What Do Squirrel Nests Look Like? – The Ultimate Guide
Ever seen a clump of leaves high in a tree? It’s probably a squirrel’s hidden home! What do squirrel nests look like, and how can you spot them? Squirrels build cozy nests, called dreys, using leaves, twigs, and moss. These nests can be found in treetops or inside hollow tree trunks. They blend in with nature, making them tricky to spot. These amazing little homes show just how clever squirrels really are!

What are the Two Types of Squirrel Nests?
- Leaf Nests: Built at least 20 feet up in trees, often in a fork of a large branch for stability. Noticeably larger than bird nests, these are constructed using leaves.
- Tree Cavity Dens: Located in hollows of trees, sometimes in spaces initially made by woodpeckers. They offer excellent protection from elements like rain, wind, and snow, making them a preferred choice for squirrels.
Do Squirrels Make Nests?
Not all squirrels make nests. While some species of tree squirrels do build nests, others don’t. Flying squirrels, for example, typically live in tree cavities or dens that they share with other animals. Ground squirrels, on the other hand, prefer to make burrows underground rather than nests.
The type of nest or shelter chosen by a squirrel will depend on the species, habitat, and individual preferences.

Where Do Squirrels Make Nests?
When selecting a location to build their nest, tree squirrels favor spots where they can use natural supports, like vines that have become knotted into nests or fork junctions where several branches meet the trunk.
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Do Squirrels Nest in the Ground?
Some squirrels, like ground squirrels, build underground burrows rather than tree nests.
Why Do Squirrels Build Nests?
Squirrels build nests to shelter themselves from the elements and predators and store food, such as nuts and acorns, to eat later when food is scarce.

squirrel nest
Do Male Squirrels Build Nests?
Yes, male squirrels do build nests. This instinctual behavior is driven by their natural urge to create a place of safety and shelter for themselves.
Why Do Squirrels Build Nests in High Trees
Why do squirrels build nests in the first place? They need shelter for themselves and to keep their babies warm and safe. Nests are built high in a tree, usually 20 feet high in a tree fork or nook. A tree fork or nook serves as a solid, supportive base for the nest.
Squirrel Nest vs Bird Nest?
A squirrel tree nest looks a lot like a bird’s nest. You can tell a squirrel tree nest from a bird’s nest because they are much larger than a typical bird nest. They are usually 20 feet (6 m) high up in a fork or nook of trees.
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Do Squirrels Destroy Bird Nests?
Squirrels can potentially destroy bird nests, but they don’t typically do so deliberately. In some cases, squirrels may inadvertently damage nests while attempting to feed on insects or other nearby food sources.
Furthermore, squirrels may damage bird nests by chewing through them to reach the food inside. Also, red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) have been observed engaging in nest predation of eggs or nestlings. However, this is not a widespread problem for squirrels to cause harm to bird nests in some instances.

What Does A Squirrel Nest Look Like?
A squirrel nest, or “drey, “is the cozy home of a tree-dwelling squirrel species. The nest is usually in a high tree branch but can also be found in a bush or a hollowed tree trunk. A squirrel may sometimes build its nest on the ground in a brush pile or under a fallen log if no suitable trees are available.
The drey can range from 10 to 30 inches wide and 12 to 18 inches deep. It typically consists of a large ball of leaves, twigs, grass, and other vegetation tightly bound together. A squirrel nest consists of an outer layer of leaves tightly woven to form a dome shape.
Nesting Materials
Nest building is tedious work. A squirrel gathers materials and piles them together with its mouth or paws to transport them to the nest.

What Does the Inside of a Squirrel Nest Look Like?
In the wild, nests are built out of branches, twigs, dried leaves, and bark strips. The nest is lined with softer materials like moss, grass, feathers, and other soft materials to line their nests for extra comfort. Squirrels living in urban areas use stuffing from items like outdoor cushions, dog beds, and blankets as nesting material.
The entrance hole is typically located on one side of the nest and is small enough to keep out predators. Inside the nest, squirrels may have a few storage compartments to store their food.
The inside of the nest is usually warm and cozy, providing a safe place for squirrels to rest and raise their young.

