You may have spotted a squirrel in your yard and wondered if it’s a mother. Identifying a mother squirrel can be rewarding and helpful, especially if you want to protect her young. Look for signs like increased activity, a larger abdomen, and changes in behavior, as these are key indicators that you’ve found a mother squirrel.
Mother squirrels tend to be more active when gathering food and preparing their nests. You might also notice her being more cautious and defensive, as she is focused on protecting her babies. Understanding these behaviors will give you better insight into her role in the environment.
Keeping an eye on these signs can enhance your appreciation for wildlife in your area. With a little observation, you can help ensure the safety of both the mother and her young.
Identifying a Mother Squirrel
Knowing how to identify a mother squirrel helps you understand her role in caring for her young. There are specific physical traits and behaviors that set her apart from other squirrels.
Physical Characteristics of Mother Squirrels
Mother squirrels often show distinct physical signs. During pregnancy, female squirrels become noticeably larger due to carrying a litter. You might observe a rounder belly, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
After giving birth, mothers might appear more scruffy or worn due to the demands of raising their young. Their fur may lose some luster as they focus on finding food for their squirrel litter.
Keep an eye out for the presence of teats. After giving birth, these are often visible, indicating a nursing mother. This can help you confirm if a squirrel is indeed a mother, especially during the breeding season.
Behavioral Signs of a Squirrel Motherhood
Mother squirrels exhibit specific behaviors that signal their role. They are often protective and will be seen gathering food and returning to their nests. If you notice a squirrel making frequent trips back and forth, she might be foraging for her babies.
When you spot her close to her young, she will remain alert to any potential threats. If you approach her nest, she may act defensively by chattering or creating other sounds, to warn you off.
Typically, a mother will stay close to her nest during the first few weeks after giving birth. This dedication ensures her young receive the care and protection they need to thrive.
Understanding Squirrel Reproduction
Squirrel reproduction is an interesting process that includes mating, gestation, and the care of newborns. By knowing more about these stages, you can better understand how to identify a mother squirrel.
Mating Season and Gestation
Mating season for squirrels usually occurs in late winter and early spring, although this can vary by species. For instance, the eastern gray squirrel mates around January to March.
During mating, male squirrels pursue females, leading to competitive behavior. After successful mating, the female goes through a gestation period that can last between 30 to 65 days, depending on the species. For example, smaller species like the American red squirrel have shorter gestation times.
After mating, females prepare nests where they will give birth to a litter of 2 to 8 baby squirrels. Understanding this time frame helps in spotting a mother squirrel as she becomes more secretive and protective of her nesting area.
Birth and Care of Newborn Squirrels
When a squirrel gives birth, she usually does so in a hidden, secure nest. Newborn squirrels are blind, hairless, and completely vulnerable. At this stage, they heavily rely on their mother for warmth, food, and protection.
The mother squirrel will nurse her young, staying close by to keep them safe from predators. Generally, she will not stray far from her nest. Within a few weeks, the baby squirrels begin to develop fur and open their eyes.
During this early period, the mother is very focused on her babies, so if you see a squirrel carrying food back to a specific nest, it likely indicates she is caring for new pups.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
There are times when you might need to reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a lone baby squirrel on the ground that appears abandoned or injured, it is crucial to get help.
First, observe the baby for signs of distress. If it seems cold, lethargic, or unable to move, you should seek assistance. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for young squirrels, and they can provide necessary food and medical attention.
Make sure to avoid trying to care for the squirrel yourself unless you are experienced. Handling wild animals can stress them and may do more harm than good. Always refer to a local wildlife rehabilitator for the best outcome for the baby squirrel.
