Gray squirrels and fox squirrels look very similar, but they are actually two different species. Gray squirrels are the most common in North America. Fox squirrels are less common but can be found in many regions of the United States, particularly in southern areas.

This article will discuss what sets these two species apart from each other along with their defining features.

Differences in Appearance

Even though the species look very similar, there are some very telling visual differences between fox and gray squirrels. While there are some notable variations and exceptions, the coloring of both gray and fox squirrels is more or less the same throughout most of their range across North America.

Fox squirrels are predominantly gray with a slight brown, yellow or red-orange tint with a rust-colored belly and a black outline on its tail.

The fox squirrel is the largest native tree squirrel in North America reaching lengths of 18– to 29-inches plus a tail of eight to 13 inches in length. Fox squirrels weigh in at between one and three pounds.

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If you have a garden, then you know that the biggest challenge is keeping the pests away. One of the most common pests is the squirrel. These little critters can wreak havoc on your plants, eating everything in sight.

However, there are some plants that squirrels hate and will not eat. If you are looking to keep your garden squirrel-free, then be sure to include these ten plants in your garden and try some of our other tips and tricks listed below!

The Plants that Squirrels Will Not Eat

Not only will they eat the flowers, fruit and stocks of plants, squirrels are also notorious for digging up the bulbs and roots before the plants can even sprout. They then stockpile these for the lean winter months just as they do with nuts. Here is a list of plants that squirrels hate and will not eat:

Allium

Allium can produce up to eight-foot blue-green stocks with stunning blue, purple, red, white, pink and yellow spherical blossoms reaching six to 12 inches across. Being a member of the onion family, allium blooms have the distinctive trademark odor and taste that keeps them off the squirrel’s preferred-food list.

Bleeding Heart

These are shade-loving and easy-to-care-for perennials that grow quickly and can reach up to three-feet tall. The plant’s characteristic heart-shaped flowers are red, white or pink and bloom from late spring to early summer. Mild stomach upset can occur if the plant is ingested so it acts as a deterrent to animals like squirrels, rabbits and deer.

Daffodil

Daffodils are a popular spring flower that bloom for weeks and thrive both in gardens and flower pots. Most varieties can grow up to 30 inches and have a bell-shaped central cup surrounded by a ring of petals. While the most common colors are white and yellow, there are also red and pink varieties. Squirrels avoid daffodils as the plant contains a toxic chemical that animals find distasteful.

Dianthus

Dianthus is a low-maintenance plant that produce spicy clove-scented flowers in virtually every color except blue. These flowers grow from four to 36 inches tall, depending on the variety, and up to 24 inches across. Dianthus are commonly used for borders on gardens and walkways and grow well in flower pots, but do require at least six hours of full sun. The plant attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, however dianthus has a bitter taste and is mildly toxic to animals so squirrels give it a pass.

Fritillary

Fritillary are easy to pick out of a sea of flowers with the crown imperial’s blossoms being red, orange or yellow topped with a tuft of foliage resembling a pineapple. The checkered variety sports a bunch of purple, green or white nodding cup-shape blossoms on a hardy green stem. The crown imperial especially has a skunky odor that squirrels and other animals find unpleasant so these flowers are great for planting near other species to act as guardians.

Galanthus

Sometimes called “snowdrops,” “milk flowers” or “drooping white violets” because of their hanging bell-shaped white blossoms, galanthus are great for rock gardens and borders. Galanthus grow best in filtered sunlight, are very tolerant of moist soil and pop right back up after surprise spring snowfalls.

This eastern Mediterranean perennial can grow nine- to 14-inches tall and is rodent-resistant due to it pungent aroma.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a genus of over 100 species across and thrives in a variety of latitudes. Named for its bright golden blossoms, goldenrod is often falsely accused of triggering allergies as it is frequently confused with ragweed that comes into bloom at about the same time as goldenrod. This hardy perennial grows to over six-feet tall and attracts bees and butterflies, however it has an unpleasant taste that squirrels do not like.

Hyacinth

Thanks to extensive hybridization, hyacinth plants come in a wide variety of colors. These plants have chubby leaves arranged around a tight central group of blossoms and are known to have strong squirrel repellent properties. The secret to the plant’s success as a squirrel repellent lies in its characteristic sweet-smelling scent that is pleasant to humans, but detested by squirrels. Hyacinth works best for squirrel control when used as boundary plants to create a hedge around your garden.

