Should gray squirrels be released early enough in the fall to cache food for the winter and find shelter?

Should gray squirrels be released early enough in the fall to cache food for the winter and find shelter?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It does not matter
• D. In late summer only

Answer: (A)

Timing matters because gray squirrels survive winter by actively caching nuts and locating suitable shelter. They rely on multiple food caches and tree cavities or nests to stay fed and warm through the colder months. If a rehabilitated squirrel is released early enough in fall, it has time to start caching and to find or establish a safe den before temperatures drop. Releasing later in fall or into winter leaves little opportunity to prepare, increasing the chance of starvation or exposure. So, releasing early in fall to allow caching and shelter-building aligns with how these animals naturally prepare for winter, making the statement true.

Timing matters because gray squirrels survive winter by actively caching nuts and locating suitable shelter. They rely on multiple food caches and tree cavities or nests to stay fed and warm through the colder months. If a rehabilitated squirrel is released early enough in fall, it has time to start caching and to find or establish a safe den before temperatures drop. Releasing later in fall or into winter leaves little opportunity to prepare, increasing the chance of starvation or exposure. So, releasing early in fall to allow caching and shelter-building aligns with how these animals naturally prepare for winter, making the statement true.