If you live in Ontario, chances are you’ve spotted plenty of squirrels darting across your yard or local park. These playful creatures are a common sight, but have you ever wondered when they start their families? Squirrels, like many animals, have distinct breeding seasons, and knowing when they have babies can give you a better understanding of their life cycle.
In this blog, we’ll explore the timing of squirrel breeding seasons, the stages of their baby squirrels’ development, and what to look for if you’re curious about spotting them.
Squirrel Breeding Seasons in Ontario
Squirrels in Ontario typically have two main breeding seasons each year: one in late winter and another in the summer. Here’s a closer look at the timing for each season.
First Breeding Season: Late Winter
- Mating Period: January to February
- Birth of Babies: March to early April
During the first breeding season, squirrels begin mating in the colder months of January and February. After a gestation period of about 40-45 days, baby squirrels, also known as kits, are born. These babies are usually born in late March or early April when the weather is still cool but starting to warm up.
Second Breeding Season: Summer
- Mating Period: May to early July
- Birth of Babies: July to early August
The second breeding season occurs during the warmer months of late spring and early summer. Squirrels begin mating in May, and the babies are born in July or early August. This season is often busier for squirrels as they prepare for the fall and winter months ahead.
What Happens After the Babies Are Born?
Once squirrel kits are born, they stay in their nests for several weeks, relying on their mothers for warmth, food, and protection.
- Newborn Stage: Squirrel kits are born hairless and blind, making them extremely vulnerable. For the first few weeks of their lives, they remain inside their nests (called dreys) or in tree cavities.
- Development Period: After about 8 to 10 weeks, the baby squirrels start to grow fur, open their eyes, and become more active.
- Exploring the World: By May or June (for the first breeding season) or September or October (for the second breeding season), the young squirrels venture out of the nest and start exploring their surroundings.
Where Do Squirrels Nest?
Squirrels build their nests in trees, either in tree cavities or by creating dreys from leaves and twigs. These nests provide shelter and protection for their young, keeping them safe from predators and harsh weather conditions. If you see a large clump of leaves high up in a tree, there’s a good chance it could be a squirrel nest.
Signs of Baby Squirrels in Your Area
If you’re curious about spotting baby squirrels in your neighbourhood, here are a few signs to look for:
- Increased Nest Activity: Squirrels tend to stay close to their nests when they have babies, so you may see adult squirrels frequently returning to a particular tree.
- More Squirrel Sightings: As the babies grow older and start to explore, you may notice more squirrels playing and running around.
- Quiet Chatter: Squirrels communicate with their young through various vocalizations. Listen for soft chattering sounds coming from trees or bushes.
Our Squirrel Control Services in Toronto, Ontario
If you’ve noticed an increase in squirrel activity around your home or business, especially during their breeding seasons, it may be time to consider professional squirrel control. In Toronto and across Ontario, squirrels can sometimes cause significant damage by nesting in attics, chewing on wires, or creating holes in buildings. Our expert team at Pestong is here to provide humane, effective squirrel control services to protect your property.
Our squirrel control process includes:
- Inspection and Assessment: We thoroughly inspect your property to identify squirrel entry points and nesting areas.
- Safe Removal: We use humane trapping and exclusion methods to safely remove squirrels without causing them harm.
- Preventive Measures: Once removed, we seal entry points and recommend additional steps to prevent future infestations.
Whether you need immediate squirrel removal or want to safeguard your space proactively, Pestong is here to help you manage squirrel activity in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Contact us today for a consultation!
Conclusion
Squirrels are fascinating creatures, and understanding their breeding cycles can help you appreciate their presence even more. In Ontario, squirrels have babies twice a year—once in the early spring and once in the summer. If you keep an eye out, you might just catch a glimpse of baby squirrels as they emerge from their nests and explore the world around them.
Next time you see a squirrel in your yard, you’ll know a little more about its family life!
