Date: 9/27/25 6:52 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Off topic- squirrel behavior
While doing yardwork I've been dodging falling spruce cones as the Douglas squirrels are busily gnawing them off the trees. The cones are not yet mature, so dropping them now seems counterproductive for seed maturity for winter food. I remember in the midwest the gray squirrels would strip the pecan and walnut trees well before the nuts were mature enough for food or germination.
This behavior doesn't make sense to me, though I suppose it's possible the cones will continue to mature even after being separated from the tree. I plan to check this by storing a few in my attic and garage, but am doubtful, as this behavior has been constant over the years, but while I've had many cedar, hemlock and fir volunteers, I've never had a volunteer spruce.
Also I'm curious why our local Cooper's hawks don't seem to consider the Douglas squirrels as dinner possibilities.
Could anyone enlighten me on this behavior or at least point me in a direction to research it?
