Squirrels in Overdrive: Nature’s Little Planners

If you’ve noticed squirrels darting across roads, leaping through trees, or burying acorns in your yard lately, you’re not imagining things. Late summer into early fall is peak season for squirrels — and they’re busier than ever preparing for the colder months ahead.

Why So Busy?

Squirrels don’t hibernate, but they do rely on food caches to make it through winter. This time of year, they gather and bury acorns, walnuts, and seeds wherever they can — in lawns, gardens, and forest floors. With an incredible sense of smell and spatial memory, squirrels are able to recover many of their stashes months later.

Accidental Gardeners

Of course, they don’t remember all of them. But that forgetfulness actually benefits the environment: many trees owe their spread to squirrels planting acorns they never retrieved. In a very real way, squirrels are nature’s foresters, helping regenerate woodlands year after year.

Fascinating Facts

🐿️ Squirrels can leap up to 10 times the length of their body.🐿️ They rotate their ankles 180° to climb down trees headfirst.🐿️ Their teeth never stop growing, which is why they constantly gnaw to keep them worn down.

A Seasonal Reminder

With squirrels so active near roads, especially at dawn and dusk, be extra cautious when driving this time of year. They may zig-zag unpredictably, so slowing down in squirrel-heavy areas helps protect both them and your car.

So the next time you see a squirrel chattering from a tree branch or digging in your yard, remember: they’re not just stockpiling snacks. They’re ensuring survival — and planting the forests of tomorrow.