Ever watched the wind whip through the trees and wondered where all the squirrels vanish to? Squirrels usually hunker down in tree cavities, sturdy nests, or burrows to stay safe from wind, rain, and flying debris.
They’ve got a few tricks up their sleeves. Squirrels pick out shelters, stash food, and keep movement to a minimum when the weather gets wild.
This article digs into their survival moves and points out what you might spot in your yard after the winds settle down.
Where Do Squirrels Go During a Hurricane?
Squirrels do their best to stay dry and protected from wild winds and falling branches. They stick to whatever spot keeps them safest and move around as little as possible until things calm down.
Tree Cavities and Nests
You’ll often spot gray squirrels and other tree lovers tucked away in tree cavities or their leafy dreys. Tree cavities—those hollow trunks or big limbs—block wind and rain better than a nest out in the open.
Dreys, which are those messy-looking leaf-and-twig nests, sit in forked branches or dense limbs. Squirrels bulk up dreys with extra leaves and moss when a storm’s coming.
If the drey feels too flimsy, the squirrel heads for a cavity or a sturdier spot in the tree’s crown.
Got big old oaks or maples nearby? Watch for squirrel activity around holes in the trunk after a storm. Squirrels check for damage, fix up their nests, and claim their food stashes again.
They seem to prefer tree cavities when the wind is at its worst—makes sense, right? Less risk of getting bonked by falling debris.
Burrows and Underground Hideouts
Ground squirrels, chipmunks, and a few other species retreat to burrows when things get rough. They dig these tunnels below the frost line or on slopes, usually with more than one entrance for quick escapes and fresh air.
These burrows shelter them from the wind and flying debris.
Sometimes, even tree squirrels head for lower ground if flooding looks likely. They pick higher burrow entrances or squeeze under roots.
Burrows also give young or injured squirrels a shot at staying safe since the soil buffers noise and temperature swings.
You probably won’t spot them during the storm. When it’s over, they come out slowly, checking for flooded tunnels and moving their food caches to safer spots.
Urban and Man-Made Shelters
In cities and suburbs, squirrels get creative. They sneak into attics, sheds, and under thick eaves when trees aren’t enough.
Attics and wall voids offer dry, warm space, and squirrels squeeze in through gaps around vents or soffits.
You might hear more noise in your attic right before a big storm—chances are, they’re stashing food in there.
They’ll also hide out in dense shrubs, garages, or under porches. These spots cut down on wind and keep them close to food.
If you find a squirrel in your house or shed, check for entry points. Don’t seal them up if you think babies are inside—nobody wants that mess.
It’s not unusual to see more squirrel activity near buildings before and after hurricanes. They’re just scrambling for safer, drier places and patching up their nests.
How Squirrels Prepare and Survive Hurricanes
Squirrels don’t waste time when a storm’s coming. They focus on finding strong shelter, grabbing food, and hunkering down until it’s safe.
Sensing and Detecting Hurricanes
Squirrels seem to sense when a storm’s brewing. You’ll notice them acting differently—they pick up on pressure changes and wind shifts.
Gray squirrels, for example, start foraging like crazy when the barometric pressure drops. They scatter nuts and seeds all over so that if one stash floods, they’ve got backups.
You might see them darting in and out of the same trees or holes. Those are probably their chosen hideouts.
Wildlife rehabbers say squirrels get busier during the day right before storms. They’re making last-minute nest repairs or moving food to higher, safer ground.
Reinforcing Nests for Protection
Squirrels get to work reinforcing dreys and tree cavities before the winds hit. You’ll spot thicker nests where they’ve added leaves, moss, and twigs for better insulation and sturdiness.
Gray squirrels love woodpecker holes and big hollows, since those spots give them a solid barrier against rain and debris.
If a drey looks extra packed or tucked deep in the branches, odds are the squirrel just beefed it up.
Some squirrels even move into sheds or attics when trees get damaged. If you’re keeping an eye on the wildlife after a hurricane, check those higher, protected spots too.
Behavioral Changes During the Storm
When a hurricane hits, squirrels really slow down and try to save their energy. Most of them curl up tight inside tree cavities or cozy dens.
They avoid hanging out on open branches—who wants to get hit by flying debris, right? You probably won’t spot many squirrels during a storm since they’re lying low to stay safe.
Once the storm passes, squirrels waste no time. They pop out to check on their food stashes and start fixing up any damage to their nests.
If you come across a squirrel that looks hurt or lost, it’s best to call a local wildlife rehabilitator. They’ll know what to do and can help the animal recover.
