Squirrels are familiar sights in urban and natural woodlands, known for their agile movements and industrious nature. A common question arises, particularly during downpours: what exactly do squirrels do when it rains? Their strategies for coping with wet weather reveal fascinating adaptations that allow them to thrive even when conditions are less than ideal.
Finding Refuge
When rain begins, squirrels prioritize finding shelter to stay dry and safe. Their primary retreats include natural tree cavities, which offer robust protection from precipitation and wind. These hollows provide a secure space where squirrels can wait out even heavy downpours.
Another common shelter is the drey, a nest squirrels construct from leaves, twigs, and other natural materials high in tree branches. While not entirely waterproof, dreys are remarkably well-engineered, with thick, interwoven layers that help shed water and insulate the interior. The entrance to a drey is often oriented towards the tree trunk, adding an extra layer of protection from rain. Squirrels frequently maintain multiple dreys, allowing them to move to a dry alternative if one becomes too damp. In urban settings, squirrels may also seek temporary shelter in human-made structures like attics, sheds, or under eaves if they are far from their primary nests.
Adjusting Daily Routines
Rainfall significantly impacts a squirrel’s typical daily activities, prompting them to modify their routines. During moderate to heavy rain, squirrels generally reduce their outdoor activity, preferring to remain in their shelters to conserve energy and avoid getting soaked. Their instinct drives them to seek refuge when environmental cues signal impending rain.
Despite their fur providing some initial water resistance, prolonged exposure to rain is typically avoided. However, a hungry squirrel might venture out even in light rain to forage for sustenance. In such instances, squirrels have been observed using their bushy tails as makeshift umbrellas, arching them over their backs to deflect raindrops and keep themselves relatively dry. This adaptation allows them to continue some activities, though often with increased caution and speed.
Emerging After the Storm
Once the rain subsides, squirrels quickly emerge from their shelters to resume their activities. One of their immediate actions involves grooming their fur to remove water and restore its insulating properties. They use their teeth and paws to meticulously dry and straighten their coats, which helps regulate body temperature and maintain agility.
Following a rain, squirrels often increase their foraging efforts, taking advantage of the wet ground. Rain can soften the soil, making it easier to dig for buried nuts and seeds that might have been displaced or newly exposed. The damp conditions can also reveal other food sources, providing new opportunities for sustenance. They may also use this time to reinforce or repair their dreys, carrying new materials to ensure their nests remain secure and weatherproof for future inclement conditions.