How do squirrels survive the winter?

Squirrels' Diet

Squirrels are known to eat a variety of foods, but one of their main sources of nutrition comes from seeds and nuts. These foods are rich in fats and proteins, providing squirrels with the energy they need to thrive.

Surviving the Winter

During the winter months, when seeds and nuts become scarce, squirrels have a clever strategy to survive. Squirrels store the seeds and nuts they find during the summer, so that they have a ready supply during the winter months. They carefully hide these food items in various locations, creating multiple food caches to sustain them through the cold season.

This behavior, known as food caching, allows squirrels to have access to food even when resources are limited. By remembering where they have hidden their food caches, squirrels are able to retrieve them when needed, ensuring that they have enough to eat during the winter.

In addition to storing food, squirrels may also rely on other food sources such as tree bark, fungi, and even bird eggs to supplement their diet during the winter months. Their ability to adapt to changing food availability and their resourcefulness in storing food are key factors that help squirrels survive the challenges of winter.