised
nodules or growths on the squirrel’s body. Severely infected squirrels often die. There are no health implications
for humans or domestic animals.
Damage and Control
Their ability to adapt quickly and live in a variety of conditions has allowed squirrels to
live in close contact with humans. In certain cases they cause damage, such as digging up
lawns and gardens, inhabiting buildings, eating from birdfeeders, stripping trees, eating
crops, and shorting out power lines. In these situations, it is important to know how to
prevent damage from occurring and how to deal with an offending animal.

Squirrels in the House:

Gray and flying squirrels will commonly construct nests in buildings, especially during the winter months.
Entranceways can be as small as a quarter, so they may take some time to find and identify. Careful observation
of a suspected area can help determine the point of entry. Once it has been located, there are a number of available
options:
• When the squirrel exits, or is removed, block the entrance
with mesh or wire screen, or repair the hole. It is important
to make sure that the animal has exited the building before
repairing entranceways; when trapped they will chew their
way out, causing more damage.
• Trim any overhanging branches that may give the squirrel
access. While this will not solve the problem, it will allow
more time to repair any damage and prevent future access routes.
• Install a chimney cap to prevent access to chimney.
• Squirrels are fond of vents, such as those for clothes dryers, stoves, and bathrooms. These can also be
covered with sturdy mesh or screen.
• Squirrels are opportunistic and quite persistent. To prevent entry, it is very important to keep the roof
and upper levels of your home in excellent shape. Replace missing or broken shingles, paint or cover wood
to prevent rotting, and close up any existing openings, no matter how small.

Trees and birdfeeders:

Squirrels can cause substantial damage to flower or fruit bearing trees, in a
garden or orcard. They eat young fruits and nuts, and will occasionally strip
bark and leaves. This kind of damage is difficult to address. In the case of a
single tree, a metal band at least 1 ½ feet wide wrapped around the trunk 5
to 7 feet off the ground will offer some protection. Although, where there are
multiple trees, the squirrel will find a way around almost any preventative
measure. As for birdfeeders, there are a number of fairly successful options
that will keep squirrels away:
• Use a freestanding feeder instead of a hanging model. Tree-hanging feeders allow the squirrel direct
access simply by climbing down the rope or hook.
• Trim branches back from feeder, eliminating an access way.
• Attach a metal cone to the feeder pole to prevent squirrels from climbing up.
 • Consider supplying a squirrel feeder in addition to a bird feeder, particularly one that is easier for the
squirrel to access. Squirrels will target that which is more easily accessible; with a source of food within
easier reach, they will be satisfied and stay away from a squirrel-proofed bird feeder.

Trapping:
Under Rhode Island State law, the gray squirrel is a protected furbearer, and killing is regulated. In Rhode Island,
state law (RIGL 20-16-2) allows a property owner to kill, by legal means, any furbearer (as defined in RIGL 20-
16-1) that is killing or attempting to kill any livestock or domestic animals, destroying crops, creating a health
hazard, or causing economic damage to their property. However, the law does not allow for the random taking of
wildlife, for the taking of furbearers for their pelts outside the open season, or for killing of animals outside the
boundaries of the property of the person with the problem. Also, it does not allow for unlawful methods of take
such as poisons, snares, foothold traps, or discharge of firearms in violation of state or local ordinances. The law
states that animals taken must be reported to the DEM within 24 hours. For more information, contact the Division
of Fish and Wildlife at [email protected] or by calling (401) 789-0281.

In extreme cases, trapping may be a successful method of control. The Rhode Island DEM Division of Fish and
Wildlife regulates the trapping of wild animals, types of traps to be used, and disposal of the animal after capture.
Most squirrels can be effectively trapped using box or cage traps. Relocation, if done at all, must follow strict
guidelines. Trap only when absolutely necessary and when all other resources have failed. The DEM does not
recommend that property owners attempt to live trap nuisance furbearers unless they are prepared or willing to
euthanize the offending animal. State regulations prohibit the live capture and translocation of furbearers.
Captured furbearers can only legally be released on the property on which they were captured. Trapping causes a
great deal of stress to the animal, and at best is only a temporary solution, as a new animal will eventually replace
it. A more permanent solution is to identify and remove the attraction rather than remove a string of pests.

Selected References:

Chapman, J.A. and G. Feldhammer. 1982. Wild Mammals of North America, Biology, Management, Economics.
The John Hopkins University Press.

Cronan, J. and A. Brooks.1968. The Mammals of Rhode Island. Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Conservation.

Whaitaker J. O. and W. Hamilton Jr1998.Mammals of the Eastern United States. Cornell University.
Squirrel, chipmunk, and woodchuck photographs courtesy of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

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