Sources suggest that squirrel usually have only one litter a year, but older female gray squirrels usually breed twice a year.
Mating season for eastern gray squirrels takes place from January to February and summer breeding runs for a longer period, from May to July. Whether or not a female has a second litter usually depends on the availability of food.
The ground squirrel on the other hand, mates only once per year. The mating season begins just after hibernation ends and usually only lasts a few weeks. During that time males and females can mate with multiple partners. In fact, a single litter of babies may have different fathers.
Because all squirrels are mammals, their reproduction behaviors are somewhat similar, but issues of gestation, litter size and mating can vary from species to species.
To understand the similarities and differences between squirrel species, check out the squirrel gestation and mating habits at Animals.mom.me.
Before having squirrels as pets, it is a good idea to find out what will be needed to raise healthy, well-adapted baby squirrels as pets. They are not as docile as dogs nor as independent as cats, and extra care will be required. Here are 6 essential tips for keeping squirrels as pets shared by Feedingnature.com.