Squirrels are common and engaging backyard inhabitants. Observing these agile rodents can reveal much about their current state, particularly whether a female is pregnant or nursing. Understanding the subtle indicators can provide insights into the natural rhythms of local wildlife.
Physical Signs of Pregnancy
A primary indicator of pregnancy in a squirrel is a noticeable change in her body shape. As the gestation period progresses, typically lasting between 38 and 46 days for Eastern gray squirrels, the female’s abdomen will become visibly rounded or distended. This is distinct from general plumpness, appearing more like a localized bulge. In the final days before birth, the belly may become so prominent it appears to touch the ground when the squirrel walks or rests upright.
Another physical cue involves the squirrel’s nipples. A pregnant female’s nipples may become more visible and enlarged due to pregnancy hormones preparing her body for lactation. Although this change can be subtle, it becomes more apparent closer to the time of birth. Overall, a pregnant squirrel will also experience a general increase in body mass as the developing young grow inside her.
Physical Signs of Nursing
Following birth, a squirrel’s body shape undergoes changes. The noticeable abdominal distention from pregnancy will reduce, but the squirrel may still appear somewhat leaner or have looser skin around her belly compared to her non-reproductive state. The most definitive physical sign of nursing is the appearance of her nipples. They will be prominent, elongated, and potentially discolored, often appearing darker or reddish due to recent feeding by her young.
Upon close observation, milk stains or wetness around the nipples might be visible. Additionally, the fur around the nursing nipples may appear thinner, worn, or even lost, as consistent suckling by a litter of up to four babies causes friction and hair removal. These changes make it easier for the young to latch onto the nipples.
Behavioral Clues
Behavioral patterns offer additional insights. Both pregnant and nursing squirrels require increased caloric intake to support gestation and milk production, leading to more frequent and intense foraging activity. They will actively seek out high-energy foods like seeds, nuts, and fungi, and may even consume animal protein sources such as insects or eggs to meet their elevated nutritional demands.
Pregnant squirrels also exhibit significant nesting activity as they prepare for birth. They meticulously collect and carry materials such as leaves, twigs, grass, and shredded bark to a chosen den site, which could be a tree cavity or a drey built in tree branches. This preparation creates a safe, insulated haven for their blind and helpless young.
After giving birth, nursing mothers often become more reclusive, spending increased time in or near their nests to care for their young, who are entirely dependent on them for warmth and nourishment. They will make regular trips back to the den to feed their young, who nurse for approximately 7 to 10 weeks. Mother squirrels are protective of their offspring and may display aggressive behaviors, like alarm calls or chasing intruders, if they perceive a threat near their nest. These observations, when considered together, provide a comprehensive picture of a squirrel’s reproductive state, distinguishing it from other conditions like being overweight.