Squirrel Breeding Season & Birth

Squirrel Season: An Introduction

Are squirrels pestering you? Are they on your roof, climbing your trees or in your attic? The Catseye Pest Control team knows squirrels can drive you nuts, and we want to provide you with a bit of information about the pesky Gray Squirrels you might see a lot of this season.

Squirrels are normally found in wooded areas, and depending on the species they prefer different types. For example, Gray Squirrels prefer hardwoods whereas Flying Squirrels prefer softwoods. They are primarily herbivores, but as opportunistic feeders, squirrels will also eat bird eggs as well as nestlings.

Gray Squirrels are social, and you will probably see they roaming your yard in groups. Flying Squirrels are also social – so social, as many as 15 or more nest together! Unlike these squirrels, Red Squirrels are usually solitary. The only time they can be found together are when females are caring for their young.

Gray Squirrel Breeding

Gray Squirrels begin breeding in the middle of December and early January, with gestation taking approximately 40-45 days. They normally give birth in February and March. After this gestation period, five to ten percent will breed again in June to have a second litter in July! The average litter consists of two to four young who remain with parents beyond weaning, and female squirrels tend to stay with their mothers for several months.

That’s all for today’s lesson. Coming soon, look for tips on how to keep Gray Squirrels from pestering your yard and home!