Squirrels can get cold in the winter, but they are built to handle it much better than we are. They don’t just sit there freezing — they have several natural ways to stay warm.
How Squirrels Stay Warm
1. Thick Winter Coat
They grow a denser, warmer fur coat in fall that helps insulate them through winter.
2. Fluffy Tail Blanket
Squirrels use their big tail like a blanket or wind shield, wrapping it around themselves to conserve heat.
3. Nest Insulation
They build very warm nests (called dreys) made of:
•Leaves
•Twigs
•Moss
•Grass
The inside stays surprisingly warm — almost like a tiny heated dome.
Tree squirrels may also use tree cavities, which are even warmer and block wind.
4. Body Heat Sharing
In very cold weather, multiple squirrels (even ones that usually don’t share) will cuddle together in a nest for warmth.
5. Reduced Activity
They don’t hibernate but they:
•Sleep more
•Stay in their nests during storms or very cold days
•Spend less time searching for food
Do They Ever Struggle?
Yes — in extreme cold (polar vortex conditions) or if they’re sick, dehydrated, or underweight, squirrels can suffer from:
•Hypothermia
•Frostbite (especially on ears or tail)
•Difficulty finding enough calories to stay warm
But in normal winter conditions, squirrels are very well adapted and not cold in the way we would be.

1. What to Feed Squirrels in Winter

Squirrels need high-fat, high-calorie foods to stay warm. Safe winter foods include:

Best Options

•Unsalted nuts (in shells if possible)
•Walnuts
•Pecans
•Hazelnuts
•Almonds
•Pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
•Sunflower seeds (in moderation)

Okay as Occasional Treats

•Small pieces of apple
•Berries
•Carrot pieces
•Kale or spinach
•A bit of peanut butter on a tree or pine cone (tiny amounts — very sticky)
 

Avoid

•Bread
•Sugary foods
•Salty nuts
•Corn as a main food source (low nutrients)
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💧 2. Provide Water

In winter, water is harder for squirrels to find than food.
A simple bowl of fresh water (changed daily) helps a LOT.
If it freezes quickly where you live:
•Use a heated pet water bowl
•Or change the water a couple of times per day
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🏡 3. Easy Ways to Help Keep Them Warm

A. Put Out Nesting Materials

They’ll use them to make their winter nests warmer:
•Dry leaves
•Straw
•Shredded paper (plain, no ink)
•Small twigs
•Pieces of untreated cotton rope pulled apart
Put the materials in a small pile under a tree or in a hanging basket.

B. Squirrel Nesting Boxes

You can put up a wooden nesting box (like a birdhouse, but larger).
They’ll use it during storms or extreme cold.
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🤲 4. Don’t Worry About Making Them Dependent – We all need a little help from others

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