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 place they call home. Squirrel nests, called dreys, are clumpy, seemingly haphazard, piles of debris that a squirrel constructs into a nest.
Despite how clumsily-built they may appear, a squirrel drey is surprisingly resilient and can hold up well. Similar to a bird’s nest, the drey is generally bowl-shaped. This keeps the young squirrels from falling out while protecting them from the elements. Squirrels will use whatever types of materials in order to build it; like twigs, leaves, vines, and more. In homes, they may even resort to using items like insulation, boxes, and books. They will often look for a place to build that is already sturdy and supportive, like a hollow tree, a chimney, or an attic.
Squirrels will use their mouths and front paws to carry over materials and will construct the drey over multiple days. They use their heads to push and bend debris in order 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 will give it additional support.