Ever wonder where all those squirrels disappear to after the sun goes down? Most squirrels curl up in a safe nest or burrow for the night, but flying squirrels and a few others actually head out to forage when it’s dark. Let’s take a look at where different squirrel types sleep, and which ones are out and about after hours. You might just spot the sneaky exceptions next time.
Picture this: as the sky darkens, tree squirrels curl up in leafy dreys or tree cavities. Ground squirrels slip underground into their burrows. Flying squirrels? They’re gliding out to hunt. Curious about who’s snoozing and who’s prowling under the stars? Let’s dig in.
Where Squirrels Go at Night
Squirrels pick sleeping spots that fit their species and environment. Some tuck themselves into leafy nests high in the trees. Others dig in and hide out underground. A few, mostly flying squirrels, actually wake up when night falls.
Tree Squirrels: Dreys, Tree Cavities, and Urban Sites
Eastern gray squirrels and red squirrels usually build or use nests way up in the trees. Most put together a drey—a round nest made of leaves and twigs—right in a fork where branches meet. Dreys have a tough outer layer of sticks, and the inside gets lined with leaves, moss, or grass to keep things cozy.
Sometimes, squirrels pick tree cavities or old woodpecker holes instead. These natural hollows protect them better from rain, wind, and predators than dreys do.
In cities, you might find squirrels nesting in attics, soffits, or even special squirrel boxes people put up. If you hear odd noises at night or spot chewed-up eaves, there’s a good chance a squirrel has moved in.
Ground Squirrels: Underground Burrows and Sleeping Sites
Ground squirrels dig out burrows in the soil to live and sleep. These tunnels weave through the ground, with sleeping chambers and rooms to stash food. Some burrows stretch for several feet and have a few entrances so squirrels can make a quick getaway.
They line their sleeping spots with grass or fur for warmth. Ground squirrels sometimes share burrows in colonies, and there’s usually some lookout behavior happening.
During winter, ground squirrels hibernate in their burrows for months, barely moving and living off stored fat. Want to know more? There’s a lot to learn about their underground world and how their habits change with the seasons.
Flying Squirrels: Nocturnal Activity and Nesting
Flying squirrels are true night owls. You won’t see them much during the day. They glide from tree to tree using a stretchy flap of skin called a patagium, searching for food or safe places to nest.
They sleep in tree cavities, leaf nests, or sometimes in nest boxes people put up. Flying squirrels like enclosed spaces because they’re warmer and safer from predators.
Since they’re nocturnal, flying squirrels spend their nights foraging and exploring. In colder months, several might cram into one cavity to share body heat.
Young Squirrels: Where Do Baby Squirrels Sleep
Baby tree squirrels stay tucked inside the nest for weeks after they’re born. They come into the world blind and hairless, so mom keeps them in the drey or cavity until they’re strong enough to open their eyes and grow fur.
Around eight to ten weeks, young squirrels finally leave the nest. Before that, the mother comes back often to feed them and keep them warm.
If you stumble on a seemingly abandoned nest, don’t rush to remove it. Mothers sometimes leave their babies alone while they’re out foraging. Worried they’re orphaned? It’s better to call a local wildlife rehabilitator than to move the nest yourself.
Nighttime Sleeping Habits and Adaptations
Squirrels pick out hidden, cozy places to rest and stay safe. Their daily routines, sleeping spots, and even their escape plans all help them make it through the night.
Are Squirrels Nocturnal or Diurnal
Most squirrels you see—like gray and fox squirrels—are diurnal. They’re up and about from sunrise to sunset, hunting for food, hiding snacks, and socializing. At night, they head back to dreys or tree cavities to sleep.
Flying squirrels break the mold. They come out after dark, gliding between trees to hunt for insects or fruit. Their big eyes and sharp hearing make them perfect for low-light adventures, and they dodge daytime predators by sticking to the night shift.
Ground squirrels also stick to daylight, though some might get active at dawn or dusk, especially when it’s hot. If you’re out early or late, you’ll likely catch them in action.
Do Squirrels Sleep Alone or in Groups
Tree squirrels usually sleep solo or with a small family group. Most adults pick a drey or tree cavity and sleep alone. When it’s cold, females might share their nests with babies or other females to save warmth.
Flying squirrels often sleep in groups. You might find a whole bunch squeezed into one cavity, all trying to stay warm. This group snuggling helps them survive chilly nights without true hibernation.
Ground squirrels use big burrow systems, and several individuals might share the tunnels and sleeping spots. Shared burrows show up most during breeding season or when young ones stick around with their mom.
Hibernation and Seasonal Torpor
Tree squirrels don’t really hibernate. Instead, they sometimes enter torpor—short stretches where they slow down and drop their body temperature to save energy during cold snaps. You’ll still spot them on mild winter days, digging up hidden food.
Ground squirrels show more variety. Some, like Arctic ground squirrels, hibernate for months at a time. Others just slow down for a bit with short torpor bouts. In really cold places, ground squirrels are the ones who disappear underground for most of the winter.
Flying squirrels skip hibernation, but they might slow their metabolism on freezing nights. If you peek into a cavity in late winter, you could find a group of them huddled together in a light torpor, not fully asleep but definitely saving energy.
Predator Avoidance and Safety Behaviors
Squirrels actually choose sleeping spots with plenty of cover and some serious height. They want to keep predators at bay. Tree squirrels usually settle high up in dense branches or tuck themselves inside tree cavities. Owls and hawks? They struggle to reach those spots.
Dreys keep squirrels out of sight, but honestly, they don’t offer as much protection as a good cavity.
At night, flying squirrels lean on stealth and darkness. You probably won’t spot them—they glide quietly from tree to tree and blend in with leafy cover. They’re smart about picking cavities with tiny entrances, just to keep bigger predators out.
Ground squirrels dig underground burrows with lots of exits. That way, they can bolt if something comes after them. When they sense danger, they’ll freeze and listen hard. If you catch alarm calls or see a squirrel dart away at dusk, that’s just their safety plan in action.
