5. They Communicate with a Complex Language

Backyards and parks are often filled with the sounds of squirrel “chatter,” but these vocalizations are not random noise. Gray squirrels use a surprisingly complex repertoire of sounds and body language to communicate about predators, food, and social status.

Their vocalizations can be broadly categorized. One of the most common sounds is a rapid, chirping “kuk” or “quaa,” often repeated in quick succession. This is typically an alarm call, used to alert other squirrels to the presence of a ground predator, such as a fox, coyote, or a roaming domestic dog. The call is often accompanied by frantic tail-flicking. A different alarm call, a drawn-out, screeching moan, is often used for aerial predators like hawks.

Beyond alarm calls, they produce a variety of other sounds. Soft “muk-muk” sounds are sometimes used as a contact call between a mother and her young. During mating chases, both males and females will make a series of chattering and teeth-grinding noises. An aggressive, chattering growl is a clear territorial warning, telling another squirrel to back away from a food source.

To interpret these sounds, context is everything. An ethical observer can learn to distinguish these calls from a safe distance. For example, if you hear a sudden burst of “kuks” and see every squirrel in the area freeze or dash for cover, scan the area for a potential predator. By listening closely, you are tuning into the neighborhood watch system of the animal world. This type of observation is a key part of understanding animal facts and behavior in your local environment.