What sounds do Squirrels make? and what do they mean?
Squirrels make different sounds in different situations. But why do they make these sounds?
Squirrels use sound to protect themselves and their territories.
Let’s start with:
What Sounds Do Squirrels Make?
Squirrels’ calls are made up of screeches, rattles, barks, and snorts. The Kuk, muk-muk, and quaa sounds are used to show interest in mating.
In North America, squirrels are divided into three categories – tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and ground squirrels. Squirrels live in a group and are very vocal even when chasing each other.
Different Squirrel sounds with meaning
Here is a table of different sounds squirrels can make and their meanings:
| Sound Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rattles | Defending territory |
| Screeching | Defending territory |
| Barking | Alarm call |
| Buzz | Alarm call |
| Kuk-kuk-kuk | Warning sound |
| Quaa | Warning sound |
| Seet | Terrestrial predator |
| Seet-bark | Aerial predator |
| Muk-muk | Made by young squirrels or when mating |
| High-pitched chirp | Young calling for mother |
| Crying | Young squirrels |
Squirrels are very aware of their territory and make rattles and screeching sounds when some other squirrels cross them, it is the main reason they chase each other.
If there is a predator nearby, then squirrels make sounds like seet and seet-bark to let others know and hide from the predator.
The next warning sound made by the squirrel sounds like ‘kuk’. The ‘kuk’ is then followed by the sound of ‘quaa’. This is more of an extended version of the ‘quaa’ sound and is of lower intensity. Eastern grey squirrels also make these types of sounds.
What noise do Squirrels make at night?
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, and come out at night. They tend to be more silent and make less noise. They most notably produce high-pitched chirping sounds when communicating with each other and are also capable of making ultrasonic sounds.
What sounds do baby Squirrels make?
Baby squirrels make different sounds at different ages. At three days old, a baby squirrel can make a subtle squeak sound. At three weeks, it can growl out to its mother when hungry. At four weeks old they can produce short screams.
Sounds that scare Squirrels | What noise will scare a squirrel?
Squirrels are very frightened of owls, crows and other predators. Some even say high-pitched sounds are capable of deterring squirrels.
Do Squirrels make noise when mating?
The male squirrel emits a soft ‘muk muk’ sound as he chases after the female in estrus. This sound is meant to reassure the female that he is not a threat to her.
Female squirrels when ready to mate, produce the ‘kuks’ and ‘Quaas sounds. They are described as a moan that signals she is ready for copulation. These sounds are made before and even after mating.