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Squirrels are a staple of many urban and rural landscapes, sparking debate among residents. Some see them as garden pests, while others cherish their playful presence. Regardless of opinion, squirrels consistently intrigue with their unique behaviors.
From the common eastern gray to the striking red squirrel, eastern fox squirrel, and the nocturnal flying squirrel, each species displays distinct yet overlapping habits. What may appear odd to us often reflects instinctual survival strategies, ranging from locomotion to foraging. Observe with respect and from a safe distance.
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Perhaps the most captivating sight is a squirrel’s graceful acrobatics. These nimble leaps between branches and structures showcase remarkable agility. Squirrels retain a mental map of each maneuver, enabling them to navigate new environments with ease.
While their performance might resemble parkour, these movements are vital for escape and foraging. Adequate vertical mobility protects squirrels from predators and prevents dangerous falls. Though you may wish to protect your orchard, observing their jumps remains a natural spectacle.
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During autumn, fallen leaves can prompt squirrels to dig into your lawn. They create caches—buried food reserves—to survive winter scarcity. This behavior, though sometimes disruptive, is a natural survival strategy.
Eastern gray squirrels can stash up to 10,000 nuts and seeds annually, tracking roughly 1,000 cache sites simultaneously. Much of their buried bounty is later reclaimed by other squirrels. While these pits can annoy homeowners, they are harmless to turf and actually contribute to natural lawn aeration. Nonetheless, if caching disrupts gardens, humane exclusion methods should be considered.
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During sweltering summer afternoons, squirrels may lie flat on their bellies. This posture, called “splooting,” is a natural cooling strategy, not a sign of illness.
By stretching their paws on the ground, squirrels evaporate sweat from these sweat glands, effectively cooling themselves. As temperatures rise globally, we may witness splooting more frequently—a testament to wildlife adapting to climate change.
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Tail flicking is a subtle form of squirrel communication. When perched and still, a tail that quivers in the air often signals alertness, social interaction, or balance.
Tail flicks can signal threat detection, serve as a balance aid on steep surfaces, or function as a mating display during breeding season. Observing the context clarifies the meaning.
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Beyond movement, squirrels emit a range of vocalizations—high‑pitched whistles, chattering, and bark‑like calls—that convey alarm, courtship, or play. Identifying the source requires attentive listening.
High‑pitched whistles often signal distress or aggression, while bark‑like calls may warn of predators. During spring and summer, lower‑pitched barks indicate courtship. Groups of squirrels may chatter while playing or establishing dominance.
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In autumn, squirrels assemble debris—pine needles, twigs, leaves—into spherical structures known as dreys. These nests, often found above 20 feet, provide shelter and insulation for the family.
These dreys—often up to 2 feet across—are typically constructed by eastern gray squirrels and can be distinguished from bird nests by their size and material composition. Nest building peaks in autumn as new materials become available, and again in summer when mothers instruct pups on construction.
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Although intriguing to watch in the wild, squirrels occasionally seek shelter inside homes, especially during harsh winter months.
Squirrels may inhabit attics, crawlspaces, or other concealed areas, sometimes bringing offspring along. Their activity can damage insulation and electrical wiring. For safe removal, consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can humanely evict and advise on exclusion measures.
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Squirrels are wild, but urban environments often breed familiarity. Some have learned to approach humans in parks, prompted by habitually available food.
Approach can be a sign of feeding habituation. If a squirrel approaches, maintain distance and refrain from hand feeding. Contact wildlife services if the animal appears ill or injured.
Urban squirrels are more accustomed to human proximity due to frequent feeding, which encourages boldness. In less urban settings, they remain wary. Rarely, a curious or distressed squirrel will approach.
When a squirrel approaches, keep your distance, avoid hand feeding, and seek wildlife assistance if the animal shows signs of distress.
