Squirrel Breeding Seasons & Birth Times

Squirrels might seem like they’re everywhere all the time, but their babies? That’s a different story. We’ve noticed these clever rodents actually follow pretty specific breeding patterns that change based on species and location.

For homeowners in Texas, knowing when squirrels have their babies can help explain sudden increases in activity around your property and might even help prevent unwanted houseguests in your attic.

The Basic Squirrel Breeding Timeline

Most squirrel species follow a predictable pattern when it comes to reproduction:

• Mating season: Usually happens twice yearly
• Pregnancy: Lasts about 44 days (give or take a few days depending on species)
• Litter size: Typically 2-5 babies per litter
• Weaning: Babies nurse for 8-10 weeks
• Independence: Young squirrels become self-sufficient around 10-12 weeks of age

But the exact timing? That varies quite a bit depending on which squirrels we’re talking about.

Gray & Fox Squirrels: The Common Texans

Gray squirrels (and their cousins, fox squirrels) are the most common species you’ll find in The Woodlands and throughout Texas. These bushy-tailed critters have two distinct breeding seasons each year, with gray squirrels nesting twice a year, in late winter and summer. The specific timing breaks down like this:

First breeding season:

• Mating: December-February
• Babies born: February-April

Second breeding season:

• Mating: May-June
• Babies born: July-September

According to research, female squirrels usually give birth to between two and six babies with each litter, though some squirrels deliver as many as 8 babies at one time. When born, they weigh about one ounce and are only one inch in length. They’re entirely hairless, deaf, and blind, leaving them completely defenseless.

During peak baby season in spring, you might notice more squirrel activity as mothers search for extra food. Female squirrels become extremely protective of their nests during this time, which they often build in tree cavities or construct in your attic if they can find access.

Flying Squirrels: The Nighttime Breeders

Southern flying squirrels are less commonly seen in Texas because they’re nocturnal, but they definitely live here! Their breeding pattern differs slightly:

Mating for flying squirrels occurs in late winter, and after a 40-day gestation period, an average of three to four young are born. A second breeding period occurs in the summer. More specifically, the two main breeding intervals for southern flying squirrels are February through March and May through July.

Flying squirrels typically have 2-4 babies per litter and are especially likely to nest in attics and wall voids of homes. Their nocturnal nature means many homeowners don’t realize they have flying squirrels until the babies become active.

In Texas, flying squirrels eat many nuts, berries, buds, grasshoppers, moths, bugs, and grubs. They, like all squirrels, prefer to nest in tree cavities.

Texas Squirrel Breeding: Regional Variations

In warmer parts of Texas, especially around Houston and The Woodlands, we’ve noticed that squirrel breeding seasons might start a bit earlier than in northern states. The mild winters mean breeding can sometimes begin as early as late November, with babies arriving in January.

Southern regions of Texas might see:

• First litter: January-March
• Second litter: June-August

Northern parts of Texas typically follow the standard timeline more closely, with February-April and July-September being the main baby seasons.

How To Tell If Squirrels Are Having Babies Near Your Home

There are several signs that squirrels might be raising a family on your property:

• Increased daytime activity, especially multiple trips to and from the same location
• More aggressive behavior from female squirrels defending territory
• Nest building materials being carried (insulation, leaves, paper)
• Soft chirping sounds coming from trees, attics, or walls (baby squirrels are quite vocal)
• New entry points being created around your roofline or eaves

You may also notice visual signs like structural damage such as rips and holes in the building, chewed wiring, or shredded insulation in walls or attics. The feces of baby squirrels is usually smaller than that of adults and it has an oblong shape.

What Baby Squirrels Look Like

Newborn squirrels are pink with no fur, and their eyes are closed. They typically weigh about an ounce at birth and are approximately an inch long.

The babies develop on this general timeline:

• 1-2 weeks: Pink skin, eyes and ears closed, nursing continuously
• 2-3 weeks: Dark skin developing, eyes and ears still closed
• 3-4 weeks: Fuzz-type fur appears, eyes and ears remain closed
• 4-5 weeks: Eyes begin to open, more fur development
• 6-7 weeks: Beginning to look like miniature adults with bushy tails
• 7 weeks: Weaning begins, introduction to solid foods
• 8-10 weeks: Beginning to venture out from the nest

After they leave the nest, young squirrels stay close to their mother until they learn the skills they need for survival.

When Squirrel Babies Become a Problem

While cute, squirrel families can cause problems for homeowners, especially during baby season:

• Mothers chew new access points into homes to create secure nesting areas
• Multiple generations may inhabit the same space, leading to larger infestations
• Damage increases as babies grow and become more active
• Removal becomes more complicated once babies are present

It’s best to identify and remove mama squirrels before the babies arrive. It will save you money in removal, cleanup costs, and damage repairs. It’s also a better option for the mother and her little ones, as Mom is fiercely protective and may become aggressive if she feels her pups are in danger.

If you notice squirrel activity in your home during baby season, it’s worth having it checked out.

The Humane Approach to Squirrel Families

We always recommend humane approaches when dealing with mother squirrels and their babies:

• Never seal entry points without making sure all squirrels are out
• Avoid removing babies without their mother
• Consider the timing of any removal efforts relative to breeding seasons

When removing squirrels, wildlife technicians will carry out a detailed inspection to determine the extent of your squirrel problem, paying close attention to any babies present. Baby squirrels may be placed in warm generating boxes outside the access point so they can be reunited with their mother, who usually takes her babies to another den site.

Professional wildlife technicians can implement one-way doors that allow mother squirrels to relocate their babies naturally rather than separating families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Squirrels

The Bottom Line on Squirrel Babies

Squirrels are fascinating creatures with predictable breeding cycles. In Texas, we can expect baby squirrels primarily in February-April and again in July-September, with some regional variation based on local climate. Understanding these patterns helps us better coexist with our bushy-tailed neighbors—and take action before they decide your attic would make the perfect nursery!

If you’re hearing suspicious noises in your walls or attic during these peak baby seasons, it might be time for a professional inspection. Our team at Woodlands Wildlife Elimination specializes in humane squirrel removal that keeps baby squirrels with their mothers while protecting your home from damage.

Curious about other squirrel behaviors? Check out our articles on what squirrels eat and how long squirrels live to learn more about these common backyard visitors.