8 Squirrels That Look Anything but Typical

Quick Take

• One squirrel sports a coat splashed in purple, orange, and cream, which are colors most people would never associate with a rodent. See the colorful coat →
• Scientists once declared a squirrel on this list extinct, a conclusion they were later proven wrong about. Meet the once-extinct species →
• One species here carries a tail so oversized it sparked local legends about the squirrel hunting deer. Discover the legendary tail →
• At least one squirrel on this list looks less like a real animal and more like a children's toy, and it also happens to be capable of soaring tree to tree. See the stuffed-animal glider →

When most people think of squirrels, they picture gray or brown animals moving in stops and starts through backyards and parks. However, the squirrel family is diverse. Our Earth is home to species with giant ears, bright colors, odd fur patterns, and even the ability to glide through the air. Some look more like make-believe creatures than tree-loving rodents. Found in a wide range of areas across most of the globe, these stunning species remind us that some squirrels are far stranger than most people realize. Here are eight of the weirdest-looking squirrels in the world.

1. Indian Giant Squirrel

The Indian giant squirrel looks like it was painted by an artist using an assortment of colors. Just one animal can feature shades of purple, orange, cream, black, and reddish-brown. Growing up to three feet long, including the tail, it is way larger than the typical gray squirrels most people are familiar with. These brightly colored rodents spend their lives high in the forest canopy. They are definitely one of the most striking squirrels on Earth.

2. Black Giant Squirrel

The black giant squirrel has one of the sleekest and most dramatic appearances of any squirrel in the world. The majority of its glossy coat is jet black, contrasted by a cream or tan chest and underside. These rather large squirrels grow well over a foot, tail not included. Native to the forests of Southeast Asia, this species prefers to be high in the treetops. Its imposing size, dark pitch-black coloration, and long poofy tail make it extremely eye-catching as it navigates the canopy.

3. Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel

This enormous flying squirrel looks almost fake. It has reddish-brown fur across its back and bright white fur underneath. Like other flying squirrels, it does not have the ability of true flight but instead soars using a fleshy membrane stretched between its limbs. When extended, the membrane acts as a little parachute. Some have been documented gliding hundreds of feet between trees. Its dramatic appearance, large size, and “flying” skills make it one of Asia’s most fascinating squirrels.

4. Prevost’s Squirrel

Prevost’s squirrel seems like it was created by a designer fond of bold geometric patterns. Its body has contrasting sections in monochrome colors like black and white, as well as chestnut orange. The color boundaries can look distinct and precise, as though the pigment was painted directly on its fur. Found throughout Southeast Asia, this squirrel is one of the prettiest rodents in the world. It resembles a living work of art leaping through the trees.

5. Siberian Flying Squirrel

The Siberian flying squirrel has oversized dark eyes that give it a permanently surprised expression. These big eyes help it see in the dark forests at night. Like other flying squirrels, the species relies on a fleshy membrane to soar. The wide-eyed nature and soft gray fur create an owl-like look. When combined with a rounded face, these features make the Siberian flying squirrel look like a cute stuffed animal. Many people consider it one of the most adorable squirrels ever discovered. 

6. Woolly Flying Squirrel

For decades, scientists believed the woolly flying squirrel might be extinct because so few people ever saw one. These elusive rodents have thick, shaggy fur that almost looks fluffy. This species lives in rugged mountainous terrain where its substantial coat helps it stay warm in frigid temperatures. Its large body and woolly fur make it look very different from typical squirrels. Even today, the mysterious animal is one of the least-studied squirrel species.

7. Tufted Ground Squirrel

The tufted ground squirrel of Borneo is famous for having what may be the bushiest tail of any mammal relative to its size. Its tail can be larger than the entirety of its body. The animal’s dark fur and oversized tail give it a cartoonish quality. Local folklore has made it somewhat of a legend in its region, exaggerating its abilities. Many stories describe it as attacking deer by leaping onto their necks, though there is no scientific evidence supporting this. Regardless, this squirrel doesn’t need to rely on myths. Its real-life appearance alone makes it extraordinary.

8. Japanese Dwarf Squirrel

If you thought squirrels couldn’t get any cuter, meet the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel. This pocket-sized animal truly looks more like a children’s toy than a living creature. Its enormous dark eyes, tiny rounded ears, and super fluffy fur make it unbelievably adorable. Like other flying squirrels, it takes to the air using a membrane of skin pulled tight when its front and hind legs are extended. Despite its minuscule size, it can soar impressive distances from tree to tree. This tiny rodent is nocturnal, hiding in trees by day and emerging at night to forage. With its massive eyes, tiny nose, and sweet expression, this little rodent may be the cutest squirrel in the world.