Squirrels are far from silent creatures. These rodents use a complex array of vocalizations and physical actions to communicate and respond to their surroundings. Their diverse sounds play a fundamental role in daily life, from warning about dangers to establishing social boundaries. Understanding these sounds provides insight into their communication and survival strategies.
The Diverse Vocal Repertoire
Squirrels produce a wide range of vocal sounds. Their barks are typically short, sharp noises, sometimes resembling a small dog’s bark. They also generate rapid, high-pitched chatters, which can involve clicking or grinding sounds. Another common vocalization is a chirp, a high-pitched, bird-like sound.
Squeaks are also part of their repertoire, often high-pitched and similar to a mouse’s sound, particularly from younger squirrels. A softer, cooing sound, sometimes described as a “muk-muk,” is also produced. This sound can also be a gentle grinding of teeth, indicating contentment. More intense vocalizations include high-pitched whining or screeching.
Interpreting Squirrel Calls
Each squirrel vocalization carries a specific meaning. Sharp, repetitive barks and chirps frequently serve as territorial warnings, signaling to other squirrels or potential threats like predators. The intensity and frequency of these barks can indicate the perceived level of danger. A rapid, high-pitched chatter often expresses excitement or agitation, or is used during territorial disputes.
Young squirrels frequently emit high-pitched whining, screeching, or crying sounds as distress calls, especially when separated from their mother. Squeaks from young squirrels can also indicate hunger or a need for attention. The soft, cooing “muk-muk” sound is used as a contact call between a mother and her young, and males may use it during courtship. Specific alarm calls include “kuks,” rapid, dog-like barks, and “quaas,” which are more raspy and can sound like a meow, both warning of terrestrial predators.
Non-Vocal Sounds
Beyond vocalizations, squirrels produce audible signals through physical actions. Tail flicking or thumping is a recognizable non-vocal sound, where the squirrel rapidly shakes its bushy tail. This action serves as a visual signal, often combined with vocalizations, and can indicate agitation, danger, or territorial defense. Tail movements also communicate frustration or are part of courtship displays.
Another non-vocal sound is the chattering or grinding of teeth. This can be a physical sound indicating aggression in adults, hunger in young squirrels, or contentment, such as during grooming. Squirrels also create sounds through their movements and activities, including scurrying, scratching, and thumping as they move across surfaces or through insulation, especially inside structures. Chewing and gnawing sounds are common as squirrels constantly file down their teeth on wood or other materials, heard when consuming food or damaging property. Squirrels also create rolling noises when storing nuts or acorns.