The Squirrel Squad: Who's Who of Michigan's Bushy-Tailed Bunch
Let's face it, Michigan is pretty darn squirrel-y. These bushy-tailed bandits are everywhere, from parks and forests to your backyard bird feeder (much to the chagrin of your intended feathered guests). But with all that flitting and darting, have you ever stopped to wonder, just which kind of squirrels are these brazen acorn-hoarders? Well, wonder no more, because we're about to crack open the nut that is Michigan's squirrel population.
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| What Squirrels Live In Michigan |
The Usual Suspects: A Guide to Michigan's Tree-Dwelling Squirrels
Michigan boasts a respectable six different species of tree squirrels, each with their own unique personality (and fur color). Here's a quick rundown of the most common culprits:
- Eastern Gray Squirrel: This is your classic park squirrel, easily recognizable by its grayish-brown coat and impressive acrobatic skills. They're the ultimate opportunists, happy to snatch a free lunch from your picnic basket or raid your bird feeder.
- Fox Squirrel: A bit bigger and bolder than the gray squirrel, the fox squirrel is a rusty-red colored charmer. They tend to prefer the edges of forests, where they can snag a tasty acorn or two.
- Red Squirrel: These fiery fiends are the smallest of the bunch, with a reddish-brown coat and a perpetual chip on their shoulder (or should we say, spruce cone?). Found mostly in coniferous forests, they're territorial and fiercely protective of their pine seed stash.
*Note: While these three are the most common, don't be surprised to see a Southern Flying Squirrel gliding through the night sky (yes, they can glide!). These nocturnal ninjas are more elusive but are surprisingly common in southern Michigan.
Beyond the Trees: Branching Out to Michigan's Ground Squirrels
Michigan isn't all about treetop adventures. We also have a couple of ground squirrel residents:
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
- Woodchuck (aka Groundhog): Yes, Punxsutawney Phil's lesser-known cousins call Michigan home. These chunky fellows spend most of their time burrowing underground, emerging only to munch on some greenery.
- Eastern Chipmunk: These adorable little guys with the telltale stripes are the busy bees of the squirrel world. Constantly zipping around, they gather seeds and nuts to fill their underground pantries.
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in Michigan's fascinating squirrel population. Now you can impress your friends (or at least mildly annoy them) with your newfound knowledge of the bushy-tailed brigade.
Frequently Asked Squirrelly Questions:
How to identify a Michigan squirrel?
The best way is by fur color and size. Eastern gray squirrels are grayish-brown, fox squirrels are rusty-red, and red squirrels are reddish-brown.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
How to attract squirrels to my yard?
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Put out a feeder with nuts, seeds, and corn. Just be prepared to share with your feathered friends as well!
How to keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
There are special feeders with cages that exclude squirrels, or you can try using squirrel baffles to block their access.
How to tell the difference between a chipmunk and a squirrel?
Chipmunks are smaller than squirrels and have distinctive stripes on their backs.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
How to avoid getting bitten by a squirrel?
Don't corner a squirrel or try to handle it. If you leave them alone, they'll usually leave you alone.
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