You might notice fewer squirrels darting around on freezing days, but they don’t just vanish. Most tree squirrels stick close by, holed up in insulated nests called dreys or sneaking into attics, while ground squirrels hibernate deep underground. Once you know this, it makes sense why you still hear the odd rustle in branches or maybe even in your attic during winter.
Let’s get into where different squirrels go, how they slow down, and the clever ways they manage to stay warm and find food. It might help you spot squirrel habits and figure out how to protect your home or garden.
Where Squirrels Go in Winter
Squirrels get through cold months by finding a few tried-and-true shelters. You’ll likely find them tucked into nests in trees, hiding in underground burrows, or making themselves at home in cozy corners near people.
Tree Cavities and Dreys
Squirrels usually pick between two main kinds of tree shelters: hollow trunks (tree cavities) and nests made from leaves and twigs (dreys). A cavity blocks wind and predators pretty well. Dreys perch in the forks of branches, built from leaves, moss, and shredded bark to trap heat.
You’ll see dreys most often in big hardwood trees near food sources like oaks or walnuts. Tree cavities can form from rot or woodpecker holes, and sometimes several squirrels squeeze in—especially a mom with her babies.
If you’ve got trees, look for holes or peeling bark in late fall. A drey or cavity means squirrels might drop by to fetch hidden nuts or take shelter when it’s bitter cold. Want more details on nests? Check out where squirrels nest in winter.
Ground Squirrel Burrows
Ground squirrels spend winter in burrows. These tunnels can get pretty complicated, with special chambers for hibernating. Burrows keep the temperature steady and help them hold on to body heat during long cold stretches.
Ground squirrels start prepping in late summer or early fall—they fatten up and seal off the burrow entrances. If you spot small round holes in grassy patches or open ground, those probably mark active burrows. Since predators and floods are threats, burrows have side tunnels and raised chambers to avoid trouble.
Seeing clusters of holes near fields or lawns? That’s usually ground squirrel territory. Best not to disturb burrows in winter; those tunnels are their lifeline until spring.
Urban and Man-Made Shelters
Squirrels in cities adapt fast and take over garages, attics, chimneys, dryer vents, crawl spaces—sometimes even under car hoods. These places offer warmth and soft stuff like insulation or old clothes for building nests. In attics and garages, squirrels chew their way in and use whatever they find to make a drey.
Chimneys and dryer vents lead to hidden spots, but those can end badly for both squirrels and homeowners. Squirrels also move under decks or into nest boxes if trees are scarce. Look for chew marks, droppings, or shredded material to spot a nest inside.
If you find a squirrel indoors, don’t rush to block exits. Wait until it leaves, or call a pro to handle removal and seal entry points the right way.
How Squirrels Survive Cold Months
Squirrels make it through winter by storing food, sleeping more, building warm nests, and sometimes huddling together. Let’s look at how they find food, slow down their bodies, and what you can do to keep them out—or help them—without causing trouble.
Scatter-Hoarding and Food Caching
Tree squirrels like the red and eastern gray squirrel stash food in lots of little spots. You’ll catch them burying acorns, nuts, and seeds in leaf piles, under bark, or just beneath the dirt. This scatter-hoarding habit spreads food all around your yard and the woods nearby.
They use memory and their noses to track down these stashes later. Usually, they dig up enough to last the winter, but they do forget some. Those missed nuts? They often sprout into new trees come spring. If you spot squirrels digging near trees, they’re probably hiding food, not wrecking your garden.
You can guard prized bulbs and beds with wire mesh or thick mulch to stop squirrels from caching there. Want to help them out? Leave a small pile of unsalted nuts away from your house to keep digging away from your foundation.
Hibernation and Torpor
Ground squirrels, like the arctic ground squirrel, actually hibernate. They drop their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing for months. You won’t see them at all—they stay deep in burrows below the frost.
Tree squirrels don’t really hibernate. Instead, they go into short torpor when it’s super cold. Torpor slows their metabolism for a bit, letting them save up fat. On warmer winter days, you’ll still spot tree squirrels foraging or checking their stashes.
If you see a squirrel that looks sluggish or cold but is in a nest or on a roof, it’s probably just resting. Don’t disturb it. For ground squirrels, moving a hibernating animal can be deadly. If you’re worried, wildlife rehabilitators can tell you if an animal really needs help.
Preventing Squirrel Intrusions
Squirrels search for warm, hidden places in winter—think attics, chimneys, and sheds. Check your roofline and soffits for chew marks, and trim branches so they’re at least 6–8 feet from your house. Seal any gaps bigger than half an inch with metal flashing or hardware cloth.
Put caps on chimneys and cover vents. If you hear scratching in the walls at dawn or dusk, a squirrel might be nesting. Don’t seal up an active den; wait until you’re sure it’s empty, or use a one-way door so the animal can leave but not come back.
If squirrels keep breaking in, call professional wildlife control. They know the laws and use methods that are safe for both you and the animals.
Feeding Squirrels Responsibly
Feeding squirrels can be a nice way to help them out, but it’s important to do it right. Stick with unsalted nuts in their shells—skip the bread, chips, or anything sweet.
Try scattering just a little food at a time. That way, squirrels keep foraging naturally and don’t start relying too much on handouts.
If you put food out, move it away from your house walls or vents. Otherwise, you might find some furry neighbors a little too close for comfort.
Use squirrel feeders that make them work a bit for their snacks. These feeders slow down how much they eat and help cut down on spilled food.
It’s a good idea to clean up feeding spots regularly. Mold and extra crumbs can bring in unwanted rodents, and nobody wants that.
Some species, like ground squirrels, really need to bulk up before hibernation hits. Giving them a bit of extra food in late fall can actually help.
Before you start, though, check your local wildlife guidelines. Rules about feeding squirrels can change from place to place, and what’s okay in one spot might not be in another. Plus, it’s better for both the squirrels and the local ecosystem if you follow those guidelines.
