Do Squirrels Live in Michigan's Upper Peninsula?

Yes. Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) hosts several squirrel species across its forests, parks, and towns:

• Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) – Common in coniferous forests; territorial, vocal, caches cones.
• Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) – Hardwood forests, urban parks; scatter-hoards acorns.
• Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) – Nocturnal, glides via patagium; mature mixed forests.
• Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) – Technically a ground squirrel; ubiquitous.
• Woodchuck / Groundhog (Marmota monax) – Largest UP squirrel; meadows, forest edges.

The UP's vast public lands (Hiawatha & Ottawa National Forests, state forests, Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains) provide prime habitat. Squirrels are a key prey base for fishers, martens, hawks, owls, and foxes.