As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, squirrels are gearing up for the winter. You may have seen these furry little creatures darting around the forest, gathering food for the colder months. But have you ever wondered how squirrels live in autumn?

In this article, we'll dive into some fascinating facts about squirrels and how they prepare for winter during this critical season. So, Lykkers, let's explore the secret lives of squirrels in autumn!

1. Squirrels' Brains Grow in Autumn

Did you know that squirrels' brains actually grow bigger as autumn sets in? Scientists have discovered that this happens as squirrels start preparing for winter. Their brains get more active as they focus on storing food for the cold months ahead. However, despite their best efforts, squirrels often forget where they bury their food! It's kind of funny to watch, but it also means that some of the food they hide will eventually grow into new plants and trees, helping the forest thrive.

2. Starting Food Storage Early

By September, squirrels are already busy collecting food. They continue to do so through October and into November. In fact, by the time November rolls around, they've completed about half of their winter preparations. This is when squirrels start hiding their precious stash of nuts, seeds, and other food sources in various places. It's a long process that keeps them busy through the autumn months.

3. Adjusting Their Diet

In summer, squirrels eat a lot, sometimes up to 80% of their body weight in food! But by autumn, their eating habits change. They start to consume around 50% of their body weight to prepare for winter. The diet shifts too – instead of berries and fresh plant shoots, squirrels now feast on dried fruits, nuts, and roots. These foods are higher in fiber and harder to digest, but they're great for long-term energy storage.

4. Multiple Homes for Safety

Squirrels are experts at finding and creating new homes. They usually have 10 to 15 different "apartments" scattered around the forest. If a predator finds one of their homes, squirrels will quickly move to another. Autumn is the time when birds start to migrate, and squirrels take advantage of this. They search for abandoned bird nests to turn into cozy homes, cleaning and adding insulation to make sure they stay warm and safe.

5. A Loving Family Dynamic

Squirrels are not just solitary creatures. They care deeply for their young. As they gather food, the younger generation watches and learns. By mid-autumn, the young squirrels are well-prepared to start gathering food on their own. But there's an interesting twist – to prevent inbreeding, young squirrels typically move far away from their parents. It's not uncommon for them to settle dozens of kilometers away from their original home.

6. Fur Shedding for Winter

As autumn progresses, squirrels start shedding their fur to get ready for the colder winter months. Most rodents change their fur before winter, and squirrels are no different. Their tails, which are crucial for balance and warmth, are the first to undergo this transformation. They shed their summer fur to make room for thicker, softer winter fur that provides better camouflage and insulation.

7. Changing Fur Color for Camouflage

In summer, squirrels are often known for their vibrant reddish fur. But as autumn sets in, their coats turn into a more muted grey or brown color. This change helps them blend into their surroundings better, especially against the brown and grey bark of trees during winter. It's all about survival – camouflage is key when avoiding predators in the colder months!

8. Pine Cones: The Ultimate Resource

Pine cones are the ultimate multi-tool for squirrels during autumn. Not only do they provide food, but they also serve as a tool for gnawing and even construction material for their nests. By gnawing through the pine cone scales, squirrels keep their teeth sharp, which is essential for survival. One squirrel can process over 100 pine cones in a single day!

9. Resting Between Food Hunts

Squirrels hate bad weather, especially rainy days. When it rains, they seek refuge in their cozy nests and enter a state of semi-rest. During this time, their metabolism slows down, and they stay alert with their ears perked up, just in case a predator approaches. This semi-drowsy state allows them to conserve energy while waiting for the weather to clear up.

10. Sharing with Friends

Squirrels are not selfish creatures. Once their food storage is full, they may head to public parks where kind humans often feed them. They rely on their charm and can attract large groups of people who willingly offer them treats. Squirrels are known to share their food with other squirrels, especially in the evening when they gather together to feast on the spoils of the day.

Squirrels' Autumn Preparations

As we've seen, autumn is a busy time for squirrels as they prepare for the harsh winter ahead. From gathering food to shedding fur, they go through a series of fascinating changes to ensure their survival. The next time you spot a squirrel in the park or forest, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work they're putting in during this crucial season. We hope you enjoyed learning about the little creatures that make autumn in the forest so magical.

What about you, Lykkers? Have you ever observed squirrels preparing for winter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!