When Do Squirrels Have Babies? Nature’s Timing Revealed

When do squirrels have babies? Twice a year, these champions of the trees transform from nut-hoarding neighbors into doting parents! Most welcome their pink, hairless bundles of joy in early spring and again in late summer. While you’re bundling up in February, mama squirrels are already prepping their nurseries—whether in cozy tree hollows or (surprise!) your toasty attic. Understanding their family planning calendar is your secret weapon for peaceful squirrel coexistence!

The Secret Lives of Squirrel Families

Ever wondered why that gray squirrel in your backyard has different babies than the red one in the park across town? We’re about to dive into the family secrets of North America’s four main squirrels (tree dwelling): the Eastern gray (suburban social butterflies), American red (pinecone specialists), fox (the gentle giants), and flying squirrels (night-shift gliders). We’re uncovering their baby-making schedules, nesting habits, and what it all means for your home and garden.

“Squirrels time their reproduction with remarkable precision,” explains Merideth at Kitty City Squirrels. “They’re essentially running complex algorithms—tracking food cycles, predator populations, and climate patterns—all to give their babies the best chance of survival. It’s not just instinct; it’s ecological intelligence at its finest.”

Nature’s Calendar: When Squirrels Welcome Their Young

Contrary to what many believe, squirrel reproduction doesn’t follow a single annual cycle. Most North American squirrel species operate on a biannual breeding schedule, with distinct mating seasons in winter and summer, resulting in spring and late summer/early fall births.

The typical squirrel gestation period ranges from 38-46 days, depending on the species. This relatively short pregnancy allows female squirrels to potentially raise two litters annually when conditions are favorable.

Several environmental factors influence exactly when squirrels breed:

• Temperature patterns and seasonal changes
• Food availability and quality
• Population density
• Predator presence
• Habitat conditions

Merideth says, “Squirrels are like tiny weather forecasters! Long before we had fancy weather tools, they were already adjusting when they have babies based on what’s happening in nature. So when squirrels change their timing, it’s like getting a message from the environment that something’s shifting.

Species-Specific Reproduction

Eastern Gray Squirrels: The Suburban Specialists

Eastern gray squirrels, those ubiquitous backyard residents, typically produce two litters annually. Their primary breeding season runs from December through February, with babies arriving between February and April. A second breeding period occurs in late spring to early summer (May-July), resulting in late summer to early fall births (August-October).

Female grays typically raise 2-4 babies per litter, though litters of up to 8 have been documented in particularly resource-rich environments. Studies have tracked increasing average litter sizes in suburban environments, suggesting gray squirrels are adapting successfully to human-dominated landscapes.

American Red Squirrels: The Northern Strategists

Red squirrels follow a slightly different reproductive calendar than their gray cousins. Their breeding season begins earlier, sometimes starting in January in southern regions, with females giving birth as early as February. Northern populations breed later, with litters arriving in April or May.

What makes red squirrels unique is their adaptive reproductive strategy. In years with abundant pine cone crops (their primary food source), females may produce a second litter in late summer. During poor pine cone years, they might skip reproduction entirely—a remarkable example of natural resource management.

Fox Squirrels: The Patient Parents

The largest tree squirrel in North America, fox squirrels typically produce just one litter per year, though southern populations occasionally manage two. Their breeding season runs from December through February, with babies arriving approximately 45 days later, between February and April.

At Kitty City Squirrels in Los Angeles, we’ve seen squirrels have two litters a year for eight years in a row. Even during dry seasons and warmer-than-usual winters, the local fox squirrels have kept up their twice-a-year baby schedule.

Fox squirrel mothers invest more time in each offspring, resulting in particularly robust juveniles with higher survival rates—a quality-over-quantity approach to reproduction.

Flying Squirrels: Nighttime Nurturers

Our nocturnal gliding neighbors follow yet another pattern. Northern flying squirrels typically produce a single litter per year in late spring, while southern flying squirrels often manage two litters—one in early spring and another in late summer.

Flying squirrels have the smallest litters among North American squirrels, averaging just 2-3 offspring, but compensate with extraordinary maternal care. Night-vision monitoring has documented flying squirrel mothers spending up to 80% of their active time gathering food for their young—more than any other squirrel species.

From Pink to Playful: Baby Squirrel Development

A newborn squirrel looks very different from its adult counterpart. These tiny, pink, hairless, blind, and deaf creatures weigh less than an ounce at birth. Over the next few months, they undergo a remarkable transformation:

• Week 1: Newborns are entirely dependent on their mother. Their eyes and ears are closed, and their pink skin is fully visible.
• Weeks 2-3: Fine fur begins to grow, but the babies remain blind and deaf. Teeth (lower incisors) start to emerge during this period.
• Week 4: Eyes begin to open, fur becomes thicker, and their ears start to function. They remain in the nest but are becoming more aware of their surroundings.
• Weeks 5-6: Fully furred, baby squirrels start exploring the nest area. Their teeth are developed enough to begin transitioning to solid food alongside their mother’s milk.
• Weeks 7-8: Young squirrels venture outside the nest for short excursions under their mother’s supervision, practicing climbing and foraging skills.
• Weeks 10-12: By this stage, squirrels are weaned and independent but may stay near their mother’s territory as they adjust to life on their own.

