Squirrels are a common sight in the UK, known for their agility, bushy tails, and ability to dart up trees in a flash. But as the colder months roll in, you might wonder—do squirrels hibernate? The answer may surprise you.
Squirrels and Winter Activity
Unlike animals such as hedgehogs and bats, squirrels do not hibernate. Instead, they remain active throughout the winter months, though their behaviour changes to adapt to the colder weather. You might notice them less frequently during winter, but that’s because they spend more time sheltered in their nests, called dreys, to conserve energy and stay warm.
How Do Squirrels Survive Winter?
Squirrels are resourceful creatures and take several measures to ensure they can survive the harsher months:
- Food Storage: Throughout autumn, squirrels gather and bury nuts and seeds. This behaviour, known as “caching,” ensures they have a reliable food source when resources are scarce.
- Thicker Fur: As winter approaches, squirrels grow a thicker coat of fur, helping them retain heat.
- Shelter: Squirrels build dreys in trees or use hollows for better insulation. These nests are lined with leaves, moss, and other materials to provide warmth.
- Reduced Activity: To conserve energy, squirrels reduce their activity during the coldest periods, venturing out mainly to retrieve cached food.
Red and Grey Squirrels
Both red and grey squirrels follow similar patterns in winter, but there are key differences in their survival strategies:
- Red squirrels, native to the UK and Ireland, are more reliant on conifer seeds, which they store in specific caches.
- Grey squirrels, an invasive species, are more adaptable and tend to thrive in a wider range of habitats. Their superior caching ability gives them an advantage over red squirrels in finding food.
What do Squirrels eat?
Here’s a table comparing what red squirrels and grey squirrels eat:
| Food Source | Red Squirrels | Grey Squirrels |
| Nuts | Prefer smaller nuts like pine nuts and hazelnuts. | Eat a wider variety of nuts, including acorns and walnuts. |
| Seeds | Specialise in seeds from conifer trees. | Eat seeds from both coniferous and deciduous trees. |
| Fruits | Consume berries and smaller wild fruits. | Eat a broader range, including cultivated fruits like apples and pears. |
| Fungi | Reliant on fungi, particularly in woodland areas. | Eat fungi but less dependent due to other food sources. |
| Plant Material | Consume buds, shoots, and flowers. | Also eat buds and shoots but are more adaptable in urban areas. |
| Insects | Occasionally eat small insects and larvae. | Will eat insects opportunistically but less often. |
| Human Food | Rarely forage human food. | Frequently eat scraps or raid bird feeders in urban areas. |
| Caching Behaviour | Cache food in fewer, specific spots (scatter-hoarding). | Cache food in multiple locations (scatter-hoarding). |
Where do Squirrels sleep?
1. Dreys (Nests)
- Location: Dreys are typically built high up in the forks of trees.
- Construction: Made from twigs, leaves, moss, and other soft materials, dreys provide insulation and protection from the elements.
- Appearance: They resemble round, compact balls of leaves and are often mistaken for bird nests.
- Usage: Dreys are used for sleeping, raising young, and sheltering during cold or wet weather.
2. Tree Hollows
- Preference: When available, squirrels prefer tree hollows or cavities because they offer better insulation and protection from predators compared to dreys.
- Common in Winter: Tree hollows are especially desirable in the winter months due to their warmth and stability.
3. Urban Settings
- In urban areas, squirrels may adapt by nesting in buildings, attics, or lofts, especially if trees are scarce. These areas provide warmth and safety, but they can lead to issues like property damage.
Why Understanding Squirrel Behaviour Matters
Squirrel behaviour is fascinating, but it can also become problematic in certain settings. In urban or commercial environments, squirrels may seek shelter in attics, lofts, or warehouses, where they can cause significant damage by chewing through insulation or wiring. If squirrels have become a nuisance in your property, humane pest control solutions are essential.
At Merlin Environmental, we specialise in effective, ethical solutions for managing squirrels and other wildlife in commercial settings. Whether you’re dealing with squirrel intrusions or simply want to ensure your property remains pest-free, our team is here to help. Contact Merlin Environmental today for expert advice and humane solutions.
