For instance, some studies suggest that even those species which are known to hibernate may emerge from their burrows periodically throughout the winter to forage for food or seek out water sources. Despite these generalizations, there are still many unknowns about squirrel behavior in winter. Other species of squirrels, such as tree squirrels and flying squirrels, do not hibernate but instead rely on food stores they have built up over the fall months. During this time, their body temperature drops and they enter a state of torpor that allows them to conserve energy. For example, ground squirrels and chipmunks typically hibernate for several months each year. Some species of squirrels do hibernate during the winter months, while others remain active throughout the season. Squirrels are no exception to this rule, but their behavior during winter is not as straightforward as one might think. When winter sets in, many animals either migrate to warmer climates or hibernate until the spring thaw. But what happens once these supplies run out? Do squirrels hibernate like other animals such as bears or groundhogs? Or do they have a different survival strategy? Let’s find out what researchers have to say about this intriguing question. In summer, they gather nuts and seeds to store for winter when food is scarce. They belong to the rodent family and are known for their bushy tails and quick movements. Squirrels are adorable little creatures that are commonly found in parks and forests across North America and Europe. To set the record straight, we asked experts with proven studies about the hibernation habits of squirrels. While some believe that these cute creatures sleep through the cold season, others claim that they remain active throughout the year. However, one question that has puzzled many nature enthusiasts is whether squirrels hibernate during winter. Trees shed their leaves, birds fly south, and many animals retreat into their dens or burrows to conserve energy. You will want to contact a professional exterminator, like Colonial Pest, that has experience in removing and excluding squirrels.Winter is the time when nature seems to slow down. Squirrels can do significant damage while nesting in an attic or other space in your home. ![]() Once inside an attic, the squirrel will make a nest of leaves, or chewed up paper or fabric, or she may just tunnel into insulation.įlying squirrels will use attics for winter dens too, often nesting together in large numbers. If a gray squirrel can find an opening, or even a corner joint or knot hole, she will gnaw to make the opening large enough to squeeze inside. If you have squirrels living on your property, your house is a familiar (and warm, and safe) potential den site. Your Attic Provides Even Better Winter Protection The den nest will be lined with leaves, soft bark strips, and soft plants. It is usually already partially hollowed-out and the squirrel must periodically gnaw at the edges of the hole to keep the hole from healing closed. Winter breeding is from January to February, and baby squirrels born in tree den nests have a greater survival rate than babies born in leaf nests.Ī tree den nest might be a hole where a branch has fallen off, or an old woodpecker nest hole. The really influential female squirrels will have both a summer leaf nest and a tree hole den nest that they will move into when cold weather arrives. ![]() ![]() Squirrels often fight with each other, and with birds and other animals, for possession of one of the limited number of tree holes. On the other hand, if you’re a squirrel and you “own” a tree hole, you are the envy of all the other squirrels in the neighborhood. You can imagine that a loose ball of leaves swaying high up in a tree would not be a very cozy place to spend a cold, snowy winter. Leaf nests are constructed mostly as temporary summer nests. Tree Holes Provide Good Winter Protection Gray squirrels nest primarily in three different types of locations: (1) leaf nests in trees, (2) den nests in tree holes, and (3) nests in structures, mainly in attics and other voids. A conscientious squirrel will also have stored lots of nuts and other food during the fall which she will utilize during winter months. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our squirrels do not hibernate in the winter they remain active except in the most severe weather. Where Do Squirrels Spend the Winter? By Chris Williams on December 10, 2014.
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