Irises

Irises are named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow and produced blossoms in a wide variety of colors from white to black with the most common being purple, white and yellow. Irises can reach heights of six to 12 inches with bearded varieties growing up to four feet. The majority of irises bloom in spring and/or summer and some varieties produce flowers in summer and again in the fall. Iris are known to be toxic to animals so squirrels won’t go after them.

Lily of the Valley

Contrary to its name, Lily of the Valley is actually a member of the Asparagaceae family. This plant is an ultra-hardy perennial that prefers cold weather. It does best in zones six and seven and struggles in others. It will grow to 18-inches tall, performs best in full or partial shade and does not like sunny or hot, dry climates. While Lily of the Valley has a sweet aromatic aroma, it is toxic to animals and people as well if eaten.

Reference: Better Homes and Gardens: Plant Encyclopedia

Consider Using Squirrel Repellents

There are four classifications of squirrel repellent that work to keep the rodents away from areas you don’t want them to go, without harming the squirrel. Squirrel repellents should be rotated and/or combined for best results.

1) Physical barriers like fencing or netting, trimming tree branches back from areas you don’t want squirrels to enter and metal sheeting around tree trunks will keep squirrels at bay.

2) Pets like cats and dogs will keep squirrels out of your yard.

3) Predator scents, like fox urine granules, can be detected for miles and work well at keeping squirrels away from your home and gardens.

4) Electronic devices like motorized scarecrows are meant to scare squirrels away.

Give The Squirrels an Easier Food Source

A better solution is to provide a squirrel-friendly area with an alternate food source so squirrels won’t have to go looking for food.

Cheap cracked corn, sunflower seeds and peanuts will keep the rodents happy and away from your gardens, bird feeders and trees.

Conclusion

We all know that squirrels can wreak havoc on our gardens by digging up plants, eating seeds and flowers, and leaving behind their droppings. If you’re looking for a way to keep the furry critters out of your garden without using harmful chemicals or traps, then be sure to incorporate one (or more) of these ten squirrel-resistant plants into your landscaping!

What plant has been most successful at keeping them away from your yard? Leave a comment below and let us know what worked (or didn’t) for you!

Flying squirrels are beautiful animals that many people have heard about but few people have actually seen.  Because sightings of these animals are not common it leads many people to ask, “Are Flying Squirrels Endangered?”

It turns out that the population of flying squirrels is quite robust and as a species are not endangered.  The lone exception is a single sub-species of flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) that has been on the Endangered Species list since 1985.

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Dogs are active, playful creatures. Once they get excited, it is quite difficult to keep them calm. It doesn’t matter how obedient or loving they are; they will run off if they find something worth getting distracted by.

At that moment, it wouldn’t matter whether you are on a peaceful walk or getting some exercise. Keeping them under control will be near impossible.

These impossible situations often occur due to furry rodents. One moment everything is calm, but the next moment your dog will run after it, dragging you along too.

One of the favorite critters that your dog would love running after is squirrels. A sight or even the smell of squirrels will drive them crazy, turning up the desire to chase. So, why do dogs love chasing squirrels?

Dogs+Squirrels=Chasing

Dogs will get desperate to chase squirrels around, no matter how much you try to stop it. The main reason for this is their hunting instincts.

When in the wild, dogs hunted prey animals for food. Later on, when humans domesticated them, they were trained to aid in hunting and helped retrieve hunted game.

Any breed that was used for this has strong hunting instincts. Particular breeds like terriers, hounds, and retrievers were trained for hunting for generations.

Many people look for poodle rescues for adoption due to their intelligent and obedient nature. But, even poodles tend to chase critters, so you can see that it is a drive they find difficult to ignore.

This is why dogs act hyper when out in the woods, parks, and any places with trees where small critters may live. Their senses get heightened by a squirrel’s sight, sound, and smell, so they chase after it the way they would with prey.

How Is It A Problem?

Inconvenience

Chasing squirrels is something hard-wired in some breeds of dogs. This playful chase is often harmless, and most people find it mildly inconvenient. But, it can be a huge problem when it happens frequently, and you don’t have the time or patience to humor your pup.

