What do squirrels eat besides birdseed?

Most squirrels eat nuts, seeds, grain and fruit. But when natural food is scarce, they'll eat just about anything.

How far can squirrels jump?

Squirrels can easily jump 6', sometimes more.

Do squirrels hibernate?

During severe winter weather, a squirrel may not leave the nest for days but they don't hibernate.

When are squirrels most active?

In the summer, squirrels are most active two to three hours after sunrise and again about two hours before sunset. Squirrels rarely leave their nests after dark. During the winter, most activity takes place between dawn and mid-day.

Where do squirrels live?

Squirrels build nests called "dreys" which are made of twigs and leaves. The interior is lined with fur, feathers or other soft material for comfort. They're built high in a tree between two strong branches. Squirrels also build a nests or "dens" in hollow tree cavities.

How smart are squirrels?

Very. Ask anyone who has ever tried to discourage a squirrel from eating out of a bird feeder. Squirrels have a pretty big brain relative to their body size (about the size of a walnut) and they're very determined.

How many kinds of squirrels are there in North America?

There are ten species of squirrels in North America. The two most common are the grey squirrel and the red squirrel. The grey squirrel measures about 18" long and can weigh up to a pound. Grey squirrels are about three times the size of red squirrels.

How long do squirrels live?

Squirrels can live up to 12 years, but usually they live less than six.

How do squirrels find nuts after they hide them?

A squirrel will break the shell of a nut with its teeth then clean the nut by licking it or rubbing it on its face before it's buried. This action applies a scent to the nut, which helps the squirrel find it later, even under a foot of snow. But not all nuts are found, and squirrels are an important part of forest replenishment—some of those lost nuts grow into trees!