You might catch a squirrel zipping across your yard during the day, but once night falls, they hunker down in some pretty specific spots depending on their kind. Tree squirrels usually curl up in leafy dreys or hollow tree cavities, flying squirrels go for tree hollows and nest cavities, and ground squirrels disappear into underground burrows.
Ever wonder why squirrels pick those places? Weather, season, and even their species play a big role. This post digs into the different nest types, where they sleep at night, and some of the quirky behaviors—like sleeping together or going into long winter torpor—that help them get by.
Next time you’re outside at sunset, take a look at branches, hollow trunks, or even bare patches of ground. You might spot clues about how squirrels keep themselves safe and warm before morning.
Where Squirrels Sleep at Night: Types, Locations, and Nesting Habits
Squirrels pick sleeping spots based on their species, body size, and what’s growing or available nearby. Some stay high up in leafy nests, others burrow deep underground, and a few squeeze into hollow trunks.
Tree Squirrels and Their Dreys
Tree squirrels—think eastern gray and red squirrels—usually build round, leafy nests called dreys. Dreys perch in forked branches, sometimes 20 to 60 feet above the ground.
You’ll spot a twiggy frame packed with leaves, moss, and bits of bark for insulation. Dreys hide young squirrels, shield them from hawks and rain, and give them a cozy place to sleep.
Squirrels often keep several dreys in their territory and switch between them after storms or if a predator gets too curious. Sometimes, if natural tree hollows are hard to find, they’ll sneak into attics or build nests under eaves.
They don’t hibernate, so they return to their dreys at night and during cold spells. Occasionally, they even share a nest with other squirrels for extra warmth.
Ground Squirrels and Underground Burrows
Ground squirrels dig out complex burrow systems underground. These tunnels have sleeping rooms, food storage spots, and escape routes.
You’ll notice entrance holes in fields, lawns, or under rocks, usually about 2.5 to 4 feet deep. Burrows keep temperatures steady and protect squirrels from predators like foxes or coyotes.
Many ground squirrels hibernate for real; in winter, they slow their heart rate and metabolism and stay in their burrows for months. If you see piles of soil and worn paths, you’ve probably found a ground squirrel colony.
Their burrows also give them a safe place to raise young or live with others in the colony.
Flying Squirrels and Tree Cavities
Flying squirrels (tribe Pteromyini) are mostly active at night and love sleeping in hollow trees or tree cavities. They line these spots with fur, lichen, moss, and leaves to keep things toasty.
At night, they glide between trees using their membranes, but by day, they return to the same cavity. Flying squirrels are more social than most tree squirrels and will often share a cavity in winter for warmth.
If tree cavities are hard to find, they sometimes use dreys in the forks of branches. If you spot small exit holes and soft nesting material in a tree hollow, you might have flying squirrels nearby.
Sleeping Behaviors and Special Circumstances at Night
Squirrels have a few tricks for staying safe from the weather and predators at night. Where they sleep, how they sleep, and where mothers keep their babies all depend on the shelter, season, and species.
Where Do Squirrels Sleep When It Rains
When rain hits, tree squirrels pick tree cavities as their safest option. These hollows block wind and water, so squirrels duck into old woodpecker holes or hollow trunks to stay dry.
If you see a round, leafy drey in the rain, it’s probably just a backup shelter. Dreys can shed some water, but after a heavy or long rain, they get pretty soggy.
Squirrels often keep more than one drey and switch between them to find a dry spot. Around town, you might catch squirrels sneaking into attics or eaves during storms.
Ground squirrels always stick to their burrows. Underground, the chambers stay dry and protect both adults and young from wet weather.
If you want to help, you could install a squirrel nesting box in a dry, sheltered place to give tree squirrels a reliable den during storms. For more on squirrel nests, check out Where Do Squirrels Sleep? Discover Their Cozy Nests and Habits (https://squirrelsinfo.com/where-do-squirrels-sleep/).
Do Squirrels Sleep at Night
Most tree squirrels are diurnal, meaning they’re up during the day and sleep at night. You’ll see them foraging in the morning and late afternoon, then heading back to a drey or cavity once dusk settles in.
At night, they curl up with their tail wrapped tight to keep warm. Some squirrels change up their habits in winter or when food’s hard to find.
They might slip into short torpor during cold nights, but they don’t truly hibernate like ground squirrels do. Ground squirrels, on the other hand, spend a lot of time in their burrows and can hibernate for whole seasons.
So, whether a squirrel sleeps at night really depends on its species and the time of year.
Where Do Baby Squirrels Sleep
Baby squirrels—people call them kits or kittens—sleep wherever their mother decides is safest and warmest. Tree squirrels usually pick a cavity den and stuff it with soft material.
A cavity gives the babies a dark, dry spot. It also keeps predators out, which is important since the newborns are blind and hairless.
When there’s no den, the mother builds a big, cozy drey instead. She uses moss, shredded bark, and grass to keep her babies warm.
You almost never see baby squirrels by themselves. The mother sticks with them until they’ve got fur and can finally open their eyes.
Ground squirrel pups have a different setup. They sleep in underground chambers, tucked away in a burrow system that keeps out the cold and hungry animals.
If you ever stumble across what looks like an abandoned nest, don’t try to move the babies on your own. It’s really better to contact a local wildlife rehabber for help.
