Where Do Baby Squirrels Live? a Wonderful Window surprise

Squirrels are one of the most common animals in North America. They are often seen in trees, on the ground, or scurrying across power lines. You can even find them in your backyard! But where do baby squirrels live?

This post will get you up to speed on everything you need to know about your question where do baby squirrels live? Read on to get some facts about squirrel habitats and a unique look at a photographer that had a front-row seat to a squirrel’s nest built on his windowsill at home in Germany.

Where Do Baby Squirrels Live?

Squirrels and their babies live mainly in wooded and urban areas. You can spot squirrels in forested areas, backyards, parks, and even neighborhoods.

Squirrels live in trees, under the ground, and in those big nests, you sometimes see them building out of leaves. If you find a squirrel nest, it might be near a water source or another place where the squirrels like to eat and drink.

These nests will have insulation around them, so the temperature inside the nest is warmer than outside.

Squirrels spend most of their time up in the trees! In fact, very little of a squirrel’s day happens on the ground.

Where Do Baby Squirrels Live and Nest?

Squirrels like to build their homes in deciduous trees ( a tree that loses its leaves every fall). They create nests to live in out of leaves, twigs, and bark. These nests are often called “dreys.”

It is not uncommon for squirrels to build nests in garages, attics, sheds, barns, and other buildings. Sometimes they will find their way inside these structures by climbing up the side of the building or squeezing between cracks.

Tree squirrels usually don’t nest on the ground because they’re vulnerable to predators that way. They’ll sleep at night on branches or in trees instead of on the ground for safety purposes. However, ground squirrels burrow underground instead of living in tree nests.

What Does a Squirrel’s Nest Look Like?

A leaf nest is also called a drey. The drey can be as small as 10 inches or as large as 4 feet with an opening about 12 inches across and 5 inches deep. A nest can last multiple seasons. This type of nest has some protection because there are leaves on top; however, it also means that predators can easily reach into the opening.

Squirrels often return to their nest or find another that is vacant. Want to learn more about squirrel nests? Look no further than the Ultimate Guide to Squirrel Nests.

What Time of Year do Squirrels Build Nests?

Squirrels build nests in the spring and early summer. They will use anything from grass and leaves to tree bark but often make a dry grass and twigs nest. They’ve even been known to re-use birds’ nests.

Facts About Baby Squirrels

• Squirrels breed once or twice per year.
• They mate in the early spring, and may breed again in the summer.
• Squirrels, depending on the type are pregnant for 25-45 days.
• Momma squirrels give birth to their babies in tree nests or holes in the ground (depending on the type of squirrel).
• The babies do not have any fur, can’t open their open eyes, are deaf, and can’t walk for about a month.
• Mom takes care of the baby squirrels by herself for three-four months.
• Female squirrels have one litter their first year and usually two after that for up to 10 years.
• Most squirrels have 3 or 4 babies at a time, but ground squirrels have 7 or 8.

Are Baby Squirrels Living on a Window Sill?

A windowsill is sure an odd place for a squirrel home. But it happened. A momma squirrel had chosen Mr. Timm’s window ledge to build her nest and start her family. Timm, a wildlife photographer, knew he was in for an extraordinary experience when he discovered a mother squirrel and her babies napping in a nest right outside his bathroom window. Mr. Timm said, “At first, we only noticed a few small twigs that were lying on the windowsill. We thought the wind had blown it there.” “Then we saw the squirrels building.”

The Baby Squirrels Grow Up Too Fast

Timm, a wildlife photographer, knew the unexpected arrival of these cute little squirrels presented an opportunity to get close and document their daily life. He was especially eager to see the adorable animals grow as a family.

So, Where Do Baby Squirrels Live? In Mr. Timm’s Window Sill

Timm kept close tabs on the momma squirrel and her ever-growing babies just outside his window. This snapshot is one of his prized photographs among all the photos he took. The baby squirrels snuggled up with each other taking a nap. As a matter of fact, baby squirrels are called ‘kits’ or kittens.

“It was very lucky for me to be able to take a picture of the sleeping squirrels,” Timm said. “Normally, they’re inside the nest, but it was hot that day, so they slept where I could see them.”

The scene of a few sleeping squirrels might seem simple enough but seeing it firsthand is unlike any other experience. That moment started with just a few twigs outside Timm’s window, and it all began to unfold from there.

“It’s a very nice coincidence [that they chose that spot],” Timm said. “We got to see the squirrels grow up.”

Conclusion

Finally, we hope you found the answer to your question, “Where do baby squirrels live?” If you’ve had an experience with a squirrel nest or baby squirrel you would like to share, leave a comment below or use our contact page.