Squirrels are found all over Ontario, in forests and towns and cities. The most common species is the eastern grey squirrel. As the name suggests it is usually grey, but in urban areas where they have fewer predators these squirrels are often black.
Squirrels play an important role in nature by spreading seeds. Some of the nuts and seeds squirrels hide are never collected and later grow into plants and trees.
Squirrels eat nuts and seeds, such as acorns, walnuts, sunflower seeds, corn, flowers and millet.
Squirrels' predators include birds, fox, weasels, raccoons, snakes, owls and domestic cats and dogs.
Squirrels breed twice a year. A first litter is born in February or March, the second in June or July.
Conflicts happen
Squirrels and people sometimes come into conflict when squirrels nest in attics, buildings, chimneys and eavestroughs.
A squirrel's search for food may bring it to a bird feeder, back door or a garden containing bulbs.
Please keep in mind…
Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we’re willing to make small changes to how we think and act.
People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Conflicts with Squirrels
How Can I Prevent Conflicts?
Limit food sources
- Never feed squirrels.
- Pick fruit as soon as it ripens.
- Keep barbecues clean and covered when not in use.
Make your property unwelcoming
- Block off potential access points to your attic, garage, eaves or sheds.
- Install a chimney cap.
- Trim branches near buildings to prevent easy access.
- Complete home repairs in the autumn, so mother and young won't be trapped inside.
- Use flashing lights, motion sensors and noise makers to deter squirrels from nesting.
- Trained dogs can help keep squirrels off your property.
Squirrel-proof your bird feeder
- Install birdfeeders at least 2.5 metres from the ground and at least five metres from branches or buildings.
- Cover any poles with aluminum flashing (available at hardware stores) so that squirrels cannot climb up the pole.
- Install a baffle cone on the feeder pole.
- Install a cage around the feeder so only small birds can get at the food.
How Can I Handle a Conflict?
If a squirrel is nesting in your home
- You may install one-way gates to allow animals to leave while preventing re-entry.
- Do not permanently block the entrance until you are sure no animals remain.
- Never separate a mother squirrel from her young. Evict squirrels in autumn when young have left the nest.
- Local animal control agencies can be hired to safely and humanely remove problem wildlife from your home.
- If a squirrel is trapped down an exhaust fan or chimney, you can let the squirrel exit through the house or drop a line down from above so the animal can climb out.
- If a squirrel has spent a long time in an area with exposed wiring, check your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning. Also, check for wire damage or have an electrician do an inspection.
Lethal action is a last resort
- A landowner may humanely kill or trap squirrels that are damaging or about to damage their property. Firearm regulations and bylaws must be followed.
- You may also hire an agent to act on your behalf.
For more information and assistance…
To locate a local wildlife control agent…
• Speak with your neighbours, family, and friends.
• Look for "animal control" in your phone book or online.
To located a licensed trapper...
• contact the Ontario Fur Managers Federation at (705) 254-3338 or by e-mail at furman@furmanagers.com
For information on squirrels…
• Call your local Ministry of Natural Resources office or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.
• Check out Hinterland Who's Who
For information on how to prevent conflicts with squirrels…
• Toronto Wildlife Centre
• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PDF, 274 KB)
• City of Toronto
Return to Living with Wildlife - Species Fact Sheets list.
