What do Squirrels do in Winter?

BY CORA KAPLAN

Some squirrels, like ground squirrels and marmots, hibernate through the winter. They make dens to hide from the harsh weather outside, because the ground is a great thermal regulator. This means it will keep the squirrels cool in the summer and stay nice and warm in the winter. Typically, these animals will cuddle up in groups for almost nine months during a hibernation period. 

Other species, like chipmunks and tree squirrels, will have more active periods during the winter. Chipmunks limit their activity by sleeping in and saying goodnight early, but may occasionally be seen above ground. Once chipmunks run out of food or the weather becomes too harsh, they will enter a state of torpor, similar to hibernation. Tree squirrels are the most likely to be seen outside in the winter months because they stay active. Although they sleep more during the day, they do not experience hibernation like other squirrel species. In really bad weather they hide in their nests, called dreys, only coming out to eat snacks and tend to their young.

Any species that hibernates overeats when there is lots of food supply to put on weight before they go into a torpid state. Squirrels that do not truly hibernate will stash food in locations called caches and can return to them throughout the winter because of their great memory and sense of smell. The fat or food supply built up during summer and fall provides squirrels with the warmth and energy needed to survive Alberta’s harsh winters.