After watching squirrels dart around my backyard for years, I found myself wondering where these energetic creatures disappear to when the sun goes down.
Squirrels sleep in nests called dreys (leaf nests) built in tree branches, natural tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or underground burrows depending on the species. Tree squirrels prefer elevated nests in trees, while ground squirrels sleep in underground tunnel systems.
Quick Answer: Most tree squirrels sleep in dreys (leaf nests) or tree cavities 20-60 feet above ground. Ground squirrels sleep in underground burrows. Flying squirrels sleep in tree cavities and are active at night. Most squirrels are diurnal, meaning they sleep at night and are active during the day.
The type of nest depends on the squirrel species, habitat availability, and season. Some squirrels maintain multiple nests and rotate between them.
Types of Squirrel Nests
Understanding squirrel nest types helps explain where these animals spend their nights. After researching wildlife behavior and observing local squirrels, I've learned they're resourceful architects.
Drey: A drey is a spherical nest made of twigs, leaves, and moss that tree squirrels build in the forks of tree branches, typically 20-60 feet above ground.
Tree Squirrel Dreys
Dreys are the most recognizable squirrel nests. These leafy spheres appear as large clumps of leaves high in deciduous trees. I've counted several in my neighborhood oaks alone.
Construction begins with a woven twig framework that forms the outer shell. Squirrels then stuff the interior with softer materials like leaves, moss, grass, and bark for insulation.
The entrance is usually oriented toward the tree trunk, providing protection from wind and rain. A well-built drey maintains temperatures up to 20-30 degrees warmer than outside air.
Tree Cavities
When available, squirrels prefer natural tree hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes. These cavity nests offer superior protection compared to dreys.
I've observed that squirrels in older forests with mature trees rely more heavily on cavities. Urban squirrels often use cavity nests when dead trees (snags) are available in parks or wooded areas.
Cavities provide better insulation and protection from predators. A squirrel will line a cavity with soft materials like shredded bark or leaves for comfort.
Underground Burrows
Ground squirrels, as their name suggests, sleep in underground tunnel systems. These burrows can extend 5-30 feet in length with multiple entrances and chambers.
Eastern chipmunks (which are technically small ground squirrels) create elaborate burrow systems with separate rooms for sleeping, food storage, and waste.
Burrows maintain more stable temperatures throughout the year. Ground squirrels plug their entrances during cold weather to retain heat.
Squirrel Species and Their Sleeping Habits
Different squirrel species have evolved distinct sleeping strategies based on their habitat and lifestyle. After observing various species, the differences become quite clear.
| Species Type | Sleeping Location | Activity Pattern | Nest Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Tree branches | Diurnal (day active) | Dreys or cavities |
| Red Squirrel | Conifer forests | Diurnal | Cavities preferred |
| Fox Squirrel | Open woodlands | Diurnal | Dreys or cavities |
| Flying Squirrel | Tree cavities | Nocturnal (night active) | Cavities only |
| Ground Squirrel | Underground burrows | Diurnal | Underground tunnels |
Tree Squirrels
Eastern gray squirrels, red squirrels, and fox squirrels are all tree squirrels. They sleep elevated above ground for safety from predators.
These squirrels typically maintain 2-5 different nests within their territory. I've noticed they rotate between nests, which helps avoid parasite buildup and confuses predators.
Tree squirrels are strictly diurnal, meaning they're active during daylight hours and sleep at night. They typically settle into their nests about 30 minutes before sunset and emerge 30-45 minutes after sunrise.
Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels are unique among North American squirrels because they're nocturnal. They sleep during the day and become active at night.
These nocturnal squirrels rely exclusively on tree cavities for sleeping. Their large eyes are adapted for night vision, allowing them to glide between trees in darkness.
Flying squirrels often share cavities with family members, especially during winter when body heat conservation becomes crucial for survival.
Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels like the thirteen-lined ground squirrel and California ground squirrel sleep in underground burrows. Some species enter true hibernation during winter.
These burrows provide protection from both predators and extreme weather. The underground chambers stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Unlike tree squirrels, many ground squirrel species are social and may share burrow systems with multiple family members.
Squirrel Sleeping Patterns
Squirrels follow predictable daily rhythms that align with their natural instincts for survival. Understanding these patterns explains when and why squirrels sleep.
Are Squirrels Nocturnal or Diurnal?
Most squirrel species are diurnal, meaning they sleep at night and are active during the day. This includes all tree squirrels and most ground squirrels commonly seen in North America.
The main exception is the flying squirrel, which is nocturnal. If you see a squirrel gliding through trees at night, it's almost certainly a flying squirrel.
Diurnal squirrels typically sleep for 12-14 hours per day, primarily during nighttime hours. They may also take short midday naps, especially during hot summer weather.
