You probably spot squirrels all day and wonder what they do when night falls. Most squirrels curl up in safe nests or burrows at night, but flying squirrels head out to forage under the cover of darkness. That’s the short answer if you’re curious about where they disappear to after sunset.
Let’s dig into how tree squirrels tuck themselves into dreys or tree holes, why ground squirrels vanish underground, and how flying squirrels use their night vision and gliding skills to move around and snack without much notice.
Where Squirrels Sleep at Night
When night falls, you’ll usually find squirrels in one of four spots: leafy nests high up, tunnels underground, snug tree hollows, or sometimes in man-made places like attics. Each shelter type gives its own kind of protection and works best for different squirrel groups.
Tree Squirrels and Dreys
Tree squirrels—think red or fox squirrels—build ball-shaped nests called dreys in tree forks or out on branches. They use twigs, leaves, moss, and a soft lining, maybe shredded bark or fur, to keep their babies warm.
You’ll spot dreys about the size of a basketball tucked up in the branches. Dreys help with rain and some predators, but they’re not totally waterproof.
Squirrels check and patch up their dreys pretty often. They might keep several in their territory just in case.
If there’s a hollow in the tree, a squirrel will often pick that over a drey for more shelter. On cold days, if you see a bunch of squirrels in one tree, they’re probably sharing a den or drey to save heat.
Sometimes they’ll huddle together for warmth when the weather gets rough.
Ground Squirrels and Underground Burrows
Ground squirrels dig burrows into the soil, usually about 2.5–4 feet deep. These tunnels have rooms for nesting, stashing food, and hiding from predators.
You’ll spot entrances near open fields, rocks, or fences—basically anywhere the dirt’s easy to dig. Burrows keep the temperature steady and let squirrels hide from hawks and foxes.
In winter, lots of ground squirrels hunker down in these dens for long torpor or hibernation. They slow their bodies way down and hardly come out at all when it’s cold.
If you see little mounds or clusters of holes, that’s a sign of a ground squirrel colony. Their burrow system lets them raise their young and stockpile food for tough times.
Flying Squirrels’ Nocturnal Habits
Flying squirrels only get active after dark. They sleep in tree cavities or hollow trunks, lining them with soft stuff like moss, leaves, and fur for warmth.
When tree holes are hard to find, flying squirrels will squeeze into big dreys or even use nest boxes. You won’t usually see them in daylight—they wait until dusk, then glide out to look for food.
At night, they use thick tree cover and their hidden cavities to stay safe from owls and other night hunters. Flying squirrels often nest together, especially in winter, so you might find a whole group sharing one cavity.
If you put up a squirrel nesting box, flying squirrels will pick that over an open drey most times. Those boxes give them a dry, safe spot that feels like a natural tree hole.
Urban and Man-Made Nesting Spots
In cities, squirrels get creative. They move into attics, soffits, garages, and nest boxes if trees or hollows are hard to come by.
Tree squirrels often sneak into eaves or unfinished attics, drawn by the shelter and steady temps. Flying squirrels will use attics too, though they prefer tight, sealed spaces.
You’ll notice clues—chewed vents, insulation scattered around, or strange noises at dusk and dawn—when squirrels move into human spaces. Hanging a squirrel nesting box outside can give them a better option and keep them out of your attic.
If you want to keep squirrels from nesting in your house, seal up any holes bigger than half an inch. Trim back branches that touch the roof. That way, your home stays safe, and squirrels can use outdoor nest boxes instead.
Squirrel Behavior at Night
At night, most tree and ground squirrels settle in nests or burrows. Flying squirrels, on the other hand, head out to forage.
Weather, seasons, and predators all play a part in how and where squirrels sleep.
Nocturnal Activity vs. Daytime Sleep
Most squirrels you see in your yard are diurnal. They settle down at night in dreys, tree holes, or burrows, keeping warm and out of sight.
Flying squirrels break the mold. They come out after dusk, gliding from tree to tree, foraging, and sometimes socializing. If you hear soft rustling in the dark, it might just be a flying squirrel up above.
Sometimes, non-flying squirrels wake up briefly at night. Bright lights, loud sounds, or mating can make them stir for a bit.
You might spot tracks or chewed nutshells near a nest if something disturbed them in the night.
How Weather and Seasons Affect Sleep
Cold or rainy weather makes squirrels stay tucked away longer in their nests. In winter, tree and ground squirrels sometimes enter torpor, slowing down to save energy. They still wake up to eat their stashed food when it warms up a little.
During warmer months, mother squirrels use nests more often to raise their babies. You might notice the same tree cavity or even your attic getting used again and again.
If you’re trying to keep squirrels out of your attic, a one-way door lets them leave but not come back—just make sure you don’t lock out any babies.
In spring and fall, squirrels ramp up their daytime foraging to fatten up. Longer days mean more time to stay active, while shorter days push them to bed earlier. Weather changes can shift when you hear rustling or spot them darting around.
Predators and Nighttime Safety
Squirrels pick high, leafy nests or dig deep burrows to dodge owls, foxes, and raccoons.
They like tree cavities and build sturdy dreys to hide from night hunters and shield themselves from harsh weather.
You almost never spot a tree squirrel sleeping on an exposed branch.
Flying squirrels rely on stealth and their nighttime routines to stay safe.
They glide quietly and stick to the shadows as they move between trees.
When predators hang around, squirrels often choose dens with more than one escape route.
If you’re dealing with squirrels in your house, don’t seal up exits during breeding season.
Using a one-way exclusion door can get the adults out and keep the young safe—if you use it right.
Always check your local wildlife rules before you do anything. That way, you can look out for the squirrels and yourself.
