With the arrival of winter, many people are curious about where squirrels go.
When it starts to get cold outside, many creatures seek shelter to protect themselves, including squirrels.
Squirrels don’t hibernate during the winter months, but they do find places that are protected from extreme cold and wind.
These may include hollow trees or other holes in the ground.
They may also take refuge in bird nests built on tree branches during warmer months.
Squirrels are not the only animals that seek shelter to spend winter.
Many other rodents such as mice and chipmunks also do this, and they can sometimes be seen sharing a burrow that contains more than one animal or several entrances to the same burrow.
Some people think that squirrels dig holes in their yard or garden and bury themselves under piles of leaves or other debris.
This is not true; despite their name, squirrels do not hibernate like many other animals such as bears and bats.
However, they remain active throughout the winter months and are out and about on warmer days.
So, where do squirrels go when it gets cold outside?
Squirrels spend winter finding a safe place to sleep.
Squirrel populations differ from region to region, so the same is true for where they go in winter.
Squirrels are often preyed upon by predators such as hawks, foxes, or owls during this period of time.
It’s very possible that some do not survive the winter.
Winter is a time of decreased activity and food for squirrels, but does not stop them; instead, they go into hiding.
It is much colder during this season, and the squirrels need to use extra caution if they want to stay alive.
However, many squirrels do survive winter each year and return once again as the weather warms.
Check out our other animal FAQs here:
