Are Squirrels Nocturnal Animals?
If you’ve ever wondered “are squirrels nocturnal animals?”, the short answer is no—they’re not. Squirrels are diurnal animals. They’re active during the day. You’ve likely spotted them racing across yards, climbing trees, or digging in the ground to stash away snacks while the sun is shining. Once night falls, their activity stops, and they settle into their nests or dens for some well-earned rest.
What Do Squirrels Do at Night?
At night, squirrels retreat to their nests—cozy little spots built high up in trees or tucked into sheltered areas. These nests, called dreys, are made from twigs, leaves, and other natural materials. When they’re not active during the day, squirrels use the nighttime hours to rest and stay out of harm’s way.
Sometimes, you might hear noises in your attic or walls at night and wonder if squirrels are the culprits. While this is rare, it’s not impossible. If a squirrel has found its way indoors for warmth or shelter, you’ll need to consider squirrel removal options. Wildlife removal professionals can help safely relocate the squirrel and repair any access points to prevent future visits.
When Are Squirrels Most Active During the Day?
Squirrel activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon. During these times, they’re busy foraging for food, like nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes even insects. These critters are smart enough to bury food for later, ensuring they have reserves during the colder months when food is scarce. The middle of the day, when the sun is at its hottest, is a quieter time for squirrels as they rest and avoid overheating.
Why Don’t Squirrels Come Out at Night?
Squirrels have good eyesight during the day but struggle to see well in the dark. This is one reason they aren’t active at night. Being nocturnal would also put them at higher risk from predators like owls, foxes, and raccoons, which hunt under the cover of darkness. Staying tucked away in their nests helps them stay safe.
The only squirrels you might see at night are flying squirrels, a unique type of nocturnal squirrel. Unlike their daytime relatives, flying squirrels are well-adapted to the night, using their large eyes and gliding abilities to forage for food and avoid predators.
Rare Cases of Nocturnal Squirrel Activity
While it’s uncommon, you might spot squirrels moving around at night under certain circumstances. If they’re disturbed by a predator, searching for food they didn’t find during the day, or relocating to a safer nesting spot, they may come out briefly. For example, some homeowners report seeing squirrels on security cameras or hearing rustling noises after dark. These situations are exceptions, though, not the rule. If you notice regular nighttime squirrel activity in or around your home, it’s worth contacting a wildlife removal expert to investigate.
Squirrels vs. Nocturnal Animals
Unlike nocturnal animals like bats, owls, or raccoons, squirrels rely on daylight to see clearly and spot threats or food. Their diurnal habits make sense for their environment and lifestyle, especially since their main food sources—like nuts and fruits—are easiest to find in the daytime.
On the other hand, nocturnal animals are built to thrive in the dark, often using keen senses like enhanced hearing or night vision to survive.
Flying squirrels are the exception among squirrels. These nocturnal animals glide through the night, using their excellent vision to find food and avoid predators. However, they’re less common than the squirrels you’re used to seeing in your yard.
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