With winter getting colder dead branches with shredded bark are becoming much more commonly seen. Here I caught the culprit in the act as she stripped the dead cambium layer.
Squirrels will strip bark from living branches for food and/or water but when they are stripping dead limbs as they are doing now it is to line their nest. The bark provides padding and insulation. It will be a few weeks before the first young of the year will be born but this squirrel will have her nest ready to receive them.
A little chewing softens it up just right before she scampered away to her cavity nest.
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Great shots. I have never seen them do this,but I'm sure it happens here as well.Actually I have very few squirrels around and that is fine by me,the bird food lasts longer that way.
ReplyDeleteshe's adorable.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots. I love squirrels.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of the squirrel doing what a squirrel does best, nibbling away.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard worker.
ReplyDeleteMy critter post. Please come and see.
Wonderful capture and good thing you knew what she was doing too
ReplyDeleteIt's to be prepared!
ReplyDeleteVery nice captures! Squirrels are always busy chewing on something.
ReplyDeleteSuper shots Coy. You've just got to admire their resourcefulness ... that is providing they are not tearing upo my garden!
ReplyDelete