Unsafe For Squirrels & Other Critters

Squirrels(and most other critters) are fast and difficult to catch, but not impossible. It will only take a particularly intelligent and fast-running dog like a Goldendoodle or a Greyhound to catch one.

Squirrels are beautiful creatures and make wonderful pets, and we shouldn’t let our pets harm them. It is crucial to ensure that our dog’s wild instincts don’t lead them to a rodent blood bath. Giving your dog a taste of fresh kill is not good either, and it will be disgusting and difficult to clean.

Getting Lost & Running Away

Another big problem is when a dog gets lost or runs away while chasing a rodent. Sometimes when a dog is left on its own in the backyard, and they find a squirrel, it might follow it out through a break in the fence or the back door. They might even jump over the fence while enthralled by the chase.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

To ensure your dog’s safety and that of the wild critters, you need to take some steps. Try the following things to keep your dog safe.

• Your dogs will show signs of prey drive. Observe if it suddenly becomes overly aware of its surroundings. This can be a sign of heightened senses. This will be followed by a search. Your overly excited dog will search the animal and then stalk it noiselessly. So, keep a close eye on your dog and be aware of signs while outside.
• Keep your dog on a leash when you take it out for a stroll or run. Your dog might try to run off suddenly, so keep a stronghold of the leash. However, there is another catch. If you hold the leash too tightly, your dog might get injured.
• This is why you should consider getting a harness. A harness will protect the dog from getting hurt when chasing after the critter.
• If your dog is violent, consider getting a muzzle. Of course, it is better to give your dog proper training than making them wear a muzzle, as it can further frustrate them.
• If you leave your dog unattended in your backyard, ensure that the backyard is always closed. You should also try getting higher fences just to ensure that your dog can’t run out of the yard.
• If there are any large openings in the fence, mend them as soon as possible, and don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised until the mending is done.

Finding A Permanent Solution

As much as you might try to protect the rodents from your dog and your dog from injury or getting lost, it is not always possible. This is why you must try to find a permanent solution.

Distraction

When you go for a hike or a run with your dog, keep an eye out for signs of prey drive. Once your dog starts showing signs, use a whistle or any sharp sound to distract it. You can carry a bottle of coins or a bunch of keys to ensure that the sound is sharp enough to cause a distraction.

Dogs can get easily distracted, so the sharp sound will take their attention away long enough for the squirrel to getaway. You must intercept the chain reaction before it gets to chasing, so keep an eye out for behaviors.

Dog Impulse Training

Dog impulse training is another way of taking care of this problem. Even though teaching them something against an instinctive impulse is difficult, if you are strict and patient, you will get positive results.

There are a few different types of training methods, and with a little research, you will find plenty of resources online. You can also find training and instruction videos that will help you understand and execute it better.

Leave It

One such method is the “leave it” method. Start with harnessing your dog. You command your dog loudly and with a firm voice to “leave it” whenever it tries to reach for something it is not supposed to. If your dog still reaches for the object, you grab onto the leash and stop it from reaching.

You start training with regular stuff at home and then move the training outdoors. Start with something like the TV remote or a scrunchy that he can’t leave alone. Once your dog starts responding to the training, move your training outdoors and test it out in a real-world situation.

Never encourage behaviors you are trying to get rid of. You have to be strict and remember that you are the ‘boss.’ Strongly discourage disobedience. Praise, encourage and reward the behavior you are trying to promote.

Retrain Prey Drive

There are ways you can retrain your dog’s prey instincts. Try out “scent games,” which will help them use their drive for a playful pass time and retrain their desire to run after the critter. You can hide pet treats or kibble and train them by commanding “find it.”

To be on the safe side, hide it in a few places in your backyard. You can also try this with pieces of fruit your dog likes to eat. When you bring your dog into the yard, it will immediately smell the treat, so you must command it not to do anything until you say the commands.

You can try this game around two times a day. It is a great way to play with your dog while satiating their prey drive. Your dog will be happy to spend time with you, and it will keep him away from the playful squirrels in your backyards.

Hire A Professional

Not everyone is good at training their dog. Some people are so soft and loving towards their dogs that the dogs think they own their owner.

These dogs often become spoiled and disobey their owners, becoming unwilling to take them seriously. This is likely to happen with playful dogs like Siberian Huskies and Bernedoodles.

