From the busy streets of cities where red and grey squirrels dart between park trees to remote forests where mighty marmots and alpine ground squirrels laze in the sun, squirrels are among the most recognisable and diverse families of mammals. For many people, the question “how many types of squirrels are there?” is both a curiosity and a gateway to understanding a group that spans continents, climates and a dazzling array of shapes and behaviours. In this guide we explore the depth and breadth of the squirrel family, explain how scientists count and classify these clever rodents, and offer practical tips for identifying different kinds in the wild or in your own garden.
How many types of squirrels are there? A quick overview
Short answer: there are roughly two hundred to two hundred and sixty living species of squirrels, spread across around fifty or so genera. The exact number is not fixed. Taxonomy—how scientists name and group living things—shifts as new data arrive, new species are recognised and genetic tools refine our understanding of evolutionary relationships. That means the headline number can move up or down a little, depending on which criteria are used to define a “type”. When people ask, “how many types of squirrels are there,” they are often really asking two things at once: how many species exist, and how many major groups or lineages of squirrels can be recognised across the globe.
Crucially, the idea of a “type” can mean different things in different contexts. For some, a type is a species—the unit used by many field guides and conservation bodies. For others, a broader sense includes subspecies or regional forms that look and behave differently, yet can still interbreed with other populations. In this article we’ll explicitly distinguish between species, subspecies, and broader groups such as the major lineages within the family Sciuridae, so you can see why the number fluctuates and what those numbers actually mean.
Taxonomy, species, and the question of what counts as a ‘type’
To understand how many types of squirrels there are, we need to start with some basic taxonomic ideas. The squirrel family, Sciuridae, is divided into several subfamilies and many tribes and genera. Broadly speaking, the two main categories you’ll hear about are the “old world” squirrels (those native to Europe, Asia and Africa) and the “new world” squirrels (those native to the Americas). Within these broad categories, there are tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and marmots, among others. Each of these groups contains multiple genera and many recognised species.
What counts as a type in practice depends on the context. If you’re a field naturalist, a “type” may be a species, such as the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) or the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). If you are a conservationist recording population trends, you may work with subspecies and regional varieties, such as the various regional forms of the European pine vole’s kin—well, not a vole in this instance, but you get the idea: local populations can be recognised as distinct for management purposes. Finally, in a purely phylogenetic sense, scientists sometimes refer to lineages or clades—the branches of the evolutionary tree that include all descendants of a common ancestor—as a way to describe broader “types” of squirrels. All of these approaches exist side by side in modern zoology, and that is part of why the final number can be a moving target.
Species vs subspecies: what’s the difference?
A species is typically defined as a group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in natural conditions. Subspecies are populations within a species that are geographically isolated or display distinctive characteristics but can still interbreed with other populations of the same species given the opportunity. For many practical purposes—such as field identification or conservation planning—subspecies matter because they may face unique threats or occur in specific habitats. In some situations, taxonomists may elevate a subspecies to full species status if genetic or behavioural differences are strong enough to warrant it. This fluidity underlines the central point: how many types of squirrels are there is not a single fixed number, but a spectrum shaped by discovery and classification methods.
Global landscape: where squirrels live and how they vary
Squirrels are among the most widely distributed of all mammals, occupying a broad range of habitats from tropical forests to temperate woodlands, montane moorlands to urban parks. Across continents they present a remarkable spectrum of body sizes, fur colours, tail shapes and lifeways—from the acrobatic tree-dweller who leaps between branches to the fossorial ground squirrel that tunnels through the earth. In Europe and Asia, for example, tree squirrels such as those in the genus Sciurus are common in woodland edges, whereas in North America, a wide variety of ground squirrels, chipmunks and marmots fill a range of niches.”
In Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, the mixture of species includes ground squirrels and tree squirrels, with some representatives adapted to arid conditions, while in the Americas, a diverse set of genera fills microhabitats across forests and grasslands. Across this global tapestry, “how many types of squirrels are there” becomes a question of taxonomy, geography and time. The raw number of species is a reflection of how scientists have parsed the diversity of forms, rather than a fixed count of all possible variations you might observe in the wild.
North America and the Americas: a continent of squirrel diversity
In North America, the diversity of squirrels is impressive and includes several familiar faces. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is perhaps the most widely known thanks to its bold urban presence in many cities across the eastern United States and into parts of Canada and the British Isles where it has been introduced. The eastern grey sits alongside other tree squirrels such as the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and the various species of pine squirrels, including the white-headed and the American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Meanwhile, ground squirrels such as those in the genera Spermophilus and Marmota (marmots) occupy a range of habitats—from prairie ecosystems to alpine meadows.
