Many Victoria homeowners are curious about the behaviours of squirrels, especially when it comes to their mating habits. These small, agile creatures are a common sight in urban and suburban areas, often leaving traces of their activity on roofs, in attics, or around yards. Understanding squirrel mating habits, wildlife relationship facts, and squirrel behaviour insights can be invaluable for managing potential issues and appreciating the ways these animals interact with their environment. Today, we’ll shed light on whether or not squirrels mate for life and how their habits might affect your home.

Do Squirrels Form Lifelong Bonds?

Unlike some species, squirrels do not form lifelong pair bonds. Their approach to mating is opportunistic and efficient rather than centred on long-lasting partnerships. During mating season, which happens twice a year, typically in January and again in late summer, males compete for the attention of a female. This competition can involve energetic chases and displays of strength, all aimed at securing the chance to reproduce.

Female squirrels are only receptive to mating for approximately a day or two during these periods, making timing critical. Due to the short window of receptivity, squirrels prioritize procreation over forming a stable partnership with a single mate. After mating, the male has no further involvement in raising the young. The female takes on the full responsibility of finding or preparing a nest site, giving birth, and staying with her babies until they are old enough to leave the den.

This lack of pair bonding is typical of many wildlife species. It ensures genetic diversity and increased chances of survival for the species. However, it also means that activity levels and potential damage caused by squirrels in and around homes can increase during these busy mating seasons. Homeowners might hear more noise at night or see signs of new damage as squirrels seek shelter for their offspring.

The Role of Female Squirrels in Raising Young

Once a female squirrel has mated, she takes great care in preparing a safe and protected environment for her litter. Squirrels are resourceful and adaptable, and females often look for secure, warm locations to nest. This is where human homes come into play. Attics, wall cavities, and sheds provide an attractive shelter for nurturing young squirrels. These structures shield them from harsh weather and predators, creating an ideal environment.

A typical squirrel litter consists of anywhere between one to nine babies. Because newborns are born blind and helpless, they remain highly dependent on their mother for their first several weeks of life. During this time, the mother invests her energy in protecting her den, keeping her babies warm, and providing nourishment. Its maternal instinct is on full display here—female squirrels will fiercely defend their nest and offspring if they feel threatened.

The presence of a squirrel’s nest in your attic or walls can lead to challenges for homeowners, including damage to insulation, wood, and electrical wires. Mothers determined to reach their babies may even chew through barriers to access their young, increasing the risk of further damage. By being aware of these behaviours, homeowners can better identify the signs that squirrels might be nesting nearby.

How Squirrels Choose Mates

The process of selecting mates among squirrels is far from random. Males often engage in competitive displays to vie for the attention of females. This can include chasing each other through the trees, vocalizing to assert dominance, or even briefly sparring. These behaviours are most commonly observed during the early mornings or just before sunset when squirrel activity peaks.

Interestingly, female squirrels are selective about their mates and may show preference toward individuals exhibiting specific traits. This selectivity ensures that the strongest and healthiest males are more likely to pass on their genes, which contributes to the survival of their offspring. While squirrels don’t mate for life, their mating rituals are an important part of ensuring a robust population. 

After mating, it’s not unusual for squirrels to have multiple den sites in a single area. This is especially true for mothers preparing for their young. These alternate sites provide a backup option if their primary den becomes unsafe or exposed. Homeowners may notice increased movement and noise as pregnant squirrels prepare for the arrival of their litter. This is often accompanied by the collection of nesting materials such as leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Squirrel Behaviour Insights From the Mating Season

The mating season offers a fascinating glimpse into squirrel behaviour, but it also brings some challenges for homeowners. Increased activity during this time may manifest as scratching or scampering sounds in attics, droppings around entry points, or visible damage to exterior materials such as siding or soffits.

Squirrels are agile climbers, using overhanging branches, power lines, or uneven building surfaces to access roofs and potential den sites. During the mating season, these activities intensify as squirrels seek out suitable nesting locations. Their ability to chew through materials like wood, aluminum, and plastic can lead to costly repairs if they gain access to your home. Proactive measures, such as trimming tree branches and sealing potential entry points, can reduce the likelihood of squirrels entering your property.

It’s also worth noting that once squirrels establish a den in or near your home, they may return to it in subsequent years if it remains suitable. This is why addressing the situation promptly is crucial to avoid recurring problems. Professional wildlife removal services can ensure that squirrels are removed humanely and that prevention strategies are in place to keep them out.

Managing Squirrel Presence Around Your Home

Understanding the mating habits and nesting behaviours of squirrels can help homeowners take steps to limit their impact. Here are some tips to minimize squirrel-related issues during mating seasons:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for possible entry points, such as small gaps, vents, or damaged roofing, and seal them with durable materials.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Squirrels use trees to access roofs. Regular trimming can reduce their access to your property.
• Secure Food Sources: Squirrels are drawn to accessible food like birdseed, pet food, or unsecured trash. Keeping these items stored can make your property less attractive.
• Identify Signs Early: Listen for unusual sounds in attics or walls and look for chewed materials or nesting debris to identify squirrel activity sooner.

If you suspect activity in your home during their mating season, it’s always best to involve wildlife experts like us at Skedaddle. Attempting removal on your own can cause undue stress to the animals and may even lead to further damage.

Respect and Preventative Action Go Hand in Hand

While squirrels don’t form lasting family bonds like humans, their mating behaviours and parenting efforts are remarkable. By learning about these patterns, we can coexist more effectively with them and address challenges in a humane and informed way.

If you’re noticing activity in your home or suspect squirrels have taken up residence, our team at Skedaddle is here to help. We bring over 30 years of experience in addressing these situations safely and efficiently. Call us today to schedule an assessment and protect your home against further damage.