There are around 285 different species of squirrels all over the world, and in North America, the most common ones that prove to be pests on the home front are the Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, and Fox Squirrel.
Most squirrels are active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The Flying Squirrel though is active only in night. The primary aim of a squirrel is to hunt for food like seeds, nuts, fruits, and even fungi. Since most squirrels are omnivorous, they also feed on insects, eggs, and some smaller animals. Some squirrels are even found to feed on snakes!
Hunting for food and finding a safe place to give birth and raise their young are the two primary functions of a squirrel. Storing their food for the cold winter months is therefore a task that you will often see squirrels getting busy with all through the rest of the year.
As far as shelter is concerned, squirrels find safe places with a relative amount of privacy convenient to give birth to their young ones, and in recent times, have found that the homes of humans have plenty of cozy corners to raise a family.
The gestation period of squirrels ranges from around 30 to 60 days or more, and female squirrels can give birth to anywhere between two and eight kits at a time. These young remain by their mother’s side for around two to three months, then go out on their own.
Highly nimble and continuously on their feet, squirrels may be a treat to watch but thanks to their feeding and nesting habits, are quite invasive and troublesome as pests too. For squirrel removal services call: 905-756-4235
