There’s a chill in the air, leaves are falling, pumpkins line porches, and people are bundli — SQUIRREL.

Excuse us. That was embarrassing. There was a squirrel running across the fence just outside the window a moment ago and it was such a distraction.

Where were we? Oh yes, squirrels. As we were saying, these cheeky little creatures are in full-blown squirrel mode right now, doing what they do best: collecting food and stashing it for later. (And scolding passersby while they’re at it.)

Neighborhood streets across the Portland area have turned into highways for the little mammals as they shore up their winter stores. They’re also fulfilling vital roles in the natural environment by turning up soil, spreading beneficial fungal microbes, and burying seeds + nuts — many of which they never collect and are left to sprout.

The Portland metro area is home to five native squirrel species, according to the Bird Alliance of Oregon. But you may be more familiar with the invasive species that have taken up residence.

Native squirrels

Western gray squirrels are listed on the Oregon Conservation Strategy Species list. | Photo by Missvain

Western gray squirrels, once the most common squirrels in Portland, are now a rare sight. They’re listed as endangered in Washington and are protected as such; in Oregon, they’re considered a “good introductory game species.”

Other squirrels that occur naturally in our area include the Douglas squirrel, the California ground squirrel, and the Townsend’s chipmunk (fun fact: chipmunks are technically ground squirrels). Apart from the aforementioned gray squirrel, the native species you’re most unlikely to encounter is the Northern flying squirrel.

Non-native squirrels

Laurelhurst Park is home to some extra-friendly fox squirrels. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Eastern gray and fox squirrels — two species native to the East Coast — are the most common squirrels in Portland. The former is smaller than the Western gray, while the latter is known for reproducing year-round.