Hand-raised orphaned squirrels develop along the same timeline but can show delayed environmental adaptation skills, highlighting the critical role of maternal guidance in squirrel development.

Squirrel mothers are meticulous about selecting safe birthplaces. Their preferences include:

Natural Nests

Tree cavities offer premier protection from predators and weather, while leaf nests (dreys) provide quick-construction alternatives when cavities aren’t available. These baseball-sized collections of leaves and twigs expand to basketball-sized nurseries through careful construction.

Human Structures

Attics, wall voids, and chimneys mimic the safety of tree cavities but with superior protection from predators and elements. This explains why pregnant female squirrels frequently seek access to homes during late winter and mid-summer—precisely when they’re preparing to give birth.

A female squirrel doesn’t break into your attic to cause trouble—she sees it as a safe, quiet place to raise her babies. Knowing this can help you handle the situation in a kind and respectful way.

Telling Signs: How to Detect a Squirrel Nursery Nearby

If a mother squirrel has chosen your property for her nursery, you’ll likely notice:

• Increased squirrel activity, especially during early morning and late afternoon
• Distinctive chirping sounds (baby squirrels’ calls to their mother)
• Rustling or scratching noises from ceilings or walls
• Chewed entry points, typically 2-3 inches in diameter
• Nesting materials like leaves, insulation, or shredded paper visible near entry points

Found a Baby Squirrel? Here’s What to Do

Finding a baby squirrel on the ground does not always mean it has been abandoned. Before taking action, follow these steps:

1. Observe from a Distance:
   Watch the baby squirrel for 1-2 hours if it appears uninjured. Keep pets and people away during this time, as the mother will not return if humans are nearby.
2. Provide Immediate Safety:
   If the baby is in immediate danger, place it in a shallow box lined with soft material (like fleece or a clean towel) near where it was found. Secure the box off the ground if possible.
3. Add a Heat Source:
   Baby squirrels need warmth, especially if temperatures are below 70°F. Use a tightly sealed hot water bottle or instant hand warmers wrapped in a towel to provide heat.
4. Reuniting with the Mother:
   Mother squirrels are excellent caregivers and will usually retrieve their young if given the chance. Leave the area and observe from afar for several hours during daylight. If possible, play baby squirrel distress calls to help the mother locate her baby.
5. When to Seek Help:
   If the mother does not return after one full day, or if the baby shows signs of injury, dehydration, or infestation (e.g., maggots or fleas), contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to feed or hydrate the baby yourself, as improper care can be DEADLY.

Disclaimer: If you find a sick, injured, or orphaned animal, please don’t take on the responsibility of caring for it yourself. Please locate a licensed rehabber in your area, and remember, this is about the animal’s one chance at life.

If all else fails, here is a resource for temporary squirrel care until a rehabber is found.

Looking for a Squirrel Rehabber? Here are 3 Resources

• Squirrel Rehab Locator Map – input your zip code or city into the search bar of Google Maps.
• Animal Help Now – licensed rehabber directory
• Squirrel Connections – licensed rehabber directory by state

Prevention: Keeping Squirrels from Choosing Your Home

The most effective way to prevent squirrels from nesting in your home is proactive maintenance:

• Inspect your home exterior seasonally, focusing on roofline, vents, and chimney
• Install chimney caps and vent covers with heavy-gauge screening
• Trim tree branches at least 8-10 feet from your roofline
• Seal potential entry points with durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth
• Consider installing wildlife-friendly nesting boxes on trees away from your home as alternative nesting sites

The Bigger Picture: Why Squirrel Reproduction Matters

We hope we answered your question about “when do squirrels have babies.” These tiny creatures play a crucial role in our ecosystem by planting future forests through their forgotten seed caches. Their reproductive cycles serve as natural indicators of environmental health, showing us when conditions are right for new life to thrive.

When a mother squirrel has her babies at just the right time—when spring flowers are blooming or when fall acorns are plentiful—it shows that the environment is healthy. By learning when squirrels have babies, we become better neighbors to wildlife. We can protect our homes from unwanted squirrel guests while also respecting the important role these small animals play in nature.

Those tiny baby squirrels aren’t just adorable—they’re part of nature’s cycle that’s been happening for thousands of years, right in our own backyards.

Have you had any encounters with baby squirrels? Let us know in the comments below!