You probably spot squirrels in parks or near your bird feeder and wonder where they hide the rest of the time. Squirrels choose trees, underground burrows, or even attics and walls, depending on their species. So, their home really depends on what kind of squirrel you’re watching. Let’s look at where they live and the different nests you might find.
Keep reading and you’ll see how tree squirrels make leafy nests or use tree cavities. Ground squirrels dig burrows, and flying squirrels glide between trees or shelter in attic spaces.
You’ll also meet a few notable species and get a sense of where each one likes to live.
Where Do Squirrels Live: Habitats, Species, and Nest Types
Squirrels pop up just about everywhere—from city parks to deep forests. Each type builds its own unique home.
You’ll find some nesting high in trees, others gliding from trunk to trunk, and a few tunneling underground.
Tree Squirrel Habitats and Nests
Tree squirrels stick to forests, woodlands, and big city trees. You’ll spot eastern gray, red, and fox squirrels in oaks, pines, or mixed-deciduous trees, searching for food and shelter.
They love spots with plenty of nuts, seeds, and buds.
Most tree squirrels build dreys, which are round, leafy nests made from twigs, moss, and leaves. You might see these nests wedged in the forks of branches or tucked inside hollow trunks.
Some, like the American red squirrel, also move into tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes.
In cities, tree squirrels adapt fast—they’ll use attics, chimneys, and gaps in buildings. If you don’t want them nesting near your house, keep bird feeders and loose roofing sealed up tight.
For more on tree squirrel homes, check out this article on global squirrel habitats (https://www.animalwised.com/where-do-squirrels-live-3953.html).
Flying Squirrel Environments
Flying squirrels hang out in wooded areas with tall, closely spaced trees. You’ll find northern and southern flying squirrels in North American mixed forests, while giant flying squirrels live in Asian evergreen and mountain forests.
They really need vertical space and gaps for gliding.
These squirrels usually nest in tree cavities lined with leaves, fur, and bark. Sometimes they’ll move into abandoned nests or nest boxes.
Flying squirrels don’t actually fly—they glide using a membrane called a patagium, so they rely on tree spacing to get around and dodge predators.
You might hear them at night, since most flying squirrels are nocturnal. If you want to help them out, leave dead trees standing when it’s safe—cavities make great nesting spots.
Read about flying squirrel ranges and habits (https://wildlifeconservation.blog/where-squirrels-live-habitat).
Ground Squirrel Burrows and Systems
Ground squirrels live in open fields, grasslands, rocky slopes, and deserts. The arctic ground squirrel uses tundra and alpine meadows, while others live in savannas or along farm edges.
You’ll spot them where the soil’s easy to dig and there’s food around.
They dig burrow systems with several entrances, nesting chambers, and storage rooms for food. Burrows protect them from heat, cold, and predators.
Some colonies create sprawling networks that many squirrels use, which changes soil and plant life nearby.
If ground squirrels move into your lawn or field, you’ll notice holes and dirt mounds from their digging. Managing them usually means protecting crops and changing the habitat, instead of just removing squirrels.
For more on ground squirrel homes and burrows, check out this overview (https://knowanimals.com/where-do-squirrels-live-the-most/).
Notable Squirrel Species and Their Homes
Squirrels pick trees, underground spots, cliffs, or even buildings, depending on their species.
Here’s where some key species nest, how they move, and the habitats they seem to like most.
Eastern Gray Squirrel and Dreys
Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) love mature deciduous and mixed woods with oaks, hickories, and maples. You’ll often find their round, leafy nests—called dreys—high in tree forks or hidden inside hollow trunks.
Dreys usually sit 10–60 feet above ground and use leaves, moss, and fur for insulation. Gray squirrels sometimes use attics or nest boxes in suburban yards if trees are nearby.
These squirrels stash acorns and seeds all over their home range. Your local park or backyard, if it’s got nut trees, can be a perfect spot for them—sometimes even better than wild forests.
For more on where these squirrels thrive, check out this guide to Eastern Gray Squirrel habitats and urban life.
American and Eurasian Red Squirrels
The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) stick to conifer and mixed forests where cones and seeds are everywhere.
You’ll see them defending their food caches and small territories with a lot of energy.
Red squirrels build dreys too, but also use tree cavities and stick nests. They rely on quick foraging and loud calls to protect their food from other animals.
Since they depend on seeds, these squirrels like dense stands of pines, spruces, or beeches. Want to help them out? Plant native conifers and leave some dead limbs for nesting.
The BBC has great notes on how ground and tree squirrels differ in burrowing and nesting: https://www.bbcearth.com/factfiles/animals/mammals/squirrel
Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels
Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) glide between trees using a skin flap called the patagium.
You’ll find them in mature forests with big hollow trees and plenty of fungi or nuts.
They nest in snags, cavity trees, and nest boxes. Gliding lets them travel at night without spending much time on the ground.
Northern flying squirrels go for cooler, boreal, or mixed forests, while southern flying squirrels like eastern hardwoods and suburban woods.
These species help spread fungal spores and seeds because they eat mycorrhizal fungi and cache food all over.
If you want to put up a nest box, place it high and close to continuous canopy—that way, gliders can move safely.
Ground Squirrels Around the World
Ground squirrels—like the California ground squirrel and white-tailed antelope squirrel—stick to open places. You’ll spot them in grasslands, meadows, or scrubby patches.
They build colonies full of burrows. These tunnels can stretch out for several meters, with little chambers tucked away for nesting or stashing food.
Burrows aren’t just for hiding. They offer shade, a quick escape from predators, and a cooler spot when the sun’s relentless.
Some, such as the California ground squirrel, stay active all year. Others just disappear into hibernation once winter hits.
You’ll see ground squirrels digging near grasses, crops, or even rocky slopes. This digging turns over the soil and spreads seeds around, which is actually pretty useful—although, not everyone’s thrilled when they mess with farmland.
If you want a rundown of global species and their favorite hangouts, check out this overview of types of squirrels and where they live.
