A Year in the Life of Squirrels: The Four Seasons of Mischief and Industriousness

Spring  

Spring marks the start of bustling activity for squirrels as the world returns to life. After a long winter of reduced activity, they bounce through the trees with renewed energy. It’s also mating season, so you might notice them chasing each other, leaping from branch to branch in a frenzied game of tag. It’s like watching a tiny soap opera play out in the trees.  

Mother squirrels build nests out of twigs, leaves, and moss to raise their young during this time. If you’re lucky enough, you might spot some baby squirrels peeking out of their cozy nests. The young ones are adorable with their tiny tails and wobbly movements.  

Food is again abundant in spring, and squirrels feast on newly sprouted buds, tender flowers, and nuts they stashed away the previous fall. It’s their time to replenish and prepare for the adventures of summer.  

Summer  

Ah, summer. Long, sunny days mean there’s plenty of time for squirrels to scurry around and explore their little territories. They’re master multitaskers during this season. On the one hand, they’re still foraging and caching food (because a squirrel can never have too much food hidden away). On the other hand, they’re busy repairing their nests and caring for young squirrels, learning the ropes of squirrel life.  

Summer is also when squirrels’ playful (and occasionally mischievous) personalities fully shine. They’re hilariously clever and shameless, whether stealing a bird’s seed or sneakily raiding a backyard garden for a tomato. Their playful antics, like the feisty red squirrel chasing away a much larger gray squirrel, never fail to entertain and amuse.  

And while flying squirrels are more complicated to spot, they are especially active on warm summer nights. Their silent glides from tree to tree are like something out of a nature documentary!  

Autumn  

If there’s one word to sum up squirrels in autumn, it’s “BUSY.” This is their most industrious season as they prepare for the long, cold winter. Watch closely; they frantically gather nuts, acorns, and seeds. Their tiny paws move so quickly! Sometimes, they bury their treasures right in your yard, and yes, they almost always forget some of their hiding spots (hello, accidental tree planting). Their work ethic is truly impressive.  

Squirrels also plump up during autumn, feasting on as much food as possible. Their usually trim little frames look extra round and fluffy by the time the first frosts arrive. Trust me, it only makes them look cuter.  

In addition to gathering and eating, squirrels fortify their nests, lining them with warmer, thicker materials. Squirrels are experienced survivalists, and you can see how much effort they put into preparing for the months ahead. Their resourcefulness and intelligence in adapting to changing seasons are truly impressive.  

Winter  

Winter slows things down for squirrels but doesn’t completely stop them. While they’re not true hibernators, they cut back on activity and rely on their hidden food caches. On milder winter days, you might see them venture out to dig up a buried acorn or raid a bird feeder. (Sometimes, I swear birds and squirrels have an unspoken rivalry regarding feeders!)  

When temperatures drop, squirrels huddle together in their nests to conserve warmth. It’s a surprisingly sweet image: a group of furry friends snuggled up to keep each other cozy.  

Flying squirrels thrive in the dark winter months, gliding through snow-dusted woods under the night sky. While they’re less rambunctious than their daytime cousins, their elegance and grace are mesmerizing.  

And while winter can be brutal, squirrels rarely lose their cheeky charm. They always seem to find a way to survive with grit, resourcefulness, and a hint of mischief. Their resilience in harsh conditions is truly inspiring, a testament to their adaptability and survival skills.