Consider hiring a trainer if you have tried to train your playful and disobedient dog and failed miserably.  Professionals are adept at rewiring your dog’s unwanted behaviors.

Not only can they train your dog to behave right, but they can also help you become more strict so that it becomes obedient and starts taking you seriously.

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s instinct is to chase squirrels and other small rodents. Distract your dog from these killer instincts and train it not to do something you wouldn’t want it to do.

Remember that you should make your dog see you as its “alpha.” Don’t just be a loving owner, be its leader. If you train it right and be consistent and firm, it will act according to your lead and listen to you when you ask it not to chase that lucrative squirrel.

If you’re a squirrel lover like me, no doubt you enjoy the amazing antics of these little creatures. Watching their death-defying leaps from branch to branch is a fun way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with the kids.

However, there can be times when they’re a real nuisance — especially if I’m trying to keep the squirrels away from a place they want to be.

I once watched a squirrel inch across a branch that was far too narrow to support its weight, and then dangle from its hind legs and drop at least a foot onto a second-story windowsill bird feeder. I have no idea how it got back down after enjoying its feast, but I had to respect the effort.

Faced with crazy skills like this, a lot of homeowners either tear their hair out and give up, or they consider going the chemical extermination route. But you don’t have to kill your rodent adversaries to protect your home and garden. Here are a few good squirrel repellents that actually work:

What is a Squirrel Repellent

A squirrel repellent is anything that keeps squirrels away from a certain area (such as your yard, attic, garden, or bird feeder) without killing or harming the squirrel.

The goal of squirrel repellent is to protect your property without completely eliminating the pest.

Generally speaking, there are four types of squirrel repellents:

• Physical prevention methods
• Plant-based and natural repellents
• Predator urine or other scents
• Electronic devices

Different repellents work in different ways to keep squirrels away — some scare the squirrels by making them think there’s a predator nearby while others emit an unpleasant odor, taste, or sound.

Physical Prevention Methods

Most physical deterrents work by creating some kind of barrier between the squirrel and the object of its desire, though some work by providing a lure to another area, by scaring the squirrel away, or by frustrating attempts to climb. Physical deterrents tend to be more permanent and less invasive than other repelling methods, and for this reason they are often the first line of defense against unwanted squirrels.

Fencing or Netting. Put up lightweight, close-gauge chicken wire or staple netting to a frame around raised bed gardens.

Distance. One of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder or your attic is to create enough distance. Trim branches at least 5 to 6 feet away from your home so squirrels can’t leap onto your roof and place bird feeders at least 18 inches from the nearest accessible perch.

Sprinklers. Installing motion-activated sprinklers around your garden (facing outward!) can be an excellent squirrel deterrent.

Metal Sheeting. If squirrels are getting into your fruit or nut trees, or damaging any tree that you care about, a simple metal collar around the tree will discourage even the best climbers. Tree collars should be at least 2 feet wide, and you should install them about 6 feet up the tree trunk.

Alternative Food Sources. Squirrels are the ultimate opportunistic feeders. They’ll eat whatever is available, even if it’s not their favorite or isn’t that good for them. If they’re chewing up your trees and shrubs or attacking your bird feeders, it’s because there’s nothing better available. Trust me — they don’t love bark and leaves! Scattering some cheap cracked corn on the ground or installing a squirrel feeder away from your bird feeders or garden is a great way to lure them away from these areas.

Cats and Dogs. If you have a dog or a cat in the house (and you have a fenced yard and/or a safe neighborhood), consider letting them out to play for a few hours a day. Seeing and smelling potential predators will keep the squirrel population in check.

Solid Shortening. A lot of homeowners swear by the Crisco trick. Simply coat the base of your trees or shrubs, or the pole of your bird feeder, with some Crisco. Squirrels are neat freaks that hate to get their hands dirty, and the slippery texture will make it more difficult to climb. You’ll have to reapply weekly, though. Birds will eat the Crisco and rain will eventually wash it away.

Plant-Based, Natural Repellents

Natural, plant-based repellents work either by creating an unpleasant taste or by acting as an irritant to squirrels. Homeowners tend to like these solutions because they’re affordable, convenient, and easy to apply. There are also many cost-effective DIY options. The one downside of plant-based sprays, granules, and powders is that they aren’t as permanent as physical barriers and need frequent reapplication — often 2 to 3 times a week or after rain.

