Photo byEd-Ni-Photo from Getty Images & ezgikocahan from Getty Images Signature / Photo edit by Camilo Diaz

(MA) Wintertime is often seen as the time of the year when wildlife is at its least active with many assuming that the majority of animals spend this time in hibernation. Therefore, it may surprise you to learn that several native Massachusetts species have their breeding season during the winter. One such animal is the Eastern Gray Squirrel.

What You Need To Know About Squirrel Mating Season

The most common squirrel in Massachusetts, the Eastern Gray, is an animal none of us in the state are a stranger to. These little cuties can be found everywhere, even on the islands. Adults typically will breed in Summer, but when food availability is good they breed twice a year, with Winter breeding occurring between January and February. Since the gestation period is only 45 days, that means it's possible to see newborn squirrels as early as February.

Photo byDeepakJo from Getty Images

How You Can Help Reduce The Number Of Orphaned Squirrels This Season

Squirrels are often brought to wildlife centers as orphans, even when it is not necessary. To learn when it is necessary to help a baby squirrel, check out my article on the subject here. It is important to know when an animal actually needs human intervention.

Wild Care Cape Cod, a local wildlife rehabilitation center, has posted a series of simple steps that can be taken to help ensure that there are fewer orphaned baby squirrels this year:

1. "If you have a car or a piece of machinery that has not been moved for a while - open the hood, or move the vehicle frequently, to discourage squirrels and other rodents from nesting. Rodents do not want to move into a home that is unpredictable and "unsafe". (This goes for lawnmowers and grills too!) If there is already a nest under the hood, call us. We can provide tips for encouraging momma squirrel to move her young. 508-240-2255."

2. "Dead trees and snags. Eastern Gray Squirrels will nest in tree cavities, but also build large round nests of dead leaves. If you must trim or remove trees this winter, please check carefully to ensure that they are not inhabited by squirrels, owls, or other roosting birds. Call us for advice. 508-240-2255. No dead tree is ever really dead. Save a tree, save a life!"

3. "If you find a squirrel nest on the ground with babies in it, place them into a shoebox with gloved hands, and provide a heating aid. Do not give them food or water. Note where the nest fell, and watch for activity from momma squirrel. Please call us. 508-240-2255. Eastern Gray Squirrels build SEVERAL nests, and we can often reunite them with their young. Squirrels are very attentive mothers."

Want To Feel More Connected To Your Community?

If you'd rather start your week feeling more connected to your community than be disappointed it's Monday, sign up for my free newsletter, Community Connections!

Start each week feeling more connected to your community!Photo byCommunity Connections Newsletter / Photo Edit by Dianna Carney

If you enjoy this article, be sure to click "follow" to be one of the first to know when I publish.