Squirrels often like to find a home in the hollows of trees or hidden away in a small den. But for many squirrels, a nest built on tree branches, or even in attics, is the perfect place they call home. Squirrel nests, also called dreys, are clumpy, seemingly haphazard piles of debris that a squirrel uses as a place to rest.
Squirrel Dreys are Sturdier than They Appear
Despite how clumsily-built they may appear, a squirrel drey is surprisingly strong and can hold up well to wind. Similar to a bird’s nest, the drey is generally bowl-shaped. They often look less neatly crafted than a bird’s nest, but they can be usable year-round when properly maintained. This shape keeps the younger squirrels from falling out. It can also protect from the elements. Squirrels will use pretty much anything to build it, much like birds. Common materials can include twigs, leaves, paper, trash, wood scraps, and more. Inside a house, a squirrel may use other nearby materials. This can include things like insulation, cardboard boxes, and books.
Where Do Squirrels Build Nests?
Squirrels try to pick somewhere that already resists the elements well. They will often look for a place to build that is already sturdy and supportive, like a hollow tree, a chimney, or an attic. Sheds or pool storage boxes are also commonly used by these rodents. Man-made structures are often the best suited to resist winter cold, so attics are definitely prime real estate for squirrels.
Dreys are built if they cannot find a suitable spot, or if they want to feel more contained in a space. A squirrel can build a nest within an attic, for example. This may be to keep its young together or to hide them from potential predators.
How do Squirrels Build Nests?
Much like birds, squirrels forage for materials for their nests. They use their mouths and front paws to carry over materials. It can take multiple days to fully build the nest. They use their heads to push and bend debris to create a frame out of living twigs, which are harder to break. Squirrels may chew on the ends of the sticks to spread the fibers, which can help keep them in place. They will use mud, twigs, and leaves to insulate and reinforce it. An outer shell of sticks gives additional support.
Fall Dreys
Squirrels tend to build their dreys in the fall season, as they gear up for the long winter. In addition to storing food in various locations, a well-built drey will ready the squirrel for the winter ahead. Squirrels in New York and New Jersey do not usually hibernate. Because of this, they will venture out of their drey to access their food stores throughout the winter.