Exterminators Choice Rodent Defense Spray. This is a wonderful, non-toxic, all-natural spray repellent made from garlic, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils as well as white pepper. The mix irritates squirrels and other rodents, particularly on the sensitive skin of their hands, feet, and bellies, preventing them from scratching, digging, and destroying plants, insulation, or wood in your home.

It’s not recommended that you spray the mix directly on your plants. Instead, spray it on the ground surrounding the plants or on barriers surrounding the plants. You can use the spray liberally in attics, garages, basements, and sheds. You can also spray directly on bird feeders as the mix doesn’t deter birds and is non-harmful to them.

Pure Mint Sprays. There are a number of pure peppermint oil sprays on the market that effectively deter squirrels. You can use these in the same manner as the Exterminators Choice spray.

DIY Spray Repellents. There are too many recipes for DIY squirrel repellent sprays to list them all here, but they all tend to have common ingredients: garlic, onion, red capsaicin pepper, jalapeno, peppermint and rosemary oils, oil soap, dish soap, and other known squirrel irritants. It’s fairly simple to find a recipe that uses ingredients you already have in your pantry and whip up a quick squirrel spray. Use the same way you would use a store-bought spray.

DIY Dry Repellents. You can also make effective squirrel repellents by sprinkling dry ingredients directly onto the areas you want to protect against squirrels. Mix cayenne pepper and a bit of natural laundry detergent into your garden soil. Or sprinkle some cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes into your bird feeder with the seeds. Squirrels hate the taste, but birds don’t mind it one bit!

Predator Urine and Other Scents

As you might imagine, predator urine works by making squirrels think there’s a natural predator in the area. However, there are other scents squirrels can’t stand, including moth balls and putrescent egg. These scent granules and sprays tend to last longer than natural irritant sprays and only need reapplication every 30 days or after a heavy rain.

Shake Away Fox Urine Granules. Shake Away is one of the most trusted names in animal repellents, and their fox urine granules work particularly well on squirrels. Apply the granules at the base of plants you want to protect and in your yard to repel squirrels. Rodents can detect this scent for miles and will avoid your home.

Ortho Animal B Gon Animal Repellent Granules. Also available as a spray, this product repels by scent. Place at the base of your plants to make them less attractive to squirrels.

Moth Balls. If you like seeing squirrels in your yard but don’t want them in your home, moth balls can be a good, semi-permanent option for you. They don’t work well outdoors because the scent is too dissipated. However, hanging bags of moth balls in enclosed spaces like closets, sheds, and attics will keep squirrels and other rodents away. Replace when the scent weakens.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices repel by sound, sight, and fear. While these methods may seem permanent, they can lose effectiveness as the squirrels become used to the device. For best results, move scarecrow devices around from time to time and turn sonic devices off for a day or two before turning them back on.

Scarecrow Devices. There are a number of sonic devices shaped like owls or eagles that are effective at keeping squirrels away from a certain area. I particularly like the Hoont Garden Scarecrow Eagle or the Hausse Solar Powered Fake Owl Decoy. Both products are solar-powered. The owl has red glowing eyes while the eagle is motion-activated to shriek and flash a light when an animal is within range. While these devices are great for gardens or for the home, you wouldn’t want to use them around your bird feeders for obvious reasons.

Sonic Devices. These devices emit high-pitched tones that are inaudible to humans but intolerable for squirrels and other rodents. Look for a device specifically for indoor or outdoor use, as the range and durability varies. One of my favorites for outdoor use is the Aspectek Yard Sentinel, which covers 5,000 square feet and has multiple channels to repel specific animals.

Final Thoughts: How to Use Squirrel Repellents Effectively

Squirrels are incredibly wily and crafty critters.

Just when you think you’ve gotten them beat for good, they’ll come up with an ingenious way around your repellent. Even worse, all repellents become ineffective when a squirrel is really hungry. They’ll brave hot pepper soil, greased poles, and terrifying sights and smells if their tummy is empty.

For optimal results, you should consider combining and rotating different squirrel repellent methods to keep your squirrel population on its toes. Even better, provide an attractive, squirrel-friendly area with an alternate food source or a squirrel feeder in an area where you don’t mind seeing their friendly faces. The best way to keep squirrels out of your feeders or garden is to give them a better option!

