Aberdare Park Squirrels preparing for Winter

Posted on October 21st, 2007 filed in Aberdare Park

As we approach winter, the squirrels at Aberdare Park prepare themselves for the cold, lean months ahead.

The coat of the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) becomes thicker and they gain weight in readiness for the lean months of winter. The winter coat of the squirrels is much greyer than the summer coat which is far more brownish.

The grey squirrel does not hibernate in the winter months and therefore they have to prepare to survive by other means. The squirrel’s drey or nest becomes thicker in the winter.

At this time of year it is possible to watch the Aberdare Park squirrels gather and hide nuts for the winter. The nuts are found not by memory but by scent. As it is now late October, much of the acorn and other nuts have already been taken into store.