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What Does it Mean to Dream About Squirrels?

Squirrels are enthusiastic, playful creatures that are constantly forging for acorns and nuts. They are famous for their knack for mischief; from leaping between long tree branches to using backyards as urban embassies, these little guys are always out and about.

But have these furry rodents ever hopped into your dreams?

two squirrel heads poking out of a hole in a tree.

As surprising as it may sound, squirrels are among the most common animals to dream about. And depending on the context of the dream, they can represent several things pertaining to your walking life. 

So, what does it mean to dream about squirrels? Let’s jump into it!

The symbolism of squirrels

Squirrels have been a symbol in many cultures throughout history. They have appeared time and again in many Norse tales. Ratatoskr is an infamous squirrel character that signifies cleverness, thriftiness, and the ability to get what it wants. 

As totem animals, squirrels represent hard work, renewal, balance, and vitality.

In Celtic Mythology, they act as the bringer of water, snow, and rain. The Irish Queen Medb is notoriously famous for having a squirrel emblem that bought messages from God. 

red squirrel clinging to a tree trunk over a pool of water.

Some Native American tribes believe these varmints to be a sign of prosperity and good luck. In literature, Aesop’s Fables is a well-known story in which a squirrel generously shared his winter food stores with a group of hungry animals. This highlighted their willingness to help others. 

Squirrels in our dreams

So, what does it mean when these playful creatures show up in our dreams? There are a few interpretations of what a squirrel in your dream may symbolize.

Related: What does it mean to dream about rats?

Adaptability

Squirrels are the garnered masters of adaptability. They are always on a roll and adjusting to their new surroundings. A dream about these bushy-tail critters may mean that you are in a situation that requires you to be adaptable. 

close up of a gray squirrel eating a peanut on a stump.

Are you going through a rough patch? Need help adjusting to your new office? Or are you afraid to let go of your old ways? 

Either way, a squirrel in your dream may be a message to take a deep breath and embrace the changes in your life. 

Abundance

Squirrels spend most of their life running here and there to collect food for use in the future. Seeing them in your dream can imply that all your hard work and effort are about to pay off and that you are about to hit a season of abundance in life.

Perhaps you are starting a new job or setting up a new business; what waits ahead is wealth and success.

Related: What does it mean to dream about rabbits?

Negative emotions 

Although typically outgoing and naughty, squirrels constantly fear losing their stocked-up food. Therefore, the appearance of these creatures may represent low self-esteem or the fear of losing everything. 

Are you always expecting the worse? Don’t overthink; believe in yourself and always try to look at the brighter side.

Inability to move forward 

Squirrels are hoarders by nature. They are always working towards expanding their stash and burying them safely in multiple locations.

a squirrel grooming another squirrel on a tree branch.

Dreaming about them may signify your habit of holding onto things and your inability to move forward. This dream encourages you to let go of your past unfortunate experiences, like a failed relationship or a declining business, and to look for greener pastures.

The symbolism of squirrel behaviour in your dreams

Attacked by a squirrel 

Dreaming about a squirrel attacking you suggests that soon, you will find yourself in a troublesome situation due to your ignorance. Maybe you have persistent health issues or recurring problems you neglect all the time. Your negligence is going to come back to bite you. Own up to your mistake and take an important lesson from it.

Another meaning of a squirrel biting you is that someone extremely dear to you will either harm or betray you in the future. It will leave you heartbroken for a long time because it comes from the last person you expected from, maybe your partner, children, or best friend. 

Chasing a squirrel

If you dream about running after a squirrel, it likely means that you are running after something or someone that is not worth the effort. You are putting your loved ones at stake only to chase after an endeavor that is going to disappoint you. It is a warning sign to research before starting a new venture, seek advice, and nurture your close companions. 

Feeding a squirrel 

Feeding a squirrel in your dream is a good omen as it foretells that your hard time will end soon. But conversely, it also means that you are going to help someone in terms of financial or moral support in achieving their dreams without expecting anything back.

a gray squirrel eating a nut on the ground.

However, seeing someone else feeding a squirrel in your dream tells you that you have people to rely on during harsh times. It is a sign to show gratitude to them and let them know that these feelings of love and support are mutual. 

Is the squirrel of a specific color?  

Red squirrel

A red squirrel signifies that you must watch how you spend your money. You may be wasting too much on unnecessary things and, instead, need to start saving up for emergencies. 

Alternatively, it is time to acknowledge parts of you that you have hidden and despised for a long time. Talk to a parent, close friend, or therapist who can help you get in touch with your shadow image.

a red squirrel peeking around the side of a tree trunk.

White squirrel 

Dreaming about an albino squirrel is a sign that whatever challenge you are facing right now, you will emerge victorious. You should continue being steadfast and determined in these tough times, and you will be rewarded with positive changes in your life. 

It could be a promotion you are working tirelessly for or a lottery ticket you just bought with your final savings; it’s all going to work out in the end. 

Black squirrel 

Seeing a black squirrel in your dream is associated with amendments and trust. It warns you to be careful with the people you surround yourself with and try to know their true intentions. For example, avoid taking financial advice from new and sketchy people. 

Black squirrel also prophecies an upcoming change in your life and how you should embrace it with open arms rather than letting it overwhelm you. 

The common meaning of squirrels in dreams

Squirrels are a factual representation of hard work, determination, and mischief. If you keep seeing these rodents in your dreams, there might be a more profound, intellectual meaning. 

So the next time they appear in your fantasies, remember what they are doing and how they look to understand the message they keep trying to convey. After all, it may play a significant role in your near future.