05/05/2025
Let’s talk squirrels. There are a lot of animals in Pennsylvania in the squirrel (Sciuridae) family.
Let’s take a look.
Photo #1 is the Eastern gray squirrel and by far the most recognized when people think of a squirrel.
Photo #2 is the Fox squirrel very similar to the gray squirrel, only real differences is the belly is more red rather than white like its close relative.
Photo #3 is simply a pigment variation of the gray and fox squirrel. Black squirrels are rare but if you spend a lot of time outside and have a little luck you might see one!
Photo #4 is a Red squirrel, slightly smaller and then a gray squirrel. Red highlights in the tail and back, common in the Pocono area but can be found all over PA. 
Photo #5 is the Eastern flying squirrel are very common in PA, but rarely seen because they are nocturnal, and rarely come out during the day. They mostly populate Pinewoods and are a very common intruder in homes and can go undetected for years due to them being active at mainly at night.
Photo #6 is an Eastern chipmunk, a type of ground squirrel easily identified from its strips and cheeks more often than not filled to the gills with seeds and nuts. Rarely invades homes but will raid your bird feeders.
Photo #6 is a Groundhog or woodchuck, believe it or not they are in fact a type of ground squirrel, in the Sciuridae family. They my not look like the squirrel we are all familiar with but they are very capable of climbing trees to avoid predators, but prefer to make their homes under ground, under sheds and small buildings without foundations. Can rec havoc on your garden and even cause foundational damage to your home.