It is common to see squirrels running around backyards and parks in the morning.  They live in large numbers across pretty much the entire country and are one of the most well recognized wildlife creatures.

A very common question about this abundant wildlife species is, “Where Do Squirrels Live?”.

Most species of squirrels such as the Grey, Flying and Red squirrels live in trees utilizing either nests or dreys for shelter.  Some species of squirrels, like the aptly named Ground Squirrels, live in underground burrows.

Where Do Tree Squirrels Live?

The type of squirrels that you see in parks are almost always tree squirrels with Grey squirrels being the most populous.  Tree squirrels make their homes in trees using either nests or dreys for shelter.

A drey is a loose collection of branches, leaves and other insulating nesting materials that is constructed between supporting branches in a tree.

A nest is a cavity within the tree trunk.  These cavities are initially excavated by woodpeckers and are used for one to two seasons before being abandoned and taken over by squirrels.

Why Do Squirrels Live in Trees?

The two primary reasons that squirrels live in trees are:

• Safety
• Food Availability

Safety Concerns

Squirrels are prey animals that are hunted by ground based and aerial predators. Squirrels are the most vulnerable to predators when they are in open ground.

Having a nest that is high up in a tree provides protection against ground based predators such as foxes, coyotes and even your dog.  And, as long as there are leaves on the tree the squirrels are somewhat camouflaged from aerial predators such as hawks.

Food Availability

Squirrels have a diverse diet that is provided in many forms by the trees which they inhabit.

Squirrels find the following items in trees to eat:

• Tree nuts
• Fungi
• New twig growth
• Baby birds and bird eggs

Trees not only provide excellent protection but also a bountiful food harvest for squirrels.

Where Do Squirrels Live in the US?

So now that we know about why squirrels live in tress and the type of structures squirrels live in, let’s take a closer look at where the different types of tree squirrels are most likely to be found.

Flying Squirrels

There are two species of flying squirrel, Northern and Southern, with the Southern species being the most populous in the United States.  The Southern Flying Squirrel can be found in nearly all of the Eastern states in both deciduous and coniferous forests.

An interesting fact about Flying squirrels is that they are nocturnal.  This means that many people have these squirrels in their backyard and local parks but never see them!

Red Squirrels

American Red squirrels can be found almost anywhere in the country that has coniferous forests.  Red squirrels primarily eat the nuts found in pine cones and other evergreens, so much so that their common nickname is “Pine Squirrel”.

Grey Squirrels

Grey squirrels are extremely common in the Eastern half of the United States and are the most populous squirrels in that part of the country. The population starts thinning out just past the Mississippi River.

Grey squirrels thrive in mature mixed forests with a thick canopy.  However, these intelligent creatures are highly adaptable and can easily find ways to make themselves at home in your backyard and local parks.

Black Squirrels

Black squirrels are grey squirrels with a slight genetic mutation.  As such, any place where you can find grey squirrels is a potential location for black squirrels as well.

There are several places with notable concentrations of black squirrels including Virginia, Ohio, Michigan.  Typically these are areas where black squirrels were artificially introduced such as the population in Battle Creek, Michigan introduced by the Kellogg family.

Where Do Squirrels Live in the City

City squirrels live in the same places as their forest dwelling counterparts, in trees.  City squirrels will nest in the trees found in parks, along roadways and in various Green Spaces.

If the squirrels run short of tree nesting opportunities they will create nests in any available elevated structure that they think affords them a level of protection from predators. As an example, here is a video showing a squirrel building a nest on a fourth story fire escape.

Where Do Squirrels Live in the Winter?

In the wintertime squirrels live in the exact same nests and dens that the use in summer months.  Multiple squirrels will share the same nest during winter to share body warmth.

Additionally, the squirrels will stay in the nests for days at a time to conserve energy and shared body heat.  These are a couple ways that squirrels make it through winter without hibernating.

Do Squirrels Live Underground?

There are a few species of squirrels, mainly found in the Western United States, that live in underground burrows.  These squirrels are aptly named “Ground Squirrels” and only slightly resemble their tree squirrel cousins in the East.

Ground squirrels are fascinating animals (they fight and beat rattlesnakes!) and I encourage you to learn more about them by checking out this article on Five Incredible Ground Squirrel Facts.

