Squirrels are among the most commonly observed wildlife in parks, forests, and even urban neighborhoods. Their playful antics, fluffy tails, and acrobatic movements from branch to branch make them a delight to watch. But as the leaves begin to fall and winter approaches, many people start to wonder: When do squirrels hibernate? The answer may surprise you—not all squirrels hibernate, and their winter behavior depends largely on their species , habitat , and food storage patterns . 🌰 The Myth of Squirrel Hibernation Many assume that squirrels disappear during winter because they’re tucked away in deep hibernation. However, this is not entirely accurate. While some animals enter a full state of hibernation, squirrels do not all hibernate in the traditional sense. Tree squirrels , such as the Eastern gray squirrel , fox squirrel , and red squirrel , do not hibernate at all. Instead, they remain active throughout the winter. These species rely on fat reserves and food caches —nuts,...