Five Things Squirrels Do Before Winter

And Why Your Attic Might Just Be Their Plan B

There’s a great deal of chatter in squirrel world come autumn. They’re anxious. While humans argue whether it’s time to turn on the heater, look for that lost winter boot, and take down Halloween decorations, squirrels have a much more important to-do list.

Food? Check. Shelter? We're working on that. Backup shelter? Absolutely.. That box where the two-legged folk come and go looks promising indeed.

Squirrels might seem to be nothing more than just running around the garden, chasing each other up the trees and occasionally barking at the neighbors. It's all very entertaining to watch. What you don't realize is that beneath all that furry mayhem, they follow a surprisingly well-organized strategy for surviving winter. As the temperatures start to fall, they begin their preparations for winter and some of their activities can bring them right up to the doorstep.

Here are five things squirrels do before winter arrives and why your house may well be getting more attention than you'd like.

1. They Turn Food Gathering Into a Full-Time Job

If you've noticed the squirrels suddenly getting a lot busier, then you're not imagining it. Autumn is peak food-collecting time, and they're out and about gathering nuts, seeds, acorns, and whatever else they can find.

Many species don’t just make a mound of booty. Rather, they bury individual food items in multiple places. A squirrel might tuck an acorn beneath a tree, hide another near a shrub, and stash several more in the garden.

Why go to all that trouble? Spreading out food supplies reduces the risk of losing an entire winter pantry to another hungry animal. It also gives squirrels access to food when snow covers the ground.

Their memory and sense of smell help them recover many of these hidden treasures. Not all of them, however. Some forgotten acorns get a second chance at life as seedlings.

The homeowner connection: Bird feeders, accessible garbage, fallen fruit, and unsecured outdoor food sources can all become attractive feeding stations. If squirrels visit regularly, you're providing more than entertainment. You may be helping them stock the pantry.

2. Home Repair and Inspection

Squirrels are particular about their accommodations. Depending on the species, they may use tree cavities or construct leafy nests called dreys. These nests are generally built high in trees, using twigs, leaves, moss, and other available materials. A good nest provides protection from wind, rain, and cold. 

Interesting fact: Squirrels don't necessarily stick to one nest. They may use a number of nests within their territory and move between them as the circumstances dictate.

Autumn is an important time for inspecting and improving these shelters (they need a repair person on speed dial). A nest that worked beautifully in September might not be quite so appealing when November winds arrive.

And that's where things can get interesting for the homeowner.

An attic, chimney, soffit, or opening under a roof can look absolutely ideal to a squirrel looking for a place to spend the winter. An enclosed space provides protection from the weather and predators, and may also offer access to extra nesting material (where is that sewing room?).

In other words, your attic may look like a luxury winter rental.

The homeowner connection: Inspect rooflines, soffits, vents, and other potential entry points before cold weather settles in. Damaged screens, loose boards, and small openings deserve attention. A squirrel doesn't need a welcome mat if it can find an unsecured entrance.

3. They Grow a Winter Wardrobe

Wait until you see this fashion show! Squirrels don't have the luxury of ordering a new winter coat online, but nature provides them with a seasonal upgrade.

As colder weather approaches, many squirrels develop a thicker coat. Their fur becomes denser, insulating them against dropping temperatures. Some species also develop noticeable changes in coloration.

Eastern gray squirrels, for example, may appear fluffier in winter, with particularly prominent ear tufts in some individuals (a Papillon in squirrel form). Red squirrels and other species have their own seasonal variations.

Their tails also play an important role. That impressive bushy appendage isn't just for balance and dramatic displays (or for dusting tight spaces). Squirrels can wrap their tails around themselves for extra warmth and use them to protect against wind and precipitation.

Of course, a thicker coat doesn't mean squirrels can tolerate every winter condition indefinitely. They still need shelter, food, and opportunities to stay warm.

The homeowner connection: A squirrel that looks particularly fluffy isn't necessarily unhealthy or unusually large. Seasonal coat changes are normal as they prepare for colder weather. However, increased activity around buildings may indicate that an animal is searching for the front desk to check into alternative shelters. Bellhop!

4. They Become More Serious About Staying Warm

Squirrels don't hibernate as bears do. They remain active throughout winter, although their activity patterns may change considerably.

On particularly cold or stormy days, squirrels remain in their nests for extended periods. When conditions improve, they'll venture out, peeking left and right, to retrieve food from their carefully hidden supplies.

Some species, such as eastern gray squirrels, share nests during particularly cold periods. This behavior, known as communal nesting, helps conserve body heat. Everybody huddle!

Think of it as a furry version of turning down the thermostat and sharing the blankets.

Tree cavities and well-constructed nests offer important protection, but squirrels also need to conserve energy. Staying sheltered during severe weather and limiting unnecessary activity can help them get through difficult conditions.

The homeowner connection: If you hear scratching, scurrying, or unusual movement in your attic during colder months, don't automatically assume it's the home settling. Wildlife may have found its way inside. Listen for repeated activity, particularly around dawn and dusk, when squirrels are active.

5. They Prepare for a Long Winter of Improvisation

Despite their impressive planning, squirrels don't have everything under control. Food caches get forgotten, stolen, or hidden under snow. Nests can become damaged, and severe weather makes even the best shelter less comfortable.

That's why squirrels are adaptable. They use multiple food sources, maintain access to more than one nesting location, and modify their activity according to weather conditions.

Unfortunately, that adaptability also makes them successful visitors to residential properties.

A squirrel that discovers an attic may find it useful not only as a short-term refuge but also as a nesting location. Once inside, it may chew insulation, gnaw on wood, damage wiring, or enlarge an existing opening.

And while one squirrel might seem harmless, a nesting female can bring additional residents into the picture.

What began as a temporary winter shelter can become a much bigger communal housing problem by spring.

The homeowner connection: Prevention is considerably easier than dealing with an established wildlife intrusion. Keep tree branches trimmed away from rooflines, secure potential entry points, and address damage promptly. If you suspect squirrels have already moved in, consult a qualified wildlife professional. Never seal an opening without first determining whether animals are inside.

The Bottom Line: Let Them Have Their Trees

Squirrels are fascinating examples of nature's ability to plan ahead. Their food-storage habits, seasonal adaptations, and resourceful shelter-building help them survive changing weather conditions.

They also remind us that wildlife doesn't recognize property lines. To a squirrel, your attic isn't an extension of your living room. It's simply another possible shelter with superb insulation and a convenient location.

A little autumn maintenance can help keep that distinction clear.

Inspect your roofline, secure vulnerable openings, clean up accessible food sources, and watch for unusual activity around your home. You can appreciate the squirrels' acrobatics, admire their determination, and even enjoy watching them bury an acorn.

Just make sure they nest somewhere other than your attic.

After all, you probably don't want to discover that you've been sharing your home with an unsolicited family of furry tenants who have absolutely no intention of paying rent.