Ever watched squirrels dart across your yard and wondered what they do when it starts pouring? Squirrels usually dash for nearby nests, tree hollows, or burrows to keep dry. Some even hunker down and use their bushy tails as makeshift umbrellas.
Tree-dwellers rely on dreys and cavities, while ground squirrels disappear into burrows. Their clever habits help them stay fed and safe through wet weather.
If you’re curious, you can spot where they hide and see why their tails, nests, and quirky routines matter so much during storms.
Where Do Squirrels Go When It Rains?
Squirrels don’t waste time when rain starts. They rush to dry, safe spots—leaf nests, hollow trunks, underground burrows, or even buildings if they’re desperate.
Dreys: The Leafy Nests
Dreys, those scrappy nests of twigs, leaves, and moss, perch high in tree branches. Gray and fox squirrels build them right on sturdy forks or between thick limbs.
A good drey keeps out light rain and wind, especially if it’s packed tight and lined with soft stuff like shredded bark.
Some dreys have two layers: a tough shell outside and a cozy inner cup for warmth. You might spot dreys poking through the trees in fall or winter.
Big storms can soak a poorly built drey, so squirrels keep a few backup dreys around and switch if one gets too soggy.
Hollow Trees and Tree Cavities
Hollow trees offer the best shelter from heavy rain and wild winds. These tree cavities usually form from decay or when woodpeckers dig out holes.
When a squirrel finds a good cavity, it can hide out for days and stash food inside where it stays dry.
Tree cavities also protect baby squirrels during nasty weather. You might notice chew marks or bits of nesting material at the entrance.
Cavities stay warmer than leaf nests and keep rain out completely. Squirrels definitely prefer them when they can find one.
Ground Burrows and Underground Retreats
Ground squirrels and some other species that stick close to the ground dig burrows for shelter. These tunnels and chambers stay dry and block out the wind.
If you spot a squirrel darting to a hole during a downpour, it’s making a beeline for its safe, insulated hideaway, which often connects to food storage.
Burrows help during cold storms and won’t flood if they’re built high enough. Sometimes, other animals move into old burrows too.
Burrow entrances are small and hidden, making it tougher for predators or rainwater to get in.
Taking Shelter in Man-Made Structures
When natural shelters are hard to find, squirrels get creative and sneak into human spaces. You might find them in attics, sheds, soffits, or hollow porch posts.
They slip in through tiny gaps or busted vents, looking for a dry, warm spot.
If you notice chewed holes or nesting material tucked into your roofline, a squirrel might have moved in.
Man-made shelters work well for squirrels, but let’s be honest, they can be a headache for homeowners. If you find one inside, it’s best to call a local wildlife expert or pest pro for help.
Squirrel Behavior and Survival in Wet Weather
Rain changes everything for squirrels. They switch up where they hide, how they move, and even what they eat.
Let’s look at how their tails help, how they stay dry, and what they do during bigger storms.
Bushy Tails as Umbrellas
A squirrel’s tail works like a tiny umbrella and a warm blanket. When a light drizzle starts, you’ll often see a squirrel curl its tail right over its back, shielding its head and body.
The thick fur sheds water and keeps its core dry, which helps the squirrel stay warm.
Tails also help with balance on slippery branches and wires—pretty important when everything’s slick.
Flying squirrels use their tails a bit differently. They steer with them while gliding and tuck them close for extra cover inside tree cavities.
Do Squirrels Get Wet in Trees?
Squirrels can get a little wet, but they rarely get soaked in their nests. Most tree squirrels use dreys or hollow cavities that block wind and rain.
If you spot a drey, it’s probably tucked deep in the branches where leaves and twigs help divert water.
Flying squirrels and tree squirrels both pick cavities or old woodpecker holes when the rain gets heavy. These spots keep their babies and food—like acorns—dry.
Ground squirrels stay dry in their burrows, unless flooding happens.
Activity Changes and Foraging Habits
You’ll see squirrels cut back on travel when it’s raining. They dash out for quick trips between showers to grab acorns or other nuts.
During drizzles, they might scavenge under thick tree canopies or just use their tails to cover up while eating in place.
Squirrels also change where they stash food, picking deeper, better-drained spots if rain’s in the forecast. That way, their acorns don’t get moldy.
Predators can track scents more easily on wet ground, so squirrels move more carefully if they sniff out danger.
Some people try using strong smells like peppermint oil to keep squirrels away from gardens. Squirrels don’t like strong odors, but honestly, results are hit or miss.
Extreme Weather: Storms and Hurricanes
When storms or hurricanes hit, squirrels look for tougher shelters like deep tree cavities or even underground burrows. High winds often wreck tree nests, sometimes tossing out nestlings or leaving the adults scrambling for safety.
Ground squirrels tend to do a bit better, unless floodwaters start filling up their burrows. That’s a rough situation.
Rescue and rehab centers will sometimes step in to care for young squirrels after a big storm. If you come across a fallen baby, maybe glance around the nearby trees to see if you can spot the original nest.
Big storms also shake up local predator patterns. Snakes and other critters might move into empty burrows, so displaced squirrels suddenly have to find new safe spots, and fast. It’s a tough world out there for them.