The question of how many types of squirrels are there becomes particularly nuanced here because North America is home to both ground-dwelling and tree-dwelling lineages. The flying squirrels—gliding among the trees at dusk—contribute another layer of diversity with two prominent New World genera, Glaucomys (including the Northern and Southern flying squirrels) that have becomes a familiar feature of North American forests. Taken together, the American squirrel assemblage illustrates the complexity of taxonomy: tree and ground squirrels, plus flying squirrels, each with their own synonomies and species counts, mean a robust total even within a single continent.
Europe and Asia: a long arc of tree-dwellers and forest floor residents
Across Europe and much of Asia, a long lineage of tree squirrels has shaped woodland ecosystems. The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a classic emblem of European woodlands, with a distinctive ear-tuft and a preference for coniferous and mixed forests. In many parts of Europe, the red squirrel faces competition and disease pressure from the invasive eastern grey squirrel, an interaction that has tangible consequences for woodland ecology and biodiversity.
In Asia, the diversity is even richer, with a mosaic of tree squirrels, dwarf species and a range of ground-dwelling cousins. Asian forest habitats host a variety of callosities and fur patterns unique to their biogeographic regions. The taxonomic picture is continually refined as new populations are studied and, in some cases, new species are recognised. The key takeaway is that in Europe and Asia the combination of climate, habitat diversity and historical biogeography has fostered a remarkable array of forms within the broader family Sciuridae.
Fliers, ground-dwellers and everything in between: the major lineages of squirrels
One helpful way to understand how many types of squirrels there are is to group them by lifestyle waypoints into major lineages that recur globally. This approach does not replace species lists, but it helps readers grasp the ecological roles squirrels occupy.
- Tree squirrels (primarily in the subfamily Sciurinae) — agile climbers that rely on tree canopies for food, shelter and escape routes. They display a range of fur colours and tail physiques and include familiar species such as the grey and red squirrels in many regions.
- Ground squirrels and marmots (in the subfamily Xerinae) — adapted to life on or under the ground, these species often form colonies and show a suite of burrowing behaviours. They range from prairie-dwelling species to alpine marmots.
- Flying squirrels (tribe Pteromyini, within the broader Sciurinae) — nocturnal or crepuscular acrobats that glide between trees using a skin membrane stretched between limbs. They exhibit stunning adaptations for flight and forest life, with a diverse set of species in North America, Europe, and Asia.
These broad lineages help explain why there are so many different “types” of squirrels. When you count species within each lineage, you rapidly reach well over a hundred forms, and the count grows further when regional subspecies are included in the tally.
Conservation status and the changing counts of squirrels
Numbers beyond the pure count of species are equally important in understanding how many types of squirrels are there. Conservation status adds another dimension. Some squirrels are thriving in protected woodlands and urban refuges, while others face rapid declines due to habitat loss, disease, climate change and invasive competitors. For instance, in parts of Europe and North America, red and grey squirrels exist in dynamic balance where forests and parks offer suitable habitat, but disease and competition can tip local populations toward decline. In other regions, habitat fragmentation and human activity threaten specialist species, potentially reducing the number of thriving, recognisable types in a given landscape.
Therefore, the practical number of distinct, stable populations in a region can differ from the global tally of described species. The evolving picture is partly why “how many types of squirrels are there” remains a fluid question even for experts who spend every day studying these animals.
Observing squirrels in the wild: a practical guide
Whether you are a keen naturalist, a budding photographer or simply curious, watching squirrels close to home is a rewarding way to learn. Here are some tips to help you observe and perhaps identify “how many types of squirrels are there” in your own neighbourhood.
- Look for distinctive features: tail shape and length, ear tufts, fur colour, and size can help narrow down the possibilities. The red squirrel typically has a rusty-red coat and white underfur, while the eastern grey is larger with a more uniform grey coat.
- Note behaviour and habitat: tree squirrels are often found in woodlands and urban trees, while ground squirrels are more likely to be seen in open ground, burrows or grassy habitats. Flying squirrels are crepuscular or nocturnal and glide between trees at dusk or night.
- Consider geography: certain species occur only in particular regions. A red squirrel in the UK, for example, is a strong indicator of native European lineages, whereas a grey squirrel in Britain usually points to the introduced eastern North American lineage.
- Be mindful of seasonal changes: breeding, food availability and cache-building behaviours fluctuate with the seasons, altering activity patterns and observable traits.
