Squirrels

Red squirrels are small rodents, weighing up to 250 grams. They typically measure 30 centimetres, with their tail making up nearly half this length.

Squirrels use their tails to maintain balance, allowing them to easily negotiate tree branches.

They have sharp, curved claws that allow them to scale trees and walls with ease.

Behaviour
Red squirrels mainly eat nuts and seeds (especially those of spruce and pine cones), as well as flowers, mushrooms, fruits and insects.

Squirrels are active during the day and are very territorial.

They do not hibernate. During cold winter spells, squirrels will stay in their nests and eat food that they have stored there.

Squirrels breed in March and April and typically have four or five young, born in late May or early June.

Squirrels have adapted well to living around humans, with houses, garages and sheds providing warm, comfortable places to live. They can chew holes in wood, remove insulation and gnaw on wires.

Management
To prevent squirrels from moving in, cover any holes with a flexible wire-mesh material. Extend the mesh beyond the hole so they cannot chew in beside it. Wait for any squirrels to leave the building before sealing the entrance and avoid sealing the building before the young leave the nest.

Transportation and Agriculture Services assists residents by offering live traps for rental. Call for more information.

When relocating squirrels, choose somewhere like a natural area or spruce tree stand that is away from other residences and offers a natural source of food (residents are responsible for the relocation).

Further information
Transportation and Agriculture Services
780-417-7100 (24 hours)

Last updated: Friday, May 10, 2013
Page ID: 3487

County Hall: 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7