1. Food Storage: Squirrels are known for their habit of caching or storing food for later consumption. During summer, when food is abundant, they actively collect and store nuts, seeds, and other food items in their burrows or hidden stashes. This behavior ensures that they have sufficient food reserves during the leaner winter months when food availability is limited.
2. Nest Building and Maintenance: Squirrels construct nests or dreys in trees to provide shelter and protection for themselves and their young. During the summer, they may repair and maintain existing nests or even build new ones. They gather materials such as leaves, twigs, moss, and bark to create these structures.
3. Breeding: Squirrels usually have two breeding seasons per year, one in early spring and another in summer or late summer. During these times, males engage in courtship displays to attract females, which may involve chasing, vocalizations, and specific body postures. After mating, females build nests in preparation for giving birth.
4. Activity and Play: Squirrels are active during both day and night, but they tend to be more visible and active during the morning and evening hours. They spend their time foraging for food, exploring their surroundings, and engaging in playful behaviors such as chasing, jumping, and climbing trees.
5. Territorial Defense: Squirrels are territorial animals and will defend their territory from intruders, including other squirrels and potential predators. During summer, when resources may be more limited, territorial disputes can become more intense. Squirrels may engage in vocalizations, aggressive postures, and even physical confrontations to defend their territory.
6. Water Consumption: Squirrels need access to water for hydration, especially during the warm summer months. They often drink from water sources such as streams, ponds, and bird baths. They may also lick water droplets off leaves or grass in the morning.
7. Interaction with Humans: Squirrels are curious creatures and may approach humans if they perceive an opportunity for food. Some people choose to feed squirrels, while others may attempt to deter them from bird feeders or gardens. The behavior of squirrels towards humans can vary depending on the individual squirrel's experiences and the specific situation.
It's important to note that squirrel behaviors can vary depending on the species, geographic location, and specific environmental conditions. The behaviors mentioned here are general observations about the common behaviors of squirrels during the summer season.