When Do Squirrels Have Babies?

by Editorial Staff | Updated on September 26th, 2023

If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by the industriousness of squirrels scampering about your yard, you might be curious to know more about their lives, especially their reproductive cycles. After all, understanding when squirrels have babies is not just a topic for animal enthusiasts; it also matters for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted critters in their attics or gardens. This article delves into the fascinating world of squirrel reproduction, from mating habits to motherhood, providing a comprehensive view that addresses every burning question you might have.

When Does Mating Season Start for Squirrels?

Different species of squirrels have varying mating seasons, but for the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on North American tree squirrels like the gray squirrel, red squirrel, and fox squirrel. These critters typically have two mating seasons each year. The first mating season occurs in winter, roughly between January and February, while the second takes place in the summer, between June and July.

What’s intriguing here is that, unlike some animals that form lifelong partnerships, squirrels don’t mate for life. A male squirrel is essentially on a mission to find a willing female, mate with her, and then move on, leaving the female to fend for herself during her pregnancy and after giving birth.

The Gestational Period: A Quick Overview

The gestation period for a mother squirrel is relatively short, usually lasting between 38 to 46 days. Within this time, she will give birth to a litter that can range from two to eight young squirrels. The timing of the litter’s arrival depends on when the mother mated. If she mated during the winter months of January or February, expect new squirrels to pop up in March or early April. Conversely, if mating happened in the summer, the young ones would likely be born in August or early September.

Where Do Mother Squirrels Give Birth?

Squirrels are creatures of habit when it comes to giving birth. They will typically use nests they have built themselves, which can be found perched high in the trees, hidden within dense clusters of leaves and twigs. Sometimes, these nests are built inside hollowed-out tree trunks or crevices, offering additional protection against the elements and predators. On rare occasions, a female squirrel may even decide to give birth within the confines of a human residence, particularly during colder months, which can raise concerns for homeowners.

The Vital Role of Motherhood in the Squirrel World

Newborn squirrels are born in an exceptionally vulnerable state: they are hairless, blind, and deaf. This necessitates around-the-clock attention from their mothers to keep them warm and safe from predators. As the young squirrels grow, the mother serves as their primary protector and teacher, imparting crucial survival skills that will sustain them once they are old enough to leave the nest.

It’s important to note that mother squirrels are fiercely protective. Should anyone or anything get too close to her young, she will not hesitate to attack. After 7 to 10 weeks, young squirrels are weaned off their mother’s milk but will still rely on her for a few more weeks to learn essential survival skills.

What To Do If You Find a Baby Squirrel?

Discovering a lone baby squirrel at the base of a tree can certainly tug at your heartstrings. Before you decide to intervene, however, listen for any sounds that might suggest the mother is nearby. If you hear the mother’s characteristic chattering or “barking,” it’s best to step back and allow her to retrieve her young. If no such sounds are heard, then it might be time to step in and offer assistance.

How Many Offspring Can a Squirrel Have?

While the typical litter size for a female squirrel ranges from two to four young, it’s not uncommon for larger litter to occur. After the young are weaned around the 10-week mark, they will still rely on their mother for several more weeks as they learn to navigate their surroundings.

Understanding the Squirrel Diet During Early Life Stages

A mother squirrel will nurse her babies with her milk until they are about 6-7 weeks old, after which they begin to eat solid food. If you’re considering rescuing and caring for a baby squirrel, proper nutrition is critical. Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer is often recommended and can be found at most pet stores. 

Squirrels eat various foods depending on where they live and what they can find in the wild. They will bring nuts and seeds back to the nest for their offspring if you put them out on a feeder.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to understanding when squirrels give birth, the responsibilities of motherhood, and how these fascinating creatures navigate the early stages of life. With a gestation period that is notably brief and two mating seasons each year, squirrels have unique reproductive habits that warrant our attention, whether for academic interest or practical home care reasons. Knowing what to do if you find a young squirrel, understanding their early dietary needs, and appreciating the role of the mother squirrel can enrich our coexistence with these ubiquitous critters.

Editorial Staff

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