You probably won’t see squirrels as much in winter. They stay tucked away in warm, hidden nests. Most squirrels curl up in insulated dreys, tree cavities, or even sneak into sheltered spots like attics or garages to keep warm and safe when it’s cold out.
Curious where to look around your yard or house? This post highlights common squirrel winter homes and explains how they survive with stored food and cozy shelters.
You’ll find out where they build nests, why they choose certain spots, and a few simple ways to keep them out if you need to.
Where Squirrels Sleep in Winter
Squirrels pick shelter that suits their bodies and habits—and, of course, the weather. Some sleep in leaf nests high above, others squeeze into hollow trunks, and a few dig deep underground for months at a time.
Tree Squirrels and Dreys
Tree squirrels build round nests called dreys out of twigs, leaves, moss, and shredded bark. You’ll spot a drey wedged in a branch fork or pressed up against the trunk.
Dreys have a tough outer shell of twigs and a soft inside to keep in heat. They block wind and a bit of rain, but honestly, they aren’t totally waterproof.
When storms hit or predators lurk, tree squirrels sometimes switch to safer tree cavities. On really cold days, two to nine squirrels might share a drey to stay warm.
They don’t fully hibernate. Instead, they slip into short torpor naps and venture out for cached nuts when the weather isn’t too brutal.
Flying Squirrels and Tree Cavities
Flying squirrels usually pick hollow tree cavities because those spots trap heat and block out the wind. You’ll find their nests in older trees, lined with moss, lichen, leaves, fur, and even feathers.
Cavities offer better protection from predators and hang onto warmth much better than dreys do. Flying squirrels act pretty social, especially in winter.
They’re nocturnal and often cram together—a group might reach 15 or 20 in a single cavity. Like their tree squirrel cousins, they drop into torpor on really cold nights, but still come out to forage if it warms up a bit.
Ground Squirrels and Their Burrows
Ground squirrels dig out burrow systems with separate rooms for sleeping, storing food, and, well, bathroom breaks. Their tunnels can run several feet below ground, with sealed nests that stay dry and cozy.
These burrows keep them safe from both cold and predators. Many ground squirrels actually hibernate for real.
Species like the thirteen-lined ground squirrel go into deep torpor for months. They drop their body temperature and heart rate way down to save energy.
If you notice a burrow in a field or under rocks, odds are good a ground squirrel is hibernating in there and won’t pop up until spring.
How Squirrels Survive and Adapt During Winter
Squirrels get through winter by using their nests, stashing food, and packing on body fat. They change their routines and pick resting spots that help them save energy.
Squirrel Nests and Insulation
You’ll often see tree squirrels using those round, leafy dreys. Dreys perch high in the branches or squeeze inside tree cavities.
Inside, they line the nest with moss, grass, and feathers to trap warmth. A well-made drey can block wind and light snow.
Squirrels also crash in hollow trunks, attics, or inside walls if they find a way in. Flying squirrels love tree cavities and often huddle together for extra body heat.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, sleep in underground burrows where the temperature stays steadier. The nest materials and their thicker winter coats both help with insulation.
Storing Food and Fat Reserves
Most tree squirrels stash food in lots of little hiding spots. They wedge nuts and seeds into tree cracks, under bark, or bury them in shallow pits.
Scattering their food this way makes it harder for thieves to steal everything and gives you a good shot at spotting their work in the fall. Squirrels eat a ton in autumn to build up fat.
That extra fat helps them get through the leanest times. When food runs low, they’ll mix short foraging trips with long naps to save energy.
Some ground squirrels rely more on their fat stores and true hibernation than on hidden food.
Winter Behaviors of Different Squirrel Species
You’ll notice that different squirrels handle winter in their own ways. Tree squirrels—like gray, red, and fox squirrels—spend most of the season tucked away in their dreys.
They only venture out when the weather’s a bit warmer. Sometimes, they’ll go into short bouts of torpor to slow down their metabolism.
Flying squirrels, on the other hand, prefer dark cavities and move around at night. Honestly, you’ll often find them huddled together just to stay warm.
Ground squirrels take it a step further. They hibernate, dropping their body temperature and slowing their heart rate for weeks or even months.
Usually, they barely wake up, maybe just to nibble on something if they’re hungry. Southern and northern flying squirrels don’t get that deep into hibernation—they stay more active and depend on communal nesting instead.
