Yes, if there is an Atlanta squirrel in your attic, then it is more than likely that it is a female searching for a safe and secure area to have her young ones. Attics provide a safe haven from predators and other external elements that can harm babies. Squirrels give birth at least twice per year and their pregnancy usually lasts from 35 to 45 days. Their litter usually consists of 4 to 8 babies who are born deaf and blind, without any hair. It is because of this, the mother’s look for an enclosed area to protect them.



There are no long periods of courtship because squirrels mating habits are not romantic. Whichever is the more dominant male around, would have the opportunity to mate with the female squirrel first. When the female squirrel is ready to mate, she would give off a scent that would attract male squirrels for almost as far as half a mile away. Mating would take less than a day but all the males that come to mate with the female, would have a chance. This ensures that the female receives the semen necessary for her to become pregnant. After the mother gives birth, she would feed the babies until they are able to survive on their own. The entire period from gestation to adulthood is usually 24 weeks. Unlike other animals such as rats and raccoons, squirrels grow very quickly. While they do stay attached to their mothers for some time, they would leave independently if shown hostility, in as early as 7 weeks after birth. If there is a squirrel in your attic, you should wait until the 8-week period before you attempt to get rid of them.

Mothers are very protective of their offspring and if you separate her from her babies, be prepared for the destruction that comes with it. She would destroy your roof to get to her offspring which is both very inhumane and dangerous for all parties. Baby squirrels would not be able to move on their own so you would have to physically pick them up to remove them. You can use them as bait to trap the mother though and once they are all captured, you can call the wildlife authorities. You would hardly ever find Atlanta squirrels entering traps, unless it is the only way to enter or exit the attic. If there are Georgia squirrels in your attic and you want to get rid of them, the most humane thing to do is to wait until after the babies have grown and leave on their own. Then you can repair your roof with steel, to prevent them from returning. Do not seal the attic if you are not sure that they have all left. You risk the chance of sealing them inside where they may die from starvation, rot and leave a high stench in your house. If you really want to get rid of them, contact your local wildlife agency and they should be able to guide you or give your some options.

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