Ever spotted a messy ball of leaves high up in a tree and wondered what put it there? Squirrel nests usually look like round, twig-and-leaf balls called dreys, or sometimes like cozy hideaways inside tree trunks known as dens. Both give squirrels shelter and a spot to raise their babies.
Look up, and you’ll often see dreys made of twigs, moss, and leaves tucked into forked branches. Dens in hollow trunks are a bit different, and squirrels pick one or the other depending on what’s around. It’s not always easy to tell them apart unless you really look.
Key Features of Squirrel Nests
Let’s get into what a squirrel’s drey actually looks like, what keeps it warm and hidden, and how you might spot one in a tree or even on a building.
Shape and Size of Squirrel Nests
A typical drey looks sort of like a round or oval ball and sits right in the fork of some branches. Most dreys measure about 8–12 inches across, but some get as big as 18 inches if a mother needs space for her babies.
Squirrels weave stout twigs together for the outer shell, making a sturdy frame. Inside, they line it with leaves, moss, or sometimes fur to create a snug sleeping spot for both adults and babies.
Entrances are pretty small—just 2–3 inches—and squirrels place them where wind and rain won’t get in easily. When the leaves fall in autumn, you’ll have a much easier time spotting these nests.
Materials Used in Construction
Squirrels grab twigs, dry leaves, grass, moss, and strips of bark to build the outside of the drey. For the lining, they use softer stuff like shredded bark, moss, animal fur, or even feathers for extra warmth.
They usually pick materials from nearby trees and hedges, so nests blend in with whatever tree they’re in. Sometimes squirrels use mud or a bit of saliva to stick twigs together, but you won’t find that in every nest.
If you see a pile of chewed bark or clumped leaves under a tree, that’s often a sign squirrels are still working on their nest.
How to Identify a Squirrel Nest
Look up into the branches of deciduous trees, especially in late fall or winter when the leaves are gone. You’ll probably spot a round clump of leaves and twigs near the trunk or wedged into a branch crotch.
Dreys usually sit 15–30 feet above the ground, but sometimes you’ll find them lower or even in roof spaces. Check for fresh leaves, new twigs, or squirrels darting in and out—those are good signs the nest is active.
Baby squirrels stay in the drey for their first few weeks, so it’s best not to disturb nests between early spring and midsummer. If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, snap a photo and compare it with pictures from trusted wildlife guides.
Types and Locations of Squirrel Nests
Squirrels choose nest sites for warmth, safety, and quick access to food. You’ll find nests high up in tree branches, tucked into cavities, or sometimes inside buildings and other structures close to trees.
Leaf Nests (Dreys)
A drey is basically a round clump of sticks and leaves built in the fork of tree branches. You might spot one 10–40 feet up, usually near the trunk where branches are thick and sturdy.
Both grey and red squirrels build these, especially in fall and summer. The outer shell uses twigs, while the inside gets lined with leaves, moss, or shredded bark for extra comfort.
Most dreys are 6–24 inches across, though some can reach up to two feet. There’s usually a main entrance and sometimes a little escape hole on the other side.
Don’t remove a drey in fall or winter—a mother squirrel could be raising babies inside. If a drey hangs over your roof, trim the branch first and always check for activity before doing anything else.
Tree Cavity and Den Nests
Tree cavities are hollow spaces inside trunks or big branches. Squirrels use natural holes or old woodpecker spots as more permanent dens.
These dens offer better protection from rain, wind, and predators than leaf nests. Flying squirrels and grey squirrels often use cavities in colder months.
You might find a cavity nest stuffed with leaves, fur, and even stored food. Some cavities go several feet deep, with a single entrance high up on the trunk.
If you find a squirrel den in a tree near your house, don’t seal it up during breeding season. Always check your local wildlife rules before removing or blocking a tree cavity den—lots of places protect nesting animals.
Man-Made and Urban Nesting Sites
Squirrels love sneaking into attics, soffits, and roof eaves, especially when trees stand close to buildings. These cozy, human-made spots give them warmth and dryness, which is perfect for winter.
Honestly, if you ignore them, they’ll make a racket, tear up insulation, and chew on wires—pretty frustrating stuff.
Sometimes you’ll spot squirrel nests in bird boxes, on top of chimneys, or tucked into hollow porches. Flying squirrels really go for dark, enclosed spaces, and they might even crowd together with a few friends in one attic or box.
Red and grey squirrels aren’t too picky either—they’ll happily use wooden boxes meant as nest sites.
Find a squirrel nest in your house? Check during the day. Fresh nesting material and droppings usually mean they’re active.
Before you try to remove them, reach out to a wildlife control pro or check local rules—especially if it’s breeding season.
