Squirrels build nests called "dreys". They are made of twigs and leaves. The interior is lined with fur, feathers or other soft material for comfort. There are normally two exits in this type of nest, and they're built high in a tree between two strong branches. High enough to provide protection from ground predators, but not too high or the nest will be destroyed by the winds. Squirrels also will build a nest, called a "den", in a hollow tree cavity. Index

There are actually different kinds of squirrels. A majority of squirrels live in trees, but there are ground squirrels that generally live in the western areas of the United States.

Rabies is carried mainly by wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Humans, dogs, and cats can also get rabies. Squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, mice, and rabbits usually do not get rabies.

No matter what you do, squirrels will find your feeders. Make sure to supply squirrels with foods they prefer (Wild Delight® Squirrel Food, Corn on the Cob or Peanuts) somewhere away from your bird feeders. If you purchase inexpensive plastic bird feeders, the squirrels will damage or destroy them. Use well made feeders with metal bindings and squirrel proof guarantees. Some birds like Blue Jays and Nuthatches take a seed or two and then fly to a perch to crack open the hull.

Squirrels are also heavily infested with pests, which can spread into your home or business searching for hosts. Ticks, fleas, chiggers and mites are all known carriers of disease. Ticks are very mobile and have been known to crawl into buildings that squirrels are living in, and travel great distances to attach themselves to people. If a squirrel brings fleas into your home, most likely the biting bug will hop onto your house pet’s back.

No, tree squirrels are active all year round. You may not see them as often in the Winter, since they stay in their nests to conserve body heat.Index

Squirrels do communicate, by making shrill sounds (tchrring). The pitch and the duration of these sounds have meaning to other squirrels. Tail gestures are also a form of communication. The most common tail gesture is the "flicking" which means "get away!" Index

Most squirrels eat nuts, seeds, grain, and fruit. By far their favorite food would be nuts, followed by sunflower seeds. Urban squirrel have adapted to eat just about anything, including pizza, luncheon meats and all forms of snack foods. Squirrels have been known to eat bird eggs, but this is a last resort. When natural food is scarce, they will eat anything they can find. Index

Squirrels do fall, but they use their tail as a parachute and when they land their tail is used as a cushion. They rarely get hurt from a short fall. But they can sustain broken bones, or severe spinal injuries from a awkward landing. Index

Squirrels swim using a "dog paddle" motion, and their tail as a rudder. Swimming is very strenuous for a squirrel, and it's not done unless absolutely necessary. Index

Playfully when they are young, and again later during the mating season. Squirrels are not normally aggressive,&; although they'll nip at other squirrels feeding in or invading their territory. Index

Squirrels mate in the late Winter or very early Spring. This time may vary with location, and the weather conditions. The best time to see a squirrel's acrobatic skill is, during the "mating chase". Index

Squirrels are solitary animals. They do not have a hierarchical structure, and therefore, no group name was established. Index

In the United States the largest concentration of squirrels is in Washington, D.C. Specifically, in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Some call it the "Squirrel Capital" of the World. Squirrels roam free and are well feed by the thousands of Government employees and visitors that tour the park daily. Index