If you keep a garden or a balcony habitat, you can encourage a wider variety of visitors by offering diverse food resources, safe nesting sites and suitable trees. A little careful observation over the course of a year can reveal many of the subtle differences that separate one “type” from another in the field.
How many types of squirrels are there? A garden-friendly perspective
In urban and suburban settings, the question of how many types of squirrels are there is often answered by the species that are most likely to visit. In the British Isles, the red squirrel historically dominated native forests, while the grey squirrel was introduced from North America in the 19th century and subsequently spread across much of England and Scotland. The result is a living demonstration of how species counts shift with introductions, habitat changes, and human influence. In many parks around Europe and North America, you may observe a mix of common tree squirrels, occasional ground squirrels, and perhaps a glimpse of a gliding intruder on a quiet evening. This local diversity is a microcosm of the global pattern: how many types of squirrels are there depends on the scale and context of observation.
The science of counting: how researchers determine the number of species
Counting how many types of squirrels are there is a scientific process that combines field observations, specimen data, and increasingly, genetic analysis. Taxonomists review morphological features—such as skull structure and dentition—and cross-check these with behaviour, vocalisations and ecological niches. DNA sequencing can reveal cryptic species that look similar to the naked eye but are genetically distinct. New species may be described when populations are isolated long enough to diverge, or when researchers discover that what was once considered a single species is actually a complex of several closely related species. For the reader, this means that the figure you see in a field guide or a museum label is a snapshot of current understanding, not a fixed law etched in stone.
Genetics, naming, and revisions
Advances in genetic techniques have accelerated taxonomic revisions. A population once thought to be a regional variant may, upon genetic testing, be recognised as a separate species. Conversely, what were once treated as separate species may be lumped together if differences prove insufficient to justify separate species status. For anyone curious about the number of types of squirrels, this emphasises the dynamic nature of taxonomy. The headline figure—roughly two hundred to two hundred and sixty species—reflects consensus across major checklists at a given time, while remaining open to change as science advances.
Where to see the diversity: a regional tour
To illustrate the breadth of the squirrel family, here is a quick regional tour that highlights some typical representatives and the kind of diversity you might encounter on a nature walk or in a natural history museum.
Europe: iconic red and the encroaching grey
The European woodland ecosystems host native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in many conifer-rich forests, whose bright coats contrast with the grey squirrels introduced later and now common in many urban and peri-urban woodlands. In addition to these two familiar tree-dwelling forms, Europe hosts a variety of other small to medium-sized tree squirrels and some ground-dwelling species that share the landscape with their arboreal cousins.
North America: a mosaic of tree and ground forms
The North American continent showcases a broad spectrum—from the energetic Eastern grey and fox squirrels to the chipmunks (frugivorous, ground-dwelling cousins) and the several lines of ground squirrels and marmots that keep to burrows and meadows. Flying squirrels, represented by Glaucomys, add an extra dimension of nocturnal glide to the region’s nocturnal wildlife watches.
Asia and Africa: a tapestry of habitats
In Asia, the diversity ranges from large tree-dwelling species to small, forest-floor forms that adapt to cooler montane habitats and tropical lowlands alike. Africa features a mix of ground squirrels and tree squirrels with distinctive adaptations to savannah and forest environments. Across these regions, researchers continually refine the species lists, and new forms may emerge as field surveys, herbivory studies and genetic analyses progress.
Why taxonomy changes the count: the fluid nature of “types”
The number of “types” can change simply because scientists revise classification schemes. When a population is found to represent a distinct lineage, it may be elevated to species status. Conversely, populations once thought separate may be merged if they are not genetically or reproductively isolated. This is a normal part of scientific progress and underscores a key point: the question “how many types of squirrels are there” has no single, permanent answer. It depends on the taxonomic framework used by researchers at any given time.
Behaviour, ecology and how form relates to function
Beyond the number of types, the diversity of squirrel life is fascinating for how different adaptations meet different ecological needs. Tree squirrels typically rely on diet including nuts, seeds and buds, often caching food for leaner times. Ground squirrels may be more fossorial, creating elaborate burrow systems, alarm calls and social behaviours that shape colony life. Flying squirrels pair aerial mobility with nocturnal activity, navigating the forest canopy in slinky leaps that depend on the gliding membrane—form meeting function in a remarkable way. These differences reflect the broad spectrum of the “types” within Sciuridae and illustrate why simply counting species does not capture the full story of squirrels’ ecological roles.
