Last month was the warmest December on record meaning the extra berries have made our squirrels fat.
December is a month known for eating but the mild weather has meant that extra berries and nuts have made our squirrels and other animals fat.
Grey squirrels are usually active during the day, foraging for food in trees and on the ground.
In the autumn months they usually spend time storing nuts to eat during the cold winter when food is more scarce.
But last month was recorded as the warmest December on record, with average temperatures of 7.9°C, 4.1°C above the long term average.
The mild weather meant that this winter more food was available than usual, allowing squirrels and other animals to fatten up.
Erin McDaid, from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust believes that the warmer weather has meant many animals aren’t having to scavenge for food as its more easily available.
“Winter is normally the most stressful times for wildlife but the warm temperatures and the general abundance of food are probably making it a relaxed winter for many species.
“Everything is growing because the ground is warm. Usually it’s frozen over at this time of year but instead animals under the soil like worms are more accessible for squirrels and other animals”.
The mild weather has been a positive thing for lots of other animals especially some that last year found themselves in decline.
Picture: (Tony Mills) Many animals are benefiting from the warmer winter.
Hedgehogs in Nottinghamshire saw a rapid decline last year, leading them to becoming an endangered species but the warmer weather this winter has meant that they are less likely to go into hibernation.
Erin said: “In a normal lean winter things like ivy berries are a vital link because they come a lot later than many autumn berries and provide a great source of birds and other wild life.
“This year the bushes are still full of berries probably because birds are finding food elsewhere”.
But with colder weather on its way, with temperatures expected to dip down below freezing next week.
