Projects on the Habitat of a Squirrel

In residential areas, people may often spot squirrels obtaining and burying acorns and other nuts in the ground to prepare for the impending winter. The rodents have adapted to suburban and city life, creating habitats out of whatever they can find. As the prey of several other species, squirrels' eyes remain on the move to survey the environment for signs of danger. As such, squirrels typically choose to dwell in locations high off the ground for protection.

  1. Model of a Drey

    • Similar to a bird, a squirrel also builds its nest -- called a "drey" -- high off the ground. Leaves and twigs hold the rounded nest together. Squirrels may use feathers, paper or other soft materials to line the drey's interior. Instruct students to create a model of drey. Students can use twigs, leaves and feathers as a real squirrel may, or simply use paper, paint and other craft materials to create a drey replica. Ask students questions about dreys, based on what they know about squirrels. If a squirrel were building a drey in the school neighborhood, what items might it find to build a nest? Where might it build its drey?

    Squirrel Den

    • Ask students to bring supplies from home, such as heavy-duty cardboard, scissors, paper and soft cloth or craft feathers. Instruct them to create a homemade den, making a closed-in box with a small hole in the front for entry. Ask students to consider various factors about squirrels when creating dens, such as the fact that squirrels measure 8 inches long and approximately 2 to 3 inches around. How large should students make den holes? How wide should students make the interior of the den, based on one squirrel's size? Ask students to explain items used in the den, such as the addition of feathers in the interior.

    Habitat Report

    • Ask students to write about squirrel species' native to their area. Given what students know about squirrels, why might squirrels choose to live high off the ground? What advantage might a squirrel have in choosing to live in a den rather than a drey? Encourage students to conduct research in journals, on the Internet or through other means under the supervision of another adult.

    Life in a Habitat

    • Encourage students to find out information about squirrels and their habitats. While adult squirrels typically live in a drey or den alone, other squirrels may enter the den or drey during very cold weather to share and conserve body heat. Squirrels may also choose to remain in a drey or den for several days during cold weather, although tree squirrels do not hibernate. During each season, ask students at which times of day a squirrel likely occupies its home and why. Students can choose to answer these questions in essay form, or write a diary from a squirrel's perspective explaining all the answers.