Ever looked up into a tree and noticed a messy, round bundle of twigs and leaves? A squirrel nest—usually called a drey—looks like a rough sphere made of twigs, leaves, and a soft lining, perched in the branches or tucked inside tree hollows. It’s not always easy to tell a drey from a bird nest, but there are a few tricks. The mix of materials keeps it warm and surprisingly weatherproof.
As you read, you’ll notice what makes these nests sturdy and how different squirrel species tweak their designs. That’ll help you spot nests, figure out when squirrels pick tree cavities or attics over branches, and maybe understand why nests can look so different.
Key Features of Squirrel Nests
You can usually spot a drey by its round, ball-like shape, thick shell of twigs, and soft lining inside. Squirrels hide their nests in branch forks or tree hollows, using local leaves, moss, and bark for warmth.
External Appearance and Structure
A squirrel drey usually looks like a rough ball about 12–20 inches wide. Squirrels tuck it into the fork of branches or hide it among thick twigs.
From below, you’ll notice a bulky, uneven clump of sticks and leaves that blends in with the tree. The twig framework gives the nest its shape and strength.
Squirrels use larger twigs and bundles of leaves on the outside to block wind and rain. You might spot one or two small entry holes, usually facing down to keep water out.
Tree squirrels pick deciduous trees, where strong branch forks and leafy cover make good supports. If you look 20–30 feet up, you’ll often see dreys in oaks, maples, or hickories.
The shape and spot help hide the nest from predators. Pretty clever, right?
Materials Used in Construction
Squirrels grab what’s nearby: twigs, dry leaves, grass, moss, and bark strips. They weave twigs together for the outer shell, making it sturdy.
Leaves and grass fill in the gaps to add insulation and bulk. Inside, squirrels line the nest with shredded bark, moss, and sometimes fur or feathers.
This soft layer traps warmth. When mothers raise young, they pile in extra soft stuff to keep the nest cozy.
Squirrels update and fix their nests as seasons change. You might notice fresh green twigs in spring or more leaves in autumn.
The materials can shift depending on the tree and what’s around. It’s resourceful, if you ask me.
Where to Find Squirrel Nests
Look up high—usually 20–30 feet off the ground. Squirrels put dreys in branch crotches or dense limbs so the nest doesn’t sway too much.
Deciduous trees like oak and maple are top picks. You’ll spot nests more easily after the leaves drop in autumn and winter.
Some squirrels skip dreys and move into tree hollows or even roof eaves. If you see a round bundle in the canopy or a hollow stuffed with nesting material, you’re probably looking at a squirrel nest.
Watch for movement or chewed twigs nearby. Want to dig deeper into how squirrels pick their nesting spots? Check out the Woodland Trust for more info.
Types of Squirrel Nests and Their Unique Variations
You’ll find nests high in branches, inside hollow trunks, dug into the ground, or squeezed into attics and eaves. Each type uses different stuff, offers its own kind of shelter, and may change how you want to handle it if you find one.
Dreys: Nests in Tree Branches
Dreys look like messy, round balls of twigs and leaves where branches meet. You’ll often spot them in oaks or maples, sometimes anywhere from 10 to 50 feet up.
Grey squirrels and red squirrels both build dreys for daytime naps and raising babies. Inside, they pack the cavity with moss, grass, fur, or feathers to keep it warm.
Dreys aren’t really waterproof, so squirrels add extra material or rebuild before bad weather hits. If you find a drey, don’t mess with it during spring or late summer—there could be babies inside.
Dreys can fall apart in storms. If you’re worried about squirrels or tree damage, you can put up a squirrel box nearby for a safer den.
Dens Inside Tree Cavities
Tree cavities are hollow spots inside trunks or big limbs. These dens give better shelter from rain, wind, and predators than dreys do.
Flying squirrels and some grey squirrels prefer these hollows. Sometimes, several squirrels share a big cavity during cold months.
You’ll spot a den in older trees—look for a worn entrance and maybe some droppings. Cavities stay warmer and can shelter nests all year.
If you own the tree, watch for signs of activity: noises at dusk, chewed bark, or greasy marks at the hole. Don’t block or seal a cavity if it’s active.
If the nest is in a risky spot, call a wildlife rehabber or arborist to talk about safe removal or moving the squirrels.
Ground Squirrel Burrows
Ground squirrels dig burrows in banks, fields, or under brush. These burrows have tunnels, sleeping chambers, and storage rooms for food.
Ground squirrels use burrows to hibernate, escape quickly, and raise babies. Burrow entrances are small, round, and usually near plants.
You might see clipped stems and loose dirt at the hole. Ground squirrels often live in colonies, so you’ll find several burrows close together.
That helps them warn each other about predators. If you’re thinking about removing a burrow, consider safety and local laws.
Disturbing a burrow during breeding or hibernation can really harm the animals. For nuisance burrows, try exclusion methods or contact humane pest control.
Nesting in Human Structures
Squirrels sometimes make their nests in attics, eaves, chimney voids, and inside wall cavities. They squeeze in through gaps around vents, soffits, or along the roofline.
Both grey squirrels and flying squirrels use human structures. Flying squirrels, though, seem to prefer tight, hidden cavities and usually stay out of sight until night falls.
Once inside, squirrels pull insulation apart to build their nests. They leave behind droppings and a distinct odor.
Chewing on wires and insulation causes real damage. If you find baby squirrels in your attic, don’t try to handle them yourself.
Instead, reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for safe removal. Trust me, it’s not worth the risk.
To keep squirrels from nesting, seal any entry points larger than half an inch. Installing chimney caps and trimming tree branches that touch your roof can help, too.
Some folks even put up a squirrel box on a tree to give them a better spot outside. That might keep them from moving into your house.
