​​​Eastern Gray and American Red Squirrels are among the most commonly observed in Brampton. They play a very important role in helping our forest ecosystem thrive by taking and burying seeds. The Eastern Gray Squirrel has either a grey or black coat, whereas the Red Squirrel has a red-orange coat with a white underbelly.

Squirrels rarely engage with people but may not flee because they have adapted to urban spaces, including human interactions, through feeding and luring. Further, if a mother squirrel is protecting her nest or babies, she may feel threatened and become protective if you get too close and present a threat to mom.

Female squirrels can have two litters per year, in the spring (March and April) and summer (July and August). If you see missing hair on the back or shoulders of a squirrel, this is normal, as the female squirrel uses her own fur to line the nest for her babies.

Squirrels like to make their nests in people’s homes. Squirrels are great climbers who can scale a brick wall with great ease. So, try to remove the overhanging tree limbs to minimize their ability to climb up your roofline with ease. Remove any debris from balconies that could be used for nesting. To deter squirrels from your property, place a bright light near the den, leave your deck lights on, or play talk radio on a radio or speaker near the den. If squirrels don’t leave your property, you may contact a licensed wildlife removal company of your choice as a last resort.

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