Understanding Squirrels: Storage, Survival, and Spring Activity
Squirrels are more than just cute critters darting through the trees—they’re incredibly strategic when it comes to preparing for winter. In the fall, many squirrels practice what's called “scatter hoarding,” hiding nuts in hundreds of locations across their territory.
This widespread storage method gives them better odds that at least some of their stash will survive hungry rivals or harsh weather. But here’s the catch: squirrels don’t remember every hiding spot. They rely on spatial memory and scent cues to retrieve what they can, but many of their buried treasures are never found again.
By spring, most of their cached food has either been eaten, spoiled, or forgotten—and squirrels are ready for a fresh menu. They turn to buds, blossoms, tree bark, and even insects. You’ll also see more activity as baby squirrels begin to explore outside the nest.
And yes, this is the season when many squirrels set their sights on bird feeders. Their acrobatics and persistence are impressive, but not unbeatable.
Squirrel-proof feeders with weight-sensitive perches, baffles, or caged designs can help protect your birdseed. It may take some trial and error, but it is possible to outsmart a squirrel—at least
for a little while.
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