Squirrels are a common sight in many backyards and parks. Understanding their reproductive cycles provides insight into their annual patterns and how they adapt to their surroundings.
The Primary Breeding Season
The primary breeding period for many squirrel species begins in late winter, typically from December into February, extending through March or May in colder regions. Female squirrels become receptive to mating, leading to a flurry of activity as males pursue them. Following a gestation period of approximately 38 to 46 days, first litters are born between February and April. A typical litter size ranges from one to six young, averaging three to four. Newborn squirrels are entirely dependent on their mother, staying in the nest for several weeks.
The Secondary Breeding Season
Many squirrel species also have a second breeding period, usually from late June through August. This leads to births in late summer or early fall. Not all female squirrels produce a second litter in a year. A second litter often depends on the success of her first litter and food availability. Some species, like the red squirrel, commonly breed only once per year.
Factors Influencing Breeding
Several environmental and biological elements influence squirrel breeding timing and frequency. Food availability plays a key role, as abundant nuts and seeds support successful reproduction. Climate conditions, including temperature and snowfall, also influence when breeding begins; a mild winter may prompt an earlier start. The female squirrel’s age and overall health are also important, as they must reach a minimum body weight to breed effectively. These factors can cause variations in breeding success and timing across years or geographical areas.
The Development of Young Squirrels
Baby squirrels, or kits, develop rapidly after birth. They are born hairless, pink, and with closed eyes and ears, making them completely reliant on their mother. Around five days old, soft fur appears, and by one to two weeks, their skin takes on a grayish hue as fur grows. Their ears typically open between three and four weeks, followed by their eyes opening around four to five weeks.
Kits develop lower front teeth by three to four weeks and top teeth by five weeks. They begin to venture outside the nest around six to seven weeks old. Weaning generally occurs between eight and twelve weeks, and by ten to twelve weeks, young squirrels are typically independent enough to leave the nest and forage on their own.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Squirrel
If you find a baby squirrel, respond thoughtfully. If it appears alone, observe it from a safe distance for several hours. The mother squirrel may be nearby and could return to retrieve her young, especially if uninjured. If the baby squirrel is cold, place it in a shoebox with a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel for temporary warmth.
Avoid giving the baby squirrel any food or water, as improper feeding can cause harm. If the mother does not return after a reasonable observation period, or if the baby squirrel appears injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals provide appropriate care and increase the chances of the squirrel’s survival.