Building – Squirrel Nests in Trees
First, the squirrel builds a skeleton of a nest by weaving together sticks and twigs. Like an artist, the squirrel weaves the outer skeleton shell into the shape of a sphere paying close attention not to leave any gaps in the foundation. The outside shell of the nest is lined with twigs, moss, and leaves.
Squirrel Nest Building for Insulation
The outside layers of twigs, moss, and leaves provide stability. Surprisingly, the nest (drey) is sturdy enough to withstand some predators and the elements of weather like high winds, hail, freezing rain, and snow. A squirrel can freeze to death if the nest is not well insulated.

courtesy of @CynthiaPeterson2015
on IG
Do Squirrels Prefer a Tree Cavity Over a Nest?
A tree cavity, also called a den is preferable over a nest because they provide more protection from the weather.
A tree cavity is often created by a woodpecker, then abandoned and later claimed by a squirrel. Besides the crafty work of woodpeckers, Mother Nature’s fires, floods, and storms also form tree cavities.

Squirrels prefer a tree cavity or den. Baby squirrels born in leaf nests risk falling, being eaten, or orphaned. Leaf nests are very vulnerable to wind and rain. Weather can damage tree nests or send them tumbling to the ground.

Also, crows will tear apart the nest to steal the babies. Many babies end up on the ground before the momma squirrel can return to the nest.
Do Squirrels Share Nests?
Yes, squirrels will share nests, especially when the population of squirrels in an area is high. Sharing a nest helps to protect the squirrels from predators and provides warmth and shelter during extremely cold weather.
A female squirrel also shares her nest with her young.
How Many Squirrels Live in One Nest?
Most adult tree squirrels live independently unless they are raising their young and will share their nest with their babies.
Tree squirrels often nest together to keep warm if the temperature drops or during a severe cold snap. When nesting or grouped, squirrels form a “scurry.”
Squirrel Nesting Box
A squirrel nest box is constructed from wood. The ideal nesting box should be placed at least 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground but ideally around 20-30 ft.
Situate the entrance hole to face east or south, away from powerful winter winds. Avoid placing a nesting box in a dead tree because, over time, the tree could fall, cause harm to your squirrel family, and destroy the nesting box.
Squirrels adapt pretty readily to nest boxes. A squirrel will be more likely to call it home if it is filled with plenty of dry leaves, stuffing, upholstery batting, or blankets.

Predator Guard for Squirrel Nesting Box
When building or buying a squirrel nest box, choose one that has an inside shelf that sits right under the entrance hole. The inside shelf protects cats, snakes, and raccoons from getting inside the squirrel nest box.
Where Do Squirrels Go at Night?
During the evening, a squirrel’s sleeping habits are similar to ours. As a result, they are pretty silent. The squirrels nap, sleep or tend to their young in their nests at night. Their nest is their sanctuary.

Do Squirrels Come Back to the Same Nest?
Yes, squirrels typically come back to the same nest. This is because they have a very good memory and can remember where they have stored their food or built their nest.
Do Squirrels Build a New Nest Every Year?
Most squirrels do not need to build a new nest every year; however, red squirrels are known to build a new one yearly.
How Long Do Squirrels Use Their Nest?
Tree squirrels use the same nest for many years if the area remains safe. However, if the nest is damaged by bad weather or other animals, they will need to find a new one.
Do Squirrels Reuse Their Nests?
They often use the same nesting sites for years and may reuse old nests from previous seasons.
Squirrels are also known to build multiple nests in one area, making it easier for them to return to the same general area. In addition, squirrels will often mark the entrance of their nest with urine or scent glands, which helps them to recognize their nest as home.
It is important to note that if a squirrel is disturbed or threatened in its nest, it may move to a new nest to feel safer. Squirrels will also abandon a nest if food sources become scarce in the area or if there is too much human activity. However, if the conditions remain suitable, they can often return to the same nest year after year.
Do Squirrels Sleep in the Same Nest Every Night?
While other mammals, such as mice and rats, return to the same nest each night, it is not uncommon for a squirrel to sleep in a different location. Squirrels are very territorial, so they will look for new places to sleep if they know it is safe.
It is also normal for squirrels to change their sleeping locations when the weather turns cold, as they will want to find a place that is sheltered from the elements.
How Far Do Squirrels Roam from Their Nest?
The exact distance a squirrel will roam from its nest can vary greatly depending on the squirrel species, its age, and the availability of resources. Generally, however, squirrels tend to stay within a few hundred yards of their nests.
However, some species, such as fox squirrels, may have a home range of up to several miles. This is especially true of young squirrels, who are more likely to explore further away in search of new food sources. Additionally, if resources become scarce, squirrels may also roam further away to find food.

