The other day when I was outside to take some pictures, I noticed several squirrel nests high up in some of our trees. They are now visible since most of the leaves have fallen.

I have only seen squirrel nests from this vantage point, so I went to the internet to learn more about squirrel nests.

Squirrel nests are typically shaped like a globe and about one foot in diameter. They often create several nest sites within the geographic range of their primary nest throughout the year.

Second and third squirrel nests are used for emergency purposes, to hide from any nearby predators, to store extra food, or even as a temporary rest stop throughout a day’s activity.

Squirrel nests are made from a variety of interwoven material including twigs, bark, fur, feathers, leaves and grass. The final touches include packing it even more tightly with moss, leaves, twigs and other debris and sometimes even paper or cardboard scraps to build up the outer shell of the new home. This creates a large, mostly enclosed, dry, warm and protective casing around the squirrels and their brood.

The inner cavity of a squirrels nest is usually about eight inches in diameter. However, some squirrel species have nests that are much larger.

 A squirrel nest in a tree is called a “drey nest” to distinguish it from a “cavity nest,” A cavity nest is built in a tree trunk opening.

A favored site for a drey is a tree crotch about 20 to 45 feet above ground level. Squirrels may also nest in attics or exterior walls of buildings. Tree dens offer squirrels the advantage of added protection from the elements.

Their favorite trees for building nests are the poplar, hickory, oak and beech which provide the foragers with a wonderful buffet of tasty meals.

Squirrels do not hibernate, and will regularly venture out to their food stores for supplies!

Squirrel nest-building activity is most noticeable during late spring and early summer. That’s when mother squirrels are teaching their spring-born young how to build nests. A baby squirrel is called a pup, kit or kitten. A female squirrel is a doe and a male is a buck.

They usually nest alone. However, during the height of the mating season, which usually starts at the beginning of the calendar year, both male and female squirrels will increase the workload on a nest for the purpose of mating. They may also share a nest which can help conserve body heat during the coldest stage of the winter weather onslaught.

So, that is your squirrel education for the day. 🙂