Around South Dakota
Conditions vary across the state. Choose your city below, then describe what’s happening around your home or business.
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Local squirrel information
Squirrel control in South Dakota
Learn what to look for around your property, explore your city, and ask about an inspection or a quote.
Squirrels in South Dakota: what to know
What to note
Where you see squirrels, how long it has been going on, and anything you’ve already tried are the most useful details to mention.
A useful next step
Ask about an inspection, what treatment would involve, and whether follow-up visits are included. You don’t need to identify the problem yourself before getting in touch.
Local research
Squirrels in South Dakota: what the public record shows
Before you compare quotes, it helps to know which squirrels actually live in South Dakota, when they are busiest, and what the state figures look like. Everything below links to the agency or university page it came from.
Fox squirrel in all but the northwestern corner; gray squirrel along the eastern border; red squirrel in the far west; northern flying squirrel in parts of the Black Hills
Species and ranges
Which species is in your attic depends on where in the state you are.
South Dakota Game, Fish and ParksOnly red, gray and fox squirrel may be hunted
Huntable species
Northern flying squirrels are not on the huntable list.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks5 daily, 15 in possession, statewide
Bag limits
Shooting hours run sunrise to sunset and a small game license is required.
South Dakota Game, Fish and ParksSquirrel species recorded in South Dakota
- Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) — Game animal in most eastern states; introduced and unclassified in Washington and California.
- Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) — Unprotected in New York (may be taken any time); protected in Washington.
- Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) — Protected in Washington (emergency take only).
When squirrels are busiest in South Dakota
Cold winters push red squirrels and fox squirrels into heated structures; litters arrive in spring and late summer.
Rules that apply in South Dakota
For context, nationally
- Two, with 1-8 pups each — Gray squirrel litters per year. Penn State Extension
- Mid-December or early January, and again in June — Gray squirrel breeding periods. Penn State Extension
Sources: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks; Tree Squirrels; Small Game Hunting; Living with wildlife: Tree squirrels. Figures are quoted as the source prints them. How we check our sources
Explore South Dakota cities
Aberdeen
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Brookings
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Huron
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Mitchell
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Pierre
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Rapid City
Semi-Arid Continental · suburban setting
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Sioux Falls
Humid Continental · urban setting
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Watertown
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Yankton
Humid Continental · rural setting
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Vermillion
Humid Continental · rural setting
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