Woman's Sighting of a Massively Overweight Squirrel Has People Talking
Transitioning into the colder months means more hours in darkness and fewer animals out and about. It's natural! While we're trying to stay cozy indoors, many mammals are doing the very same. Whether they're hibernating like a bear (I wish I could do that!) or building warm dens, every animal has its own special way of adapting to the winter chill.
For denning animals like squirrels and raccoons, they'll spend most of the winter inside their homes. They may venture outside to gather more food or to check whether anything is growing yet, but most of the outdoor work happens before winter even begins.
Still, it can be shocking to find a hidden pile of acorns or a squirrel packing on the pounds for winter--just ask one TikToker named Erin! They recently spotted a chubby squirrel indulging in a seasonal snack, and their video has people talking!
LMAO! She really had a lot to say about this chunky squirrel, and I'm glad the critter doesn't speak English. I wouldn't want the little one feeling insecure, especially since this autumnal weight gain is so natural for many kinds of squirrels.
Related: Squirrel Caught 'Eating for Free' at McDonald's Has People Cracking Up
In fact, the weight gain is one way they keep themselves insulated for winter! According to Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, gray squirrels prepare for the winter chill by fattening up and by 'caching,' or hoarding food in their dens. Some brave squirrels even steal people's food! Throughout winter, gray squirrels spend less time outdoors forging, so they can rely on their stash to keep them sustained.
As several commenters joked on @romiebaloney's hilarious video, this particular squirrel is well-fed, to say the least. Viewer @hiding_from_the_fam joked, "he prepared for 3 winters." LOL! This front-yard squirrel certainly hit the jackpot with the neighborhood jack-o-lanterns, and I'm curious to know what else he'll get into before setting in for the winter.
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