Hearing unexpected noises after dark often leads people to wonder if squirrels are the source, given their usual daytime activity. While squirrels are active and vocal, their typical routines suggest that noises heard late at night are unusual. Understanding these patterns helps clarify why such nocturnal sounds can be puzzling.
Squirrel Activity Patterns
Squirrels are primarily diurnal. They generally begin their day around dawn, emerging from nests or dens to forage, play, and build nests. After a midday lull, they resume activity in the late afternoon and early evening. As dusk approaches, squirrels typically retreat to their shelters to sleep. Consistent activity from them after dark is atypical and may indicate unusual circumstances.
Explaining Nocturnal Squirrel Noises
Specific situations can prompt squirrels to make noise at night. A disturbed nest, perhaps by a predator or human, can cause panicked sounds or movements as they relocate. They might also engage in nesting activity if displaced, causing scurrying or gnawing as they modify space. In rare cases, severe daytime food deprivation might prompt them to venture out after dark to search for sustenance.
Artificial light sources, like outdoor security lights, can disrupt their natural patterns, causing unusual nighttime activity. Predator avoidance, such as fleeing nocturnal hunters like owls or raccoons, can cause sudden, panicked noises. Squirrels might also seek refuge inside structures like attics or walls due to cold weather or danger, with noises from their movements as they explore or settle.
Common Squirrel Sounds
Squirrels produce a variety of sounds, both vocal and movement-related, to help identify them as the source of nocturnal disturbances. Vocalizations include chattering, signaling excitement or alarm, and chirping for communication or agitation. They also emit warning barks for perceived threats and purring sounds in calmer contexts, providing insights into their emotional state.
Beyond vocalizations, squirrels create distinct movement sounds. Scurrying and scratching are common noises as they move across surfaces, especially within walls, attics, or trees. They also produce gnawing sounds when chewing on wood or other materials, perhaps to access food or expand an entry point. Thumping noises can occur if they fall or jump within a confined space. The context of these sounds, such as continuous gnawing versus sudden chattering, can offer clues about the specific activity a squirrel might be undertaking.