Most common squirrel species, such as the eastern gray squirrel and fox squirrel, are not typically active at night. These familiar backyard inhabitants are primarily diurnal. If you observe a common squirrel after dusk, it usually indicates an unusual circumstance.
Typical Squirrel Activity
Common squirrels are diurnal creatures, aligning their activity with the presence of sunlight. Their vision is well-adapted for daytime conditions, featuring specialized retinas with a high density of rod photoreceptors to detect motion, and cones that allow them to distinguish colors. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, providing a wide, nearly 360-degree field of vision, which helps them spot predators without moving their head. This adaptation is useful when foraging on the ground or navigating tree environments.
During the day, squirrels dedicate their energy to tasks like foraging, building nests, and social interactions. They collect nuts, seeds, and fruits, often burying caches for colder months. As evening approaches, squirrels retreat to their nests, known as dreys, or to tree cavities, where they rest until dawn. This nighttime rest allows them to conserve energy and avoid nocturnal predators.
Unusual Nocturnal Sightings
Seeing a common squirrel out at night is uncommon and often signals distress or unusual conditions. One reason could be displacement, where a squirrel, particularly a mother, may be forced to move her young due to a disturbed or destroyed nest. Injury or illness can also lead to nocturnal activity, as a compromised squirrel might be disoriented or too weak to find shelter before nightfall.
Extreme hunger or thirst might compel a squirrel to search for food or water when other animals are resting, though their poor night vision makes this risky. Disorientation caused by artificial lights, such as streetlights or porch lights, can also confuse a squirrel, leading it to wander outside its usual active hours. In rare cases, a squirrel might wake briefly for a “midnight snack” from a nearby food cache. If you hear noises in your attic at night, it is more likely a nocturnal animal like a raccoon, opossum, or rat, as squirrels are generally quiet when resting.
The Nocturnal Exception
While most common squirrels are diurnal, there is a distinct group that is genuinely nocturnal: flying squirrels. These unique rodents, such as the Southern and Northern flying squirrels, are active exclusively at night. Their bodies are specially adapted for nocturnal life; they possess large, dark eyes that are effective at gathering moonlight and starlight, allowing them to navigate and forage in low-light conditions.
Flying squirrels do not fly like birds or bats; instead, they glide. They have a specialized membrane of skin called a patagium, which stretches between their wrists and ankles. When they leap, they extend this membrane, creating an airfoil that enables them to glide from tree to tree. This gliding ability, combined with their nocturnal habits, helps them avoid daytime predators and reduce competition with diurnal squirrel species for food resources.