Squirrels are common in many environments, from forests to urban parks. Known for their agility and nut-gathering, they create safe places to raise their young. Their nesting habits reveal how they adapt and ensure offspring survival.
Types of Squirrel Homes and Their Locations
Squirrels primarily use two main types of structures for their homes: dreys and tree cavities. Dreys are spherical nests constructed from leaves, twigs, and other plant materials. These nests are typically found high in tree branches, often at least six meters off the ground. While dreys are common, squirrels often prefer natural hollows within trees, known as tree cavities or dens.
Tree cavities offer superior protection from predators and harsh weather. These cavities can be natural formations from decay or abandoned holes created by other animals, such as woodpeckers. Squirrels may modify these existing hollows, sometimes gnawing the entrance to widen it.
Beyond natural settings, squirrels sometimes adapt to human-made structures. Attics, chimneys, wall voids, and sheds can provide alternatives, particularly when natural sites are scarce or during colder periods. These indoor locations offer warmth, shelter, and reduced exposure to predators.
Building a Safe Haven: Nest Construction
Squirrels construct dreys with skill. They begin by weaving a rough platform of twigs, often using green twigs that adhere tightly as they dry. On this base, they add compressible materials like damp leaves and moss for insulation. An outer framework of twigs and vines is then built around this insulated core, forming a spherical shape, often about 30 centimeters in diameter.
The drey’s interior is lined with softer materials for comfort and warmth. This lining can include shredded bark, grass, moss, feathers, and pine needles. Squirrels use their mouths and front paws to gather materials, bend twigs, and weave them into place. For tree cavities, squirrels simply line the existing hollow with soft materials.
Life in the Nest: Baby Squirrel Development
Squirrels have two breeding seasons each year, with litters born in early spring (February to April) and again in late summer (June to August). A litter usually consists of two to four young, though it can range from one to eight. Newborn squirrels, called kits, are born blind, deaf, and hairless. They depend on their mother for warmth and nourishment.
Over the following weeks, kits develop rapidly within the nest. Their skin darkens and soft fur appears around five days, becoming noticeable by two weeks. Their eyes open around four to five weeks, and their ears unpin by the end of the second week. Young squirrels venture outside the nest and begin weaning around six to ten weeks old, though they may stay with their mother for up to 10-12 weeks, learning essential survival skills.
Encountering Baby Squirrels: What to Do
Finding a baby squirrel on the ground does not always mean it is orphaned or in distress. The mother squirrel is often nearby, foraging or moving her young. If the baby appears uninjured and its eyes are open, observe from a distance for several hours to allow the mother to return. Keep pets and people away from the area to minimize disturbance.
If the baby squirrel is visibly injured, cold, or if the mother does not return after several hours (especially by dusk), intervention may be necessary. Place the baby in a small, open box with a warmth source, such as a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel, to stabilize it. Do not offer food or water directly, as improper feeding can be harmful. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control immediately for guidance. These professionals are equipped to assess the situation and provide specialized care.