When you are in a snowy forest in winter, you might think that it is empty. But no - among the branches of the trees you can see a jumping squirrel. Unlike many forest dwellers, the animal does not hibernate, because it is perfectly prepared for the onset of cold weather.
Instructions
Step 1
The most important thing for an animal in winter is to find food for itself. The ground is covered with a deep snow cover, and such a small animal as a squirrel will not be able to break through the scab and get to the frozen berries or nuts left over from the summer. Therefore, stocks have to be made in the fall in order to safely survive the cold. The squirrel stores acorns and hazelnuts, hiding them in hollows, withered grass and moss. Pine nuts will also come in handy for her - a clever animal cleans the cone, takes out the grains and leaves them in a secluded place. Having made a cache, the squirrel can even cover up the traces of its stay - fix the grass, smooth out the crumpled moss. Sometimes the animal hides its ration so well that in winter it cannot find it itself.
Step 2
Mushrooms are also excellent food for squirrels in winter. So that they do not deteriorate for many months, the animal pre-dries them by hanging them on tree branches or spreading them out on a hemp. After the mushrooms are dry, the animal puts them in a secluded place.
Step 3
Before the onset of cold weather, the squirrel begins to warm its home. She diligently caulk all the cracks with the help of bunches of dry grass, moss, scraps of wool, which she manages to find. In severe frosts, the animal does not go outside, curling up into a ball in its hollow. A well-prepared home is warm and safe.
Step 4
Preparing for winter, the squirrel sheds. She changes her usual red coat to a gray one. In winter, the squirrel's wool becomes thicker, so the animal is not afraid of frosts. In addition, a gray fur coat is less noticeable to predators, and it is much easier for a squirrel to hide from vigilant eyes, huddling against a tree.
Step 5
Often times, people who like these cute animals help them survive in the winter. They install feeders in the habitat of squirrels, where they put dried mushrooms, seeds and nuts so that the animals can eat if necessary. And squirrels willingly visit free canteens.
