Squirrels

Squirrels are a type of rodent that are commonly found in trees, but can also build their nests in man-made structures such as homes.

Identifying a Squirrel

Depending on the species, a tree squirrel can grow to over two feet long (including tail length), and weigh three pounds. A tree squirrel is covered in hair, including its long, bushy tail. They are usually a combination of white, gray, yellow or brown, with a light or dark colored belly. Squirrels, like other rodents, possess chisel-like front teeth and back molars, lacking canine teeth.

Flying squirrels are generally approximately one foot long, including their tail, and posses a membrane of skin stretched between its fore and hind feet. It is by stretching this membrane that the flying squirrel is able to glide through the air (they do not actually fly). Flying squirrels have rich soft coats that range from gray to brown.

The Damage Squirrels Can Cause

Tree squirrels will readily make their nests in attics where they can create a noise nuisance and damage the structure. They also cause damage outdoors to electrical and telephone cables, and are a frequent cause for disrupted service.

Flying squirrels favor ready-found nests in trees that have rotted or former woodpecker holes. However, flying squirrels also make their nests in house attics, living in groups of 20 or more. When these rodents infest an attic they can create unpleasant odors and sounds, as well as damage the structure with their urine.

Squirrels’ Life Cycle

Tree squirrels will usually produce a litter in the early spring, and again in the later summer, with the number of young ranging from 2-7. The female is pregnant for 38-44 days, giving birth to blind and naked young. The young are then nourished with milk for 2-3 months.

Flying squirrels also produce 2 litters each year, in the mid-spring and late summer. The gestation period for a flying squirrel is approximately 40 days and each litter contains 2-6 young.

Tree squirrels can live longer than 10 years in captivity, while flying squirrels can live for more than 13 years.

Squirrels’ Habits

Most squirrel species are active year round, although some do nest over winter. Throughout the day, it is the morning and late afternoon/early evening that reveals the most tree squirrel activity, as they gather food and build nests.

Some species of flying squirrels are nocturnal, and these species tend also to be carnivorous - favoring insects and bird eggs, but eating meat when it is available.