Do squirrels hibernate or hibernate?

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Do squirrels hibernate or hibernate?

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
Squirrel on a branch
Squirrels prefer to live in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests.

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
Differentiation criteria between hibernation and hibernation

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.

Squirrel Kobel
The squirrels spend most of their winter rest in the Kobel.

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
Squirrel eats kernels
To support squirrels during hibernation, you can put out food.

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

How do squirrels find their hidden food again?

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.

Can the squirrels find all of their food again?

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.

What to do if I find an injured squirrel in winter?

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

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