table of contents
- Features of the squirrel
- Hibernation or hibernation?
- Do squirrels hibernate or hibernate?
- Feeding the squirrels
- frequently asked Questions
Who doesn't love to watch funny little squirrels in autumn rushing around and hiding nuts? But what do the rodents actually do in winter? Do squirrels hibernate or hibernate? We clarify.
Features of the squirrel
Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) live almost all over Europe and prefer to stay in trees in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. As human cultural followers, however, they are also increasingly populating cities, where they are mainly to be found in parks or gardens. You can refer to the following Features recognize:
- light red to brown-black fur
- bushy tail
- Brush ears
- up to 40 cm long
- Omnivores
- diurnal
Hibernation or hibernation?
In order to survive the cold season safely, living things have developed various strategies. Not all animals hibernate like squirrels; some also hibernate. The two tactics can be distinguished as follows:
Hibernation | Hibernation |
---|---|
eat their way into winter fat in autumn | no winter fat |
limit activity and energy requirements enormously | limit activity and energy requirements |
very few active phases | more frequent active phases |
Shutting down metabolism | Shutting down metabolism |
drastically reduced heartbeat | slower heartbeat than normal |
Shutting down the body temperature | constant body temperature |
no food needed | little food needed |
usually don't wake up | wake up daily / several times a week |
Examples: bats, dormice, marmots | Examples: badger, raccoon, brown bear |
Do squirrels hibernate or hibernate?
In winter, the otherwise active creatures withdraw. Squirrels cannot shut down their bodies enough to hibernate. Therefore, they only hibernate. The hibernation begins when the temperatures get frosty, usually in November. It lasts until it gets milder again, usually in January or February. If the days get colder again, the rodents withdraw again. During the winter dormancy, the squirrels stay in their waterproof, warm nests, called goblins. They only leave the nest for about 1 to 2 hours a day to look for food. The food squirrels have accumulated over the years and buried in the ground or hidden in cracks in trees.
Note: When the weather is very unfavorable, such as a storm, the squirrels sometimes don't leave their kobels for days.
Feeding the squirrels
In their natural habitat, squirrels usually find a diverse range of food. So you can build up sufficient supplies. It is therefore not actually necessary to provide the small rodents in this area with additional food during the winter dormancy. A natural garden design is completely sufficient. Exceptions are extremely long winters or poor food supplies due to very hot summers. In cities, however, the supply is usually limited, which is why the squirrels are dependent on additional food, especially during the winter rest. The following food is best suited:
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Dried corn
- a bowl of water
tip: Always put the food in the same place, even if it remains for several days. If necessary, the squirrel knows where to find food
frequently asked Questions
The reason for finding the food again is the squirrels' excellent sense of smell. With this you can find the food even through a blanket of snow. The squirrels' sense of direction, which is often assumed, does not play a role.
No, some hiding spots usually go undetected. The buried seeds then germinate in spring and create new trees. In this way, the squirrels contribute to the spread of the tree population.
First, observe whether the animal really needs your help. If they are unable to help themselves, carefully pick them up with a towel, put them in a box, and keep them warm. Then contact the squirrel emergency number, a wildlife station, a veterinarian or an animal shelter immediately. They will give you further instructions