Do Squirrels Sleep in the Same Place Every Night?
Squirrels typically do not sleep in the same nest every single night. They maintain multiple nests within their territory and rotate between them.
This nest rotation serves several purposes. It prevents parasite accumulation, provides escape options if a nest is compromised, and allows squirrels to sleep closer to current food sources.
A mother squirrel with babies will remain in one nest consistently until the young are old enough to travel, typically around 10-12 weeks.
Do Squirrels Sleep Alone or Together?
Adult tree squirrels typically sleep alone, except during mating season or extreme cold weather. Flying squirrels are more social and often share nesting cavities with family members.
During winter, I've observed that squirrels may share nests temporarily for warmth. This behavior is especially common among flying squirrels, where 4-10 individuals might share one cavity.
Mother squirrels sleep with their babies until the young are weaned and independent. A typical litter contains 2-5 babies that remain with the mother for several months.
Seasonal Sleeping Behavior
Squirrel sleeping habits change dramatically with the seasons. These adaptations help squirrels survive challenging weather conditions throughout the year.
Winter Sleeping Habits
During winter, tree squirrels spend more time in their nests and may sleep for longer periods. They don't hibernate but become less active to conserve energy.
On extremely cold days, squirrels may remain in their nests for days at a time, relying on cached food stores. I've noticed this behavior during harsh winter spells in my area.
Dreys provide surprising insulation. The woven outer shell sheds water and wind, while the soft interior lining traps body heat.
Do Squirrels Hibernate?
Tree squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active throughout winter, though they reduce activity levels and spend more time sleeping in their nests.
Many ground squirrel species do enter a form of hibernation called torpor. During torpor, a ground squirrel's body temperature drops dramatically, and their metabolism slows to conserve energy.
True hibernation can last for several months. Ground squirrels may wake periodically during winter to eat stored food before returning to their torpid state.
Key Difference: Torpor is a temporary state of reduced metabolic activity. Hibernation is an extended, seasonal state of dormancy. Ground squirrels may experience both throughout winter.
Fall Nest Building
Autumn is peak nest-building season for squirrels. They're actively constructing new dreys and reinforcing existing ones for the coming winter months.
I've noticed increased squirrel activity in my yard each fall as they gather materials and prepare their sleeping quarters. This is also when caching behavior peaks.
Squirrels may build special winter nests that are more heavily insulated than their summer sleeping spots. These winter dreys are often located in more protected locations.
Urban Squirrel Nesting
Squirrels have adapted remarkably well to human environments. Urban squirrels face unique challenges but have found creative sleeping solutions in cities and suburbs.
Do Squirrels Sleep in Attics?
Yes, squirrels will sleep in attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids when accessible. These locations mimic natural tree cavities and provide excellent shelter.
Attics offer protection from predators and weather. Unfortunately for homeowners, squirrels can cause significant damage when they take up residence indoors.
Signs of squirrels in your attic include scratching sounds at dawn and dusk (their most active periods), droppings, and gnawed entry holes near the roof line.
Other Urban Nesting Sites
In addition to attics, urban squirrels sleep in porch roofs, chimney cavities, sheds, garage rafters, and even occasionally in parked vehicles.
I've seen squirrels nesting in large birdhouses, empty planter boxes, and roof soffits. Their adaptability is truly remarkable.
City parks with mature trees provide ideal drey-building locations. The combination of old trees and reduced predator populations creates excellent urban squirrel habitat.
Preventing Unwanted Nesting
If you're concerned about squirrels nesting in your home, there are several preventive measures you can take.
- Inspect your home: Check for holes or gaps in the roof, eaves, and foundation.
- Trim tree branches: Cut back branches that touch your roof to reduce bridge access.
- Install chimney caps: Prevent squirrels from entering through open chimneys.
- Secure vents: Cover attic and crawl space vents with heavy-duty wire mesh.
- Remove food sources: Don't feed squirrels near your home and secure trash bins.
Where Do Baby Squirrels Sleep?
Baby squirrels, called kits or kittens, are born blind and hairless. They spend their first 6-8 weeks exclusively in the nest, relying entirely on their mother.
Mother squirrels prepare special nests called maternal dens for giving birth. These nests are typically larger and more insulated than regular sleeping dreys.
Tree cavities are preferred for maternal dens because they offer superior protection. If cavities aren't available, the mother will build an especially well-constructed drey.
Baby squirrels huddle together for warmth while the mother sleeps nearby or leaves briefly to forage. By 10-12 weeks, young squirrels are weaned and begin sleeping independently.
Identifying Squirrel Nests
Learning to identify squirrel nests can help you understand local wildlife populations. Here's what to look for when spotting squirrel sleeping sites.
Spotting a Drey
A drey typically appears as a messy ball of leaves, 12-24 inches in diameter, located in the fork of a large tree branch.
Look for dreys in mature deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and hickories. They're usually 20-60 feet above ground but can be higher or lower depending on available trees.
Fresh dreys have bright, greenish-brown leaves. Older dreys appear faded and weathered. Active dreys show signs of maintenance with fresh materials added regularly.
Cavity Nests
Tree cavity nests are harder to spot. Look for holes in tree trunks, especially in older trees or dead snags.
Signs of cavity use include bark scratching around the entrance, fresh wood chips from maintenance, and squirrels entering or exiting the hole.
Flying squirrels often use multiple cavities. Look for small groups flying between trees at dusk to locate active flying squirrel territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do squirrels sleep at night?
Squirrels sleep in nests called dreys built in tree branches, natural tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or underground burrows. Tree squirrels prefer elevated nests 20-60 feet above ground. Ground squirrels sleep in underground tunnel systems. The exact location depends on the squirrel species and available habitat.
Do squirrels sleep in the same place every night?
No, squirrels typically do not sleep in the same place every night. They maintain 2-5 different nests within their territory and rotate between them. This nest rotation prevents parasite buildup, provides escape options if a nest is compromised, and allows them to sleep closer to current food sources. Mothers with babies are the exception, staying in one nest until young are old enough to travel.
What is a squirrel nest called?
A squirrel nest is called a drey. Dreys are spherical nests made of twigs, leaves, and moss that tree squirrels build in the forks of tree branches. Ground squirrels create underground burrows instead of dreys. Some squirrels also use natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes for sleeping.
Do squirrels sleep alone or together?
Adult tree squirrels typically sleep alone, except during mating season or extreme cold weather. Flying squirrels are more social and often share nesting cavities with family members. During winter, squirrels may share nests temporarily for warmth. Mother squirrels sleep with their babies until the young are weaned and independent at around 10-12 weeks old.
Where do baby squirrels sleep?
Baby squirrels sleep in special nests called maternal dens prepared by their mother. These nests are typically located in tree cavities or well-constructed dreys and are larger and more insulated than regular sleeping nests. Baby squirrels are born blind and hairless, spending their first 6-8 weeks exclusively in the nest. They huddle together for warmth while the mother sleeps nearby or leaves briefly to forage.
Do squirrels hibernate?
Tree squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active throughout winter, though they reduce activity levels and spend more time sleeping in their nests. Many ground squirrel species do enter hibernation or a state called torpor. During torpor, a ground squirrel's body temperature drops dramatically and their metabolism slows to conserve energy. This can last for several months with periodic wake periods to eat stored food.
Where do ground squirrels sleep?
Ground squirrels sleep in underground burrows that can extend 5-30 feet in length with multiple entrances and chambers. These tunnel systems provide protection from predators and extreme weather while maintaining more stable temperatures throughout the year. The burrows include separate chambers for sleeping, food storage, and waste. Ground squirrels often plug their entrances during cold weather to retain heat.
Do squirrels sleep in attics?
Yes, squirrels will sleep in attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids when accessible. These locations mimic natural tree cavities and provide excellent shelter from predators and weather. Unfortunately, squirrels can cause significant damage when nesting in homes. Signs of squirrels in attics include scratching sounds at dawn and dusk, droppings, and gnawed entry holes near the roof line.
What time do squirrels go to sleep?
Most tree squirrels settle into their nests about 30 minutes before sunset and emerge 30-45 minutes after sunrise. Being diurnal animals, they sleep primarily during nighttime hours for 12-14 hours per day. They may also take short midday naps, especially during hot summer weather. Flying squirrels have the opposite pattern, sleeping during the day and becoming active at night since they are nocturnal.
Do flying squirrels sleep at night?
Flying squirrels do not sleep at night because they are nocturnal, meaning they are active during nighttime hours and sleep during the day. They rely exclusively on tree cavities for sleeping and emerge at dusk to hunt for food. Their large eyes are adapted for night vision, allowing them to glide between trees in darkness. Flying squirrels often share cavities with family members, especially during winter when body heat conservation becomes crucial.
Final Thoughts
Understanding where squirrels sleep at night reveals the remarkable adaptability of these common backyard creatures. From carefully constructed dreys high in trees to underground burrow systems, squirrels have evolved diverse strategies for safe sleeping.
Whether you're a homeowner dealing with unwanted attic guests or simply a nature enthusiast curious about backyard wildlife, knowing squirrel sleeping habits helps you appreciate these resourceful animals.
Next time you spot a leafy ball high in a tree or notice squirrels bustling at sunset, you'll know exactly where they're headed for the night.
