Squirrels are a common sight in many environments, their energetic movements and bushy tails making them a familiar part of the daytime landscape. Many people observe them busily foraging, climbing, and interacting during daylight hours. This active presence often leads to curiosity about what these animals do once the sun sets and darkness falls.
Diurnal Nature of Squirrels
Most squirrel species, including the widely observed grey and red squirrels, are primarily diurnal, meaning their activity occurs during daylight hours. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, utilizing these times for activities such as foraging for food and building nests. Their vision is adapted for bright light conditions, which helps them navigate their environment and locate food sources like nuts and seeds.
This daytime schedule provides an advantage in avoiding many of their natural predators. Animals such as owls and coyotes, which pose a threat to squirrels, are predominantly nocturnal. By aligning their active periods with daylight, squirrels reduce their risk of encountering these predators. While most squirrels follow this pattern, flying squirrels are a notable exception, as they are crepuscular or nocturnal.
Where Squirrels Rest and Sleep
When night arrives, squirrels retreat to secure shelters for protection from predators and harsh weather. They primarily utilize two types of structures for this purpose: dreys and tree cavities. Dreys are nests constructed from twigs, leaves, and grass, often shaped like a ball and about the size of a football.
These dreys are built high in tree forks, often at least 6 meters (20 feet) above ground, providing both stability and a vantage point. Squirrels line the inside of their dreys with softer materials such as moss, feathers, and shredded bark for insulation and comfort. Alternatively, they may find shelter in natural tree cavities, sometimes utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes, which offer good protection from the elements and larger predators. Many squirrels maintain multiple nests, offering backup shelters in case one is disturbed.
When Squirrels Are Seen at Night
While squirrels are generally diurnal, there are unusual circumstances that might lead to them being observed after dark. One reason could be disturbance to their primary nest, perhaps due to weather events like strong winds or human activity. If their drey is compromised, a squirrel might temporarily relocate, even if it means moving during the night.
Food scarcity can compel a squirrel to forage outside its usual daytime hours. This is more common during periods when food resources are limited, such as in winter. Artificial lighting from urban environments can also disorient squirrels, disrupting their rhythms and leading them to venture out. Such light exposure can make them more visible and vulnerable to nocturnal predators.
Young or sick squirrels might also explain nighttime activity. A mother squirrel might be seen at night tending to or moving vulnerable offspring. An unwell or injured squirrel may also appear disoriented and active at unusual times. These instances are exceptions to their typical behavior, and noises heard from attics at night are more often indicative of other nocturnal rodents, such as rats or mice.