Squirrels in Our Garden

Squirrels in Your Own Garden

We often receive enthusiastic messages from guests about the many squirrels at Villapark Eureka and how wonderful it would be to have squirrels in their own gardens at home. That inspired us to do some research and share a few helpful tips: how can you attract these adorable squirrels to your own garden?

Before we dive into the tips, let’s first learn a bit more about the squirrel itself.

Behavior of Squirrels

We often see squirrels climbing trees, which they can do thanks to their small sharp nails and curved claws. Their beautiful bushy tail plays an important role, helping them to keep their balance while moving through the branches.

During the summer months, squirrels are active as long as there is daylight. They do not hibernate in winter but do rest more often. You’ll usually spot them in the morning, after which they retreat to rest again. Squirrels collect and hide their food supplies, but they are a bit forgetful and often forget where they have hidden their stash.

Winter is also the mating season for squirrels, usually starting around January. A female can give birth to between one and eight young at a time. The male is not involved in raising the young. Squirrels often reuse an old nest made by another squirrel. These nests are usually located high up in a tree near the trunk. Since squirrels do not like to build nests themselves, you can create a nesting spot in your garden. There are special nest boxes made for squirrels—just make sure to place them high in the tree, about six meters up, and close to the trunk, just like a natural nest.