Why do squirrels make noises

Gray squirrels have a variety of identifiable vocal noises. If you become familiar with them you can tell what the squirrels are saying. Squirrel sounds and their volume depend on the circumstances and on the squirrel's age and gender. One night-active squirrel species makes little noise.

In addition to vocal sounds, squirrels chatter their teeth. This signals aggression and a squirrel making this warning may bite if you get close, the "Washington Post" reports. Many squirrels also communicate with tail movements and foot stamping. Most species of squirrels are active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Flying squirrels, a nocturnal species, tend to live in silence, although they do make a soft, high-pitched sound similar to a bird's "tick-tick" call, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Flying squirrels can communicate with each other ultrasonically at frequencies above the range audible to humans. When first alarmed, a squirrel waves its tail. If the source of alarm continues, such as if a predator continues to approach, the squirrel makes warning calls. These calls tend to continue while the threat is present. Squirrels can cause significant damage to homes and yards as well as spread disease. Our experts at Critter Control are prepared to help. Contact your local Critter Control office today.

Worried about a squirrel infestation? Worried about Sounds in Your Home? Critter Control Logo. When they spot a predator like a cat or a hawk, they'll make a series of barking alarm calls. Robert S. Lishak recorded squirrels on the Auburn University campus and categorized their calls. He describes a low-intensity "buzz" of quick notes emitted from the nostrils.

A "kuk" is a short barking sound repeated several times, followed by a "quaa," which is a longer version of a kuk. Lishak distinguishes between these two calls by duration: A quaa is a kuk lasting for more than 0.

A "moan" is a steady call that begins slowly. Squirrels establish and defend home territories that contain their food sources. In the case of American red squirrels, the food sources are conifer trees with their seed-laden cones. The rattles appear to advertise the defending squirrel's presence, and the screeches convey a threat to the intruding squirrel.

Lair interprets a barking call as a signal to another squirrel to reveal its intentions. Richard W. Thorington, Jr. They use these calls to summon their mothers.