Very few animals draw such vastly different emotional reactions from people than squirrels. Some people think squirrels are absolutely adorable and love to feed and nurture them.  Other people think squirrels are nothing but nasty rats with fluffy tails.

Part of the love/hate relationship with squirrels concerns where exactly they fall in the animal kingdom. Almost everyone HATES rats and we are taught early on that rodents should be avoided.  But what about our furry tailed tree dwellers?

“Are Squirrels Rodents Like Rats?”

Squirrels are absolutely rodents.  While squirrels are rodents there are five SubOrders in the Rodentia class and squirrels and rats are in different SubOrders.  This means that rats and squirrels are loosely related but are separate species that cannot interbreed.

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Hawks are amazing and beautiful predators that are essential in nature’s food web.  One part of the food web is the role that squirrels play in the diet of hawks.  If you have ever wondered, “Do Hawks Eat Squirrels?” then this article will help you understand that:

Yes, hawks do eat squirrels.  Hawks are one of the top predators of squirrels and the species that eats the most squirrels is the Red Tailed Hawk. 

Let’s take a closer look at the differences in the types of hawks that live in the United States to gain a better understanding of their respective diets.

Accipiter vs Buteo Hawks

Hawks belong to the class of birds known as Raptors and there are two general types of hawks, Accipiters and Buteos.

Bueto Hawks are larger than Accipiters and some of the more populous species include:

• Red Tailed Hawk
• Swainson’s Hawk
• Ferruginous Hawk
• Rough Legged Hawk
• Red Shoulder Hawk

In general, buteo hawks are large, powerful and specialize in hunting small mammals.

Accipiter Hawks include species such as:

• Sharp Shinned Hawk
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Northern Goshawk

In general, the smaller accipiter hawks are fast moving aerial specialist that hunt by snatching other birds from mid-air or plucking them from your bird feeders.

All types of hawks are opportunistic predators and will eat whatever they can catch in their environment so if an accipiter thinks it can catch a squirrel then it will not turn down the meal.

The largest of the accipiter hawks, the Northern Goshawk, bridges both worlds and appears to hunt birds and mammals equally.

Red Tail Hawks Eat the Most Squirrels

The Red Tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in the United States and it has a ferocious appetite for squirrels.  Approximately 80% of a Red Tail Hawk’s diet consists of small rodents such as squirrels.

Of course, like most things in nature, there is much variation is the relationship between species.  There are at least 14 sub-species of Red Tail Hawks and many more species of squirrels so making blanket statements about the exact percentage of squirrels that makes up a Red Tail Hawk’s diet is, at best, a ball park estimate.

However, it is safe to say that Red Tail Hawks are one of the major predators of squirrels.

One interesting study I found took place in Alberta, Canada from 1965-1968 and studied he impact of Red Tail Hawks (subspecies was not identified) upon local prey species.

The study found that small mammals made up 66% of the hawk’s diet while waterfowl made up 18%.  Of the mammals taken, the majority species were Richardson’s ground squirrels and snowshoe hares.  The impact of the Red Tail Hawks upon the ground squirrel population was devastating with the hawks  consuming up to 60% of the entire ground squirrel population and up to 90% of the adults.

Using Red Tail Hawks to Hunt Squirrels

Because Red Tail Hawks are such excellent squirrel hunters many people engaged in Falconry will use them for this very purpose.

Below is an amazing video showing the interaction between a Falconer and his Red Tailed Hawk as they go squirrel hunting.

Squirrel Defenses Against Hawk Attacks

Squirrels have developed a number of defense mechanisms to try to escape aerial predators but the efficacy of the mechanisms is questionable.

When squirrels spot a hawk they will make specialized sounds to warn other squirrels.

It is also speculated that the crazy, erratic running patterns squirrels make through open spaces is an attempt to prevent a hawk from locking onto their location for a dive bomb attack.

Given the percentage of squirrels that get eaten by hawks I have to think that these defenses are not very effective!

Squirrels are busy animals. When it is nice outside, it is hard to go anywhere or spend more than a minute looking out your window without seeing a squirrel.  While these animals are busy throughout the warmer months, I started to wonder about how they got through the winter.

More specifically I wondered, “Do grey squirrels hibernate?”  I did some research and found that the answer is:

Grey squirrels do not hibernate.  Grey squirrels use multiple mechanisms to survive the cold including group warmth, shivering, food caching and bulking up for winter.

