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Squirrel.

 

Red squirrel

Orav

Sciurus vulgaris

 

This year cones have to be searched for far and wide in the spruce stands. But not much good looking for what is not there. How do squirrels manage?
There are tracks to be seen in the forest, and paths of tracks crossing roads too. The squirrels have probably left their usual spruce stands to search for better “hunting grounds”.
In autumn the hazel bushes were emptied of nuts, and acorns were hidden for winter stores, but that is very difficult to get at now, even when the right moss tuft is remembered. And to the maple seeds there are other pretenders ...
After poor cone years squirrels often have smaller litters. Their heat period is just about to begin.
In cold weather with driving snow squirrels go in hiding: tree hollows, old crow nests or  their own nests, if they are nearby,  are used for shelter.

 

Squirrel-worked spruce cone.