Conservation, threats, and what we can do
As with many wildlife groups, the conservation status of various squirrel species depends on habitat stability, food resources, disease pressures and human disturbances. In some regions, habitat loss reduces viable populations, while in others, invasive species or disease can alter the balance of local communities. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting habitats, maintaining connected landscapes that allow gene flow between populations, and monitoring disease risks. In urban settings, citizen science projects—such as regular garden wildlife surveys—can contribute valuable data about how many types of squirrels are thriving in a given area and how their numbers change over time.
Practical identification: tips to tell one squirrel from another
When you are out in the field, a practical approach helps you begin to answer the question “how many types of squirrels are there” in your vicinity. Start with these cues:
- Look at size and silhouette: some species are robust, others slender; tail length and density can be distinctive.
- Observe fur colour and markings: some have pure colours, others show patterns or ear tufts that are characteristic of particular groups.
- Note the habitat and activity pattern: arboreal tree squirrels behave differently from ground-dwellers, and nocturnal flying squirrels reveal themselves mainly after dusk.
- Consider geography: regional distribution is often the easiest first clue—certain species do not occur outside particular continental or island ranges.
With practice, these cues help you build a mental catalogue of the possible “types” you are likely to encounter. And remember: even if you never encounter every species in the wild, understanding the major lineages gives you a deeper appreciation of how diverse these charming creatures can be.
Common myths about squirrels and the truth behind them
Like many popular wildlife groups, squirrels are subject to a few enduring myths. Here are a couple of examples and the reality behind them:
- Myth: All squirrels are pests in gardens. Truth: most squirrels are opportunistic foragers. In many gardens they help with seed dispersal and play a role in shaping plant communities. Responsible feeding and habitat management can support healthy local populations while minimising conflicts.
- Myth: Flying squirrels are dangerous or aggressive. Truth: flying squirrels are generally shy and use gliding to move between trees; they pose minimal threat to humans and are an important part of forest ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions about how many types of squirrels are there
Here are concise answers to some common questions that readers ask when they first start exploring squirrel diversity.
- Q: How many types of squirrels are there in the world? A: Roughly two hundred to two hundred and sixty described species, with numbers shifting as taxonomy evolves.
- Q: Are flying squirrels a separate group from tree squirrels? A: They are a distinct lifestyle group within the broader tree-dwelling lineages, characterised by their patagia that enable gliding between trees.
- Q: Why does the number vary? A: Because scientists continuously revise classifications, new species may be recognised and others may be merged based on genetic and ecological evidence.
Putting it all together: the big picture of how many types of squirrels there are
When you pull together the threads of taxonomy, geography, ecology and conservation, the simplest way to frame the question is this: there are many hundreds of recognisable “types” of squirrels if you count species, subspecies and major ecological lineages. The precise number at any moment reflects ongoing scientific work, not a fixed universal tally. The fun lies not just in the count, but in the stories each group tells about how squirrels adapted to their particular environments, how they interact with other species, and how humans have shaped their distribution.
Further reading: how to deepen your understanding of squirrels
For readers who want to go beyond this guide, consider these avenues:
- Field guides specific to your region. These often provide clear keys to identifying common species and subspecies and include field sketches or photographs that capture distinctive features.
- Natural history museums and university collections. These repositories hold specimens and datasets that reveal the diversity of the squirrels you might encounter, as well as the taxonomic history behind recent revisions.
- Citizen science project participation. Recording sightings and notes about local squirrels can contribute to broader understanding of distribution, population trends and community-level recognition of types in a given area.
In summary: How many types of squirrels are there?
The short, practical answer is that there are many hundreds of squirrel species and a correspondingly rich assortment of subspecies and regional forms. The more nuanced answer recognises that the number is fluid, shaped by how scientists define a type, the regions being studied, and how new data reshape our understanding of evolutionary relationships. Whether you’re a casual observer of a park’s resident red squirrel or a dedicated ornithologist who notes down every gliding silhouette at dusk, the question “how many types of squirrels are there” invites curiosity about a group of mammals that are both familiar and endlessly fascinating. In that sense, the journey to discovery is never really finished; it simply evolves as new discoveries are added to the grand story of Sciuridae.
So next time you glimpse a fluffy tail flicking through the canopy or hear a distant chatter echoing through a hillside wood, you’ll know you’re witnessing a living testament to nature’s diversity. And you’ll have a clearer sense of how many types of squirrels there are, from the familiar to the remarkable, from ground-dwelling to sky-gliding, all part of a continually evolving global family.