Grey Squirrels Do Not Hibernate

It turns out that grey squirrels are warm-blooded homeotherms. Homeotherms maintain a constant body temperature throughout the seasons and do not need to hibernate.

The primary mechanisms grey squirrels employ for winter survival include:

• Building protected nests
• Sharing body heat
• Reducing physical activity
• Creation of food caches
• Development of fat stores
• Development of a thicker coat
• Utilization of shivering

Grey Squirrels Build and Share Protected Nests

Grey squirrels make it through the winter by building warm nests or dreys.

Most tree squirrels will share their nests with other squirrels for the benefit of the shared body heat.  Grey squirrels will share a nest with just a few other squirrels while Flying squirrels have been known to share a nest with more than 20 other squirrels.

Here is a peek inside a grey squirrel nest…it looks kind of cozy in there!

Grey Squirrels Reduce Physical Activity in Winter

Once the squirrels are in their nests they tend to stay there as much as possible.  Grey squirrels will often stay in their nests for 2-3 days at a time and only come out to search for food around midday.

By staying in their nests they use less energy, stay warmer and help maintain the shared body heat.

Food Stashing

Grey squirrels spend much of the fall preparing food stores for winter.  Squirrels stash away acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, etc for winter munching.

Grey squirrels are classic scatter hoarders which means that they make as many food stores as possible.  This behavior is a form of food protection as if one or two food sources get discovered by other squirrels they still have plenty of other food sources in reserve.

One benefit of the grey squirrel’s rampant nut caching behavior is that it is impossible for the squirrel to remember where all of the nuts are buried.  Many of the undisturbed buried nuts will germinate, sprout and turn into the next generation of forest trees.

The instinctual drive to hide food gets somewhat comical at times.  Squirrels will hide nuts in car engines, in the fur of sleeping dogs and in the pockets of people who just gave them a nut!  If you would like to check out some silly videos of squirrels and their silly food caches then check out this article on Where Do Squirrels Hide Their Nuts?

Grey Squirrels Bulk Up with Fat and a Thicker Fur Coat

In the fall, when tree nuts are plentiful, squirrels will eat voracious amounts of extra food to pack on develop an increased fat layer.  Some estimates say that the grey squirrels consumes 32% more food than energetically required during the fall and increase their weight by 25%.

The increased fat layer serves as a layer of insulation to protect the squirrels core body temperature as well as a reserve of energy for when food sources becomes scarce.

In addition to gaining weight, squirrels adapt their bodies for winter by developing a thicker coat.  In colder regions the thicker coat is expanded to include more fur on their ears and the soles of their feet.

Shivering for Warmth

Grey squirrels utilize shivering to generate extra body heat during winter.

An interesting study has found that black squirrels, which are genetic variations of grey squirrels, are better at shivering and may eventually become dominant species in colder climates.

How You Can Help Grey Squirrels Survive Winter

If you want to help your squirrels make it through winter then there are several things you can do by providing:

• Shelter
• Nesting material
• Food
• Water

Provide Shelter

While squirrels will share nests to stay warm there is not always room for everyone.  The availability of prime nesting sites is one of the factors that determine whether a squirrel will make it through the winter.

There are several squirrel houses for sale that you could put up in your backyard that would provide much needed and appreciated shelter.

Provide Nesting Material

Squirrels line their nests with leaves, twigs and other debris to form an insulating barrier.

You can provide a supply of nesting material that has even better thermal properties than leaves and the squirrels will use it to make their nest extra warm.  According to The Squirrel Board Forum some great choices for nesting material include:

• Fleece
• Wool
• Fiberfill

Anything with rope like fibers (yarn, etc) should be avoided as baby squirrels can get tangled in the threads.

Provide Food and Water

Squirrels need to eat and drink during the winter so a readily accessible source of food and water will help them greatly.

Here is a great article on What to Feed Wild Squirrels if you need ideas on what to put in a feeder.

A heated water bath would also be nice providing that it can be placed in close proximity to the tree where the squirrels are nesting.  You do NOT want to make the squirrels travel far from their nest for either food or water.  Squirrels are ruthlessly hunted by hawks and in the winter time the protective coverage of tree leaves is absent.