Ever watch a squirrel zip along a branch and wonder where it crashes for the night? Most tree squirrels curl up in leaf-and-twig nests called dreys or tuck themselves into tree cavities. Ground squirrels dig underground burrows, while flying squirrels really like hollow trees and sometimes even share cozy spaces with others. Knowing this gives you a better shot at spotting their nests or understanding those weird squirrel habits in your yard.
Stick around and you’ll find out how different squirrels build their sleeping spots. Weather and seasons totally change their routines, too. If you want quick tips on dreys and tree cavities, here’s a handy guide: how and where squirrels sleep.
Where Squirrels Sleep: Nests, Burrows, and Dens
Squirrels pick their homes based on species and what feels safest. Some live high up in trees. Others tuck themselves into hollow trunks. A few go deep underground.
Tree Squirrels and Their Dreys
Tree squirrels build round nests, or dreys, out of twigs, leaves, moss, and whatever soft stuff they can find—think shredded bark or fur. You’ll spot a drey wedged in a fork of branches, usually 20–60 feet up. Sometimes, though, they go lower if there’s good cover.
A drey’s about the size of a basketball and blocks wind and rain. Squirrels might use a few different dreys each season. They move if predators, bugs, or bad weather make a spot risky.
When raising babies, females pile on extra insulation. And sometimes, a couple squirrels will share a drey for warmth during a cold snap.
Flying Squirrels in Tree Cavities
Flying squirrels really go for tree cavities instead of leaf nests. They line those hollows with moss, lichen, feathers, and fur to make things extra comfy. Cavities keep them safe at night since these guys are only out after dark.
Flying squirrels are pretty social, so you might find several packed into one cavity during winter. If tree hollows are hard to find, they’ll use abandoned nests or even build a drey. Cavities also shield their young from predators and nasty weather.
Ground Squirrels and Underground Burrows
Ground squirrels dig out complex burrow systems with tunnels, chambers, and a bunch of entrances. You’ll see holes at ground level in fields, lawns, or rocky spots.
Inside, they create chambers for sleeping, storing food, and hibernating. Burrows keep them safe from hawks, foxes, and the cold.
When winter hits, many ground squirrels go into deep torpor or full hibernation in their burrows. If you notice fresh dirt or small mounds by a hole, that’s a good sign a squirrel family lives there.
Squirrel Sleeping Habits and Adaptations
Squirrels use tree nests, hollows, and even human-made structures to stay safe, dry, and warm. They’ll change sleeping spots depending on the season, the weather, or if they’ve got babies to look after.
Do Squirrels Sleep at Night?
Yep, most tree squirrels run around during the day and sleep at night. As dusk sets in, you’ll see them heading for a drey or slipping into a tree cavity.
They curl up tight and wrap their tails around themselves to stay warm and block out drafts. Squirrels don’t really hibernate, though.
When it’s super cold, they enter torpor—a short-term, low-energy state. In torpor, they’ll stay in their den longer and only venture out on warmer days.
If you watch around dawn or late afternoon, you’ll catch them at their busiest.
How Baby Squirrels Sleep
Baby squirrels, or kits, sleep in a snug nest their mom builds. If there’s a tree cavity, she’ll pick that for extra warmth and safety.
No cavity? She’ll make a well-lined drey with leaves, moss, and shredded bark. Kits are born blind and totally depend on their mother’s warmth for weeks.
Mom nurses them inside the nest and checks in often to feed and clean them. As the babies grow, they start sleeping curled up together.
Eventually, they try short, supervised trips outside before finally leaving the nest.
Where Do Squirrels Sleep When It Rains
When it starts to rain, squirrels look for the driest, most sheltered spot they can find. They really prefer a tree cavity—it’s the best for keeping out wind and moisture.
If they can’t find a cavity, they’ll settle for a thick, tightly woven drey that can shed water pretty well. You might notice a “rain-ready” drey because it’s got a dense outer layer of twigs and leaves, plus a soft, cozy lining inside.
Squirrels don’t just stick with one nest. They usually keep a few options and switch if one gets wet or uncomfortable. In cities, you might spot them sneaking into attics or hiding under eaves to stay dry.