Do Squirrels Have More Than One Nest?
Generally, they build multiple nests to move their babies in an emergency if the nest is threatened by a predator. Another reason for re-location is if the nest becomes infested with fleas. The backup nests are stored for extra food and a place to nap. They will also reuse nests they previously built.
Where Do Squirrels Go When it Rains?
During a downpour, squirrels seek refuge in their nests or dreys to avoid getting wet. When the winds are strong, they usually seek refuge in a hollow tree to avoid being thrown out of their homes and injured. During a light shower, the squirrel’s bushy tail can be flipped over the body and serve as an umbrella

Final Thoughts on What Do Squirrel Nests Look Like?
For many people, a squirrel may be the only wild animal they see every day. Take a look high in the trees to see how many squirrel nests you see. Have you ever noticed them before? Now that you know what to look for, you’ll be surprised at how many you find!
If you have any thoughts or suggestions about squirrel nests or would like to share a squirrel experience with us, we would be happy to hear from you. Please comment below or use our contact page to get in touch.
Great content and well put together! It’s hard for me to believe that Clara is all grown up and a mama herself in the same tree where this picture was taken.
They sure grow up quickly, don’t they? She is a doll. Thanks a lot for your comment. 🙂
I had a bathing suit top left out overbite. It was torn up and parts had been torn apart. Did a squirrel do this for nest material
??❤❤❤
Love your little video and all the info you have given. In the winter, we have many that take our peanuts. In the summer, we have very few. I was wondering if they find other places or are nesting.
Thank you Sheri, I enjoyed putting together this information. We had a lot of help from Instagram followers that contributed their real-life photos of nests/dreys. We appreciate your support by reading the Kitty City Squirrels blog!
What part of the world do you live in and I can see if I can offer any information regarding your peanut question.:)
Merideth
Merideth Sweeney, this article is a gem for wildlife lovers! Really enjoyed the insights on where squirrels go when it rains – never knew they had such sophisticated survival strategies. It’s fascinating how nature works. Thanks for sharing!
Great piece on squirrel nests! Always curious about these structures while out shooting. The part about nesting materials is spot-on, noticed similar patterns in my photos. Wish there was more on their camouflage techniques, though.
really intrigued by the squirrel nesting box section. anyone tried integrating a live feed camera in one? thinking about the privacy for squirrels though, don’t wanna be too invasive.
Tried setting up a camera near a nesting box once! It’s all about position – high enough for a good view but not too close. Also, no bright lights to disturb them. Fascinating to watch!
This article provides such valuable information for my students’ next project on local wildlife! How squirrels build and choose their nests will be a great topic to explore. Thanks, Merideth, for this well-researched piece!
Interesting take on squirrel nests, but I wonder about the ecological impact of encouraging people to put up nesting boxes. In some areas, squirrels are overpopulated and this could potentially worsen the problem.
Loved the comparison between squirrel and bird nests. It’s amazing how each creature adapts to their environment. On my nature walks, I’ve noticed some overlap in nesting areas. Always wondered about the dynamic there.
I’ve always been fascinated by squirrels and their nesting habits, and this article shed so much light on it. Particularly interesting was the distinction between tree cavity nests and the leafy dreys. I’d love to know more about how squirrels choose their nesting sites. Fantastic read, Merideth Sweeney!
hey, so i got squirrels in my yard n was wonderin if those boxes work to keep em from chewin on my house. anyone tried em?
Tried making a box last spring. It kinda works, but you gotta place it right and keep it maintained.
But just think how happy that lil squirrel will be to have a home!
Boxes never work for me, they prefer my attic. I think it’s all about location.
And warmth! Location, location, location!
Yes, they work great. Try this squirrel house! https://kittycitysquirrels.com/products/
Didn’t know squirrels had so many nest types. I’ve seen a couple in trees around my place, now I’m thinking they might be squirrel nests. Cool info.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Absolutely loved the comparison between squirrel and bird nests. This will really help me in identifying them during my photography sessions in the wild. Thanks for the insightful article, Merideth!
You are very welcome, thanks for supporting Kitty City Squirrels!
Great, now I know where my missing socks ended up. Squirrels making a fashion statement in their nests?
they may be in the dryer!