Squirrels construct various types of nests in diverse environments for shelter and protection. These structures, built from available materials, serve different purposes throughout the year, adapting to seasonal changes and life cycle needs. The specific location and construction of a squirrel’s nest often depends on factors like weather, resource availability, and whether it’s for raising young.
Nests in Trees
Squirrels frequently build nests within trees, utilizing two primary forms: dreys and tree cavities. Dreys are bulky, spherical nests often found high in the branches of deciduous trees. Constructed from twigs, leaves, moss, and other plant fibers, they provide secure shelter from harsh weather and predators. Dreys are commonly situated in branch forks, often 20 to 45 feet above the ground, offering a safe vantage point.
Squirrels also use natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes within tree trunks and large branches, known as tree cavities or dens. These formations offer insulated and protected nesting sites compared to dreys. Tree cavities provide superior thermal regulation, shielding squirrels from extreme cold and heat. Their enclosed nature also offers a more secure sanctuary from predators.
Nests in Human Structures
Squirrels adapt to urban and suburban environments by nesting within human-made structures, seeking warmth, dryness, and safety. Attics and garages are common indoor sites, accessed through small openings like gaps in eaves, damaged fascia, or uncapped chimneys. These secluded spaces offer protection from elements, appealing for temporary shelter and raising young.
Chimneys and vents also attract squirrels seeking enclosed, warm vertical spaces. Squirrels enter through uncapped flues or dryer vents, building nests from carried materials. These locations provide a dark, quiet, and secure environment, especially during colder months.
Eaves and wall voids are other potential nesting locations within a structure’s framework. Small entry points, sometimes as narrow as 1.5 inches, allow squirrels into these hidden spaces. Inside, they create nests within insulation or other building materials. Less common than attics, sheds and outbuildings can also serve as nesting sites, particularly if infrequently accessed with easy entry and ample materials.
Seasonal Nesting Habits
Squirrel nesting habits vary seasonally, adapting to environmental demands and reproductive cycles. During colder winter months, squirrels prefer insulated and protected sites. They frequently use tree cavities or human structures like attics and wall voids, which offer superior warmth and protection from freezing temperatures. These enclosed spaces help conserve body heat and reduce exposure to harsh winter elements.
In contrast, summer months show increased reliance on dreys built in trees. These arboreal nests provide adequate ventilation, beneficial in warmer weather, and are quicker to construct than modifying a tree cavity. The ease of building a drey allows squirrels to establish new shelters more readily.
Breeding patterns also influence nesting choices, as mothers seek the safest, most secluded locations for raising young. Insulated cavities or attics are often chosen for their security and stable temperatures, beneficial for vulnerable offspring. Squirrels can have multiple litters annually, typically one in late winter/early spring and another in late summer, each requiring a secure nursery. If a primary nest is disturbed, squirrels may quickly construct temporary, less robust nests for immediate shelter.