You probably see squirrels every day—in trees, parks, or maybe even right outside your window. Honestly, most squirrels hang out in trees, some dig underground, and a few glide between branches using little skin flaps. Their homes can look wildly different, depending on the type.
Let’s look at how tree squirrels build dreys and use tree hollows, how ground squirrels dig burrows, and why flying squirrels really need tall, connected forests. I’ll throw in some examples and a few tips for spotting their homes nearby.
Where Do Squirrels Live: Main Types and Their Habitats
Squirrels choose trees, burrows, and high nests to move, eat, and hide from predators. Each species has its favorite spot—some stick to forests and parks, others dig tunnels, and the gliders go for tree cavities or leaf nests.
Tree Squirrel Habitats and Distribution
Tree squirrels mostly live in wooded areas across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. You’ll spot American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), fox squirrels, and Douglas squirrels in forests, city parks, and even backyards.
They build dreys—those messy leaf nests—in branch forks or take over hollow trunks and old woodpecker holes. Tree squirrels love places with oaks, hickories, or pines that drop nuts and seeds. Urban gray squirrels, honestly, can’t resist bird feeders, attics, and chimneys if they’re easy to reach.
Species ranges can be pretty specific. Eastern gray squirrels rule eastern U.S. cities, western gray squirrels hang out in Pacific woodlands, and red squirrels stick to conifer-heavy boreal forests. You might see chipmunks and some smaller squirrel cousins in the same areas, but they usually stay closer to the ground.
Ground Squirrel Burrows and Underground Systems
Ground squirrels dig out burrow networks in open spots like grasslands, prairies, and rocky hillsides. Think arctic ground squirrels, European ground squirrels, and all those prairie dogs and marmots. Their burrows have several entrances, nesting rooms, food storage spots, and even latrines in big colonies.
They prefer sandy or loamy soil since it’s easier to dig, so you’ll find them where the ground drains well. Burrows keep them safe from weather and predators and let them hibernate through cold winters. When these squirrels dig, they change the local ecosystem by loosening soil and making homes for insects, reptiles, and little birds.
Flying Squirrel Nesting Preferences
Flying squirrels can’t actually fly—they glide with a membrane called a patagium. Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) stick to mature forests with big trees and lots of natural holes. They like old-growth woods, mixed hardwood spots, and streamside forests where they can really glide.
They tuck their nests in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or sometimes build leaf nests in dense branches. At night, they head out for nuts, fungi, and bugs, gliding between den trees. In towns, they sometimes sneak into attics or soffits, but they avoid open spaces—if there aren’t enough tall trees to glide between, they just won’t stay.
Structures and Places Squirrels Call Home
Squirrels set up homes in trees, underground, and sometimes inside buildings. You’ll see nests made from twigs and leaves, hollow trunks that stay snug, and burrows dug into well-drained dirt.
Squirrel Nests: Dreys, Leaf Nests, and Tree Cavities
Dreys look like round, messy balls of twigs, leaves, and moss way up in the trees. You might spot them wedged between branches. These nests have layers of leaves and fur to keep young squirrels warm.
Some squirrels pick tree cavities or hollow trunks instead. These spots give better protection from wind and hungry predators. Old trees with natural decay often have the best nesting cavities.
Leaf nests are lighter and easier to build than cavities. Squirrels add new materials every season, patching things up as needed. If you put out bird feeders, you’ll probably see more squirrels nesting in your trees—they love the easy snacks.
Urban Adaptations: Squirrels in Attics and Man-Made Spaces
When trees are hard to find, squirrels move into attics, eaves, or sheds. If you hear scratching or scurrying overhead, there’s a good chance a squirrel built a nest up there. Attics give them dry, insulated shelter, but they can chew wires or mess up insulation.
Squirrels squeeze through gaps in roofs, vents, and soffits to get inside. You can keep them out by locking up bird feeders, storing pet food, and sealing up holes around your house. If one sneaks in, it’s best to call a wildlife pro to handle it safely.
Some flying squirrels use nest boxes or old building hollows. Their gliding skin lets them move between trees and rooftops at night, so they look for spots with tall trees near buildings.
Burrow Construction and Soil Preferences
Ground squirrels and prairie dogs dig out burrow systems with lots of tunnels and chambers. You’ll spot their burrow entrances in well-drained soil, usually on slopes or out in open grasslands.
Inside, they make nesting chambers lined with grasses. They also carve out little storage spots for food.
Squirrels usually go for soil that’s easy to dig but not soggy. Sandy loam or dry clay seems to work best since the tunnels don’t collapse so easily.
Burrow systems give them a safe spot from predators and harsh weather. Family members often connect their chambers, which is honestly kind of clever.
You might notice mounds of dirt, small entrance holes, or even little paths leading to the burrows. If you garden, putting up fences and getting rid of food sources can help keep them from burrowing near your house or walkways.
