Our Nutty Neighbors: The Squirrels of Cape Cod

SQUIRRELS. They’re ubiquitous throughout the US and especially on Cape Cod. You may love them, you may hate them, but it’s really hard to be indifferent to them. Still, I can’t imagine someone hating these amazing creatures. They are acrobats and contortionists. Clever, intelligent, resourceful. They love a challenge. And right up there on the bird feeder with them are chipmunks. Cuter, smaller, in some ways prettier, but just as smart and quick on their feet.

Cape Cod is home to three species of squirrels: the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the most common of the three; the Eastern Chipmunk, and the less common Red Squirrel that I have yet to get a photo of.

gray squirrel

Have you ever wondered how squirrels (and chipmunks) can go up and down trees, but cats get stuck when they go too high to jump back down? Squirrels have hind legs and feet that can rotate almost completely backwards allowing them to grip the tree (or the side of a house) on their way down.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the largest of the three and is often seen in residential areas, parks, and forests. They have gray fur with white underbellies and bushy tails. They are known for their acrobatic abilities and are often seen jumping from tree to tree.

The Red Squirrel is smaller than the gray squirrel but larger than a chipmunk; it is best known for its reddish-brown fur. They are often found in coniferous forests and are known for their high-pitched vocalizations and territorial behavior.

The Eastern Chipmunk is smaller than the Red Squirrel and is known for its striped brown and white fur. They are often seen scurrying around on the ground and are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food.

All three species of squirrels found in Cape Cod are important members of the ecosystem, playing key roles in seed dispersal and providing food for predators such as hawks, owl, foxes, snakes, coywolves, and feral cats.

And they love posing for the camera!