The Sunshine State's Nutty Bunch: A Guide to Florida's Squirrelly Squad
Florida: land of sunshine, beaches, and...squirrels? You betcha! While Florida might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of these bushy-tailed bandits, the Sunshine State boasts a surprising variety of these furry friends. So, crack open a coconut (or grab a bag of peanuts), and get ready to learn about the Sunshine State's resident acorn-obsessed acrobats!
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| What Squirrels Are In Florida |
The OG Florida Squirrel: The Eastern Gray Squirrel
This classic gray squirrel is a familiar sight across North America, and Florida is no exception. They're the squirrels you see dashing across the street, leaping from branch to branch, and leaving little "gifts" on your car (thanks, guys!). These acrobatic athletes are the ultimate opportunists, munching on everything from nuts and seeds to fruits and even the occasional insect.
Fun Fact: Eastern gray squirrels can remember the location of thousands of hidden nuts, even after months of being buried under snow (which, let's face it, isn't a big concern in Florida).
Not Your Average Fox: The Fox Squirrel's Fox Trot into Florida
While the eastern gray squirrel is the most common, Florida has another squirrel species that deserves some love: the fox squirrel. These squirrels are bigger and bolder than their gray counterparts, with a reddish-brown coat and a distinctive black head (think a tiny bandit mask). Fox squirrels are more selective with their diet, favoring hickory nuts and acorns. They're also less shy than gray squirrels, so you might find them hanging out in parks or even backyards, flashing their impressive tails and reminding you why they're called "fox" squirrels.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Sub-species Spotlight: The Big Cypress Fox Squirrel
Florida has a special resident among its fox squirrels: the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel. This endangered subspecies is a bit smaller than the regular fox squirrel and has a distinctive white nose and feet. Found only in the swamps and forests of southwest Florida, these shy squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem.
They Don't Really Fly, But They Give it a Good Shot: The Southern Flying Squirrel
Florida's not all sunshine and sand; it's also home to some pretty amazing swamp critters. Enter the southern flying squirrel. No, they don't have wings, but they do have a furry flap of skin that stretches between their front and back legs, allowing them to glide from tree to tree. These nocturnal ninjas are much smaller than the other squirrels on this list, and their diet consists mostly of insects, fruits, and seeds.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Night Owl Fun Fact: Southern flying squirrels are excellent climbers, able to navigate branches and trees with impressive agility – even in the dark!
So You've Encountered a Florida Squirrel: Now What?
Here's the thing: squirrels are wild animals, and it's best to keep your distance. While they might look cute and cuddly, they can scratch and bite, and they carry diseases. Enjoy watching them from afar, but resist the urge to offer them a peanut (unless you're trying to attract them, which, for most people, is probably not the goal).
Frequently Asked Florida Squirrel Questions:
How to identify a squirrel in Florida?
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
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Look for size, color, and tail shape! Eastern gray squirrels are medium-sized with gray fur and a bushy tail. Fox squirrels are larger with reddish-brown fur and a black head. Southern flying squirrels are small and have a furry flap for gliding.
How to avoid attracting squirrels to my yard?
Keep bird feeders squirrel-proof and clean up any fallen fruit or nuts.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
How to keep squirrels out of my attic?
Seal up any holes in your roof or siding that squirrels could use to get in.
How to tell if a baby squirrel needs help?
Healthy baby squirrels will be with their mother. If you find a baby squirrel alone and injured, contact a wildlife rehabber.
How to enjoy watching Florida squirrels?
Grab a seat on your porch, put out some seeds (on a bird feeder with a squirrel baffle!), and enjoy the show! These acrobatic nut-lovers will provide endless entertainment.
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