Hide Your Nuts! Squirrel Babies on the Rise this Season in Texas

If you have four legs, fur and a legume obsession, then love is in the air! Texas squirrels breed twice a year, and, surprise surprise, we're in the thick of it.

Three Types of Squirrels in Texas

The Lone Star State has three species of squirrels that can be found:

• Eastern Fox Squirrel
• Eastern Gray Squirrel
• Flying Squirrel

Native Texas squirrels typically breed twice a year between January through March, and again for a second cycle in August through October.

Fox squirrels are the larger of the trio, and they are most active in the daytime, emerging from their tree holes to eat, go to the bathroom, or make little pink hairless babies.

Fox squirrels also are, you guessed it, usually orange on their bellies and legs, although some have been found to have all black fur instead.

The most common type of squirrel we see in Texas is the gray squirrel. You know, the ones that drive your dogs nuts in the backyard and steal your bird seed? Yeah, those.

Even though they are the most popular species in Texas, gray squirrels are the most skittish.

Finally, we get to my favorite: flying squirrels.

Imagine having elongated skin flaps stretching from your wrists to your ankles that you can use to fly around... okay, sounds a lot better in my imagination. But still, these freaks of nature are absolutely amazing.

What If I Find a Baby Squirrel?

If you find one of these weirdo babies alone and abandoned, Houston SPCA's Wildlife Center lays out a four-step process.

1. Observe any signs of injuries or parents.
2. Replace the baby in the nest, if the parents are nearby.
3. Collect the baby and bring it to a wildlife treatment center near you if it is injured.
4. Contact your local wildlife treatment center and set up a time to drop off the baby for care.