Squirrels tend to have babies in spring and again in summer, though it depends on the species and where you live. Most tree squirrels give birth about 38–46 days after mating, so you’ll often spot new kits in early spring and sometimes see a second litter in mid-summer.
If you’re curious about where they nest, how long the babies stick around, or what to do if you stumble on a kit, you’re in the right place. Look for nesting activity and more trips to and from a drey or cavity—those are usually good hints that a squirrel family is on the way.
When Do Squirrels Have Their Babies
You can spot squirrel births by watching for certain seasonal patterns. Mothers plan their litters so the kits arrive when food is plenty and the weather’s mild—seems pretty smart, doesn’t it?
Typical Breeding Seasons and Timing
Most tree squirrels in North America breed twice a year. The first breeding season usually kicks off in late winter, anywhere from December through February.
Babies then show up from February to April. The second round of mating happens in late spring to early summer, with young born from June through August.
Timing really depends on the climate. In warmer places like Florida or Southern California, squirrels may start breeding earlier and the season can stretch out.
Colder states or higher elevations might only see one litter a year, and it happens later. If you live in a city with steady food sources, squirrels can get a bit unpredictable with their timing.
Squirrel Gestation Period Explained
Tree squirrels like grays, reds, and foxes have a gestation period of about 38 to 46 days. So, if they mate in January, you’ll see babies by March.
After birth, the kits hang out in the nest—blind and hairless for the first days. The mother nurses them for about 6 to 10 weeks.
During this time, you’ll probably notice the mother making more trips for food and visiting the nest often. She’s got her paws full feeding the young.
How Many Babies Do Squirrels Have
Most squirrels have litters of 2 to 5 kits. Eastern gray squirrels usually have 3 to 4 babies per litter.
Fox squirrels and some other tree squirrels sometimes have slightly bigger litters, while flying squirrels tend to have fewer. Litter size really depends on how much food is available and how healthy the mother is.
In years with lots of nuts and seeds, you might see bigger litters. Harsh weather or poor food means fewer babies—or sometimes none at all. It’s pretty rare to find more than six kits in one nest.
Species-Specific Birth Patterns
Eastern gray squirrels often have two litters: one in late winter or early spring, and another in mid-summer. Red squirrels usually breed a bit later and might have a spring litter, with a possible late summer one if there’s enough food.
Flying squirrels, being nocturnal, tend to stick to a spring and late-summer schedule, but their nests are tough to spot. Ground squirrels and some fox squirrels usually breed just once a year in spring, right as new plants start growing.
If you’re curious about your local squirrels, check this seasonal guide on when squirrels have babies.
Where Squirrels Give Birth and What Happens Next
Squirrels pick tree cavities, leaf nests, or even sheltered spots in buildings to give birth. After the babies arrive, the mother feeds them, keeps them warm, and returns to the nest a lot to nurse and clean her kits.
Nesting Habits and Types of Squirrel Nests
Female squirrels usually build a drey—a round nest made of leaves and twigs—high up in tree branches. Inside, they line it with moss, grass, or shredded bark to keep the babies cozy.
Sometimes, you’ll find nests inside hollow tree cavities. These are warmer and safer from predators.
If there aren’t good trees around, some squirrels move into attics, soffits, or nest boxes. Notice nesting material near vents or a small hole in your roof? There’s a good chance a squirrel’s moved in.
Dreys are usually 6–12 inches across. Cavities can hold several kits and protect them from bad weather.
Mothers repair or rebuild these nests each season. They pick spots close to food sources like nut trees so they don’t have to leave the babies for long. If you spot an active nest, it’s best to give it space.
Development and Care of Baby Squirrels
Kits arrive hairless, blind, and pretty helpless. For about 6–10 weeks, the mother nurses them in the drey or cavity.
You’ll see her leaving more often to forage, but she always comes back to feed and clean the young. Their eyes open around 4–5 weeks, and fur starts to fill in by 5–6 weeks.
By 8–10 weeks, the kits begin short climbs and start hopping on branches. The mother teaches them to forage and warns them about danger.
If you watch from a distance, you might spot juveniles near the nest, learning to jump. Don’t touch or move them—it can really stress out the mother and her babies.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Squirrel
Start by watching from a distance for a few hours. The mother usually leaves to find food, but she almost always comes back.
Check if the babies look warm and uninjured before you do anything. If they seem okay, you probably don’t need to interfere.
If a baby feels cold, looks hurt, or you haven’t seen the mother after 6 to 8 hours, reach out to a local wildlife rehabilitator. Please don’t feed them cow’s milk—it actually does more harm than good.
The rehabilitator will tell you if you should warm up the kit, give it temporary care, or bring it in for help. If you really have to move a nest because of danger, put on gloves, set the babies in a similar container with soft cloth, and then call for wildlife help.
To find a rehabilitator, look up your local animal control or wildlife rescue hotlines.
