Baby Animal Season: Watch Out For Nests!

Spring is almost here…and so are baby squirrels. Our wildlife rehabilitation hospital is beginning to see an influx of infants that corresponds with the arrival of baby animal season and, unfortunately, tree trimming.

Here in the Bay Area, like most of Northern California, some birds and mammals begin nesting in January. Nesting season lasts into August. The safest time to prune trees is between October and December. To help keep baby animals safe with their parents and out of our hospital, please refrain from trimming your trees in the spring. When you do trim, always remember to look for nests. Clues that birds are nesting include accumulated white droppings nearby or birds flying in and out of the vegetation. Squirrel nests, or dreys, can be built inside bird nests and often include leaves. If you do find a nest, trim your trees when the nest is abandoned.

Eastern Fox squirrels are among the most populous in our area. These large squirrels are arboreal, which means they make their homes in trees. They typically build their nests in hollow tree cavities or construct bowl-like structures out of clumps of leaves, twigs, and branches high up in the trees for shelter and safety. Click here for more information and please remember to keep an eye out for nests!