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Green Acorn Bombs #876171

Asked July 07, 2024, 8:24 AM EDT

Hi, We are being bombarded with half eaten green acorns. The action, which I assume is related to squirrels, moves around our multi red oak yard. We have been here 20 years and this has never happened. We have had mast years for the oaks, but never the early eaten and constant bombardment on our food beforehand. I am sure our eaves are full of acorns, just wondering if there is an answer to why this is happening, and when it may stop. Thanks! Jane Meridian Twp

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Have you, by chance, recently seen an uptick in the number of red squirrels? Red squirrels, in particular, are prone to such activities.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied July 09, 2024, 5:29 PM EDT
Yes, the reds have been ‘visiting’ lately. Had not seen them earlier in summer.
We have not seen this in our 21 years here. We have always had fox, black and red squirrels.
We did notice they came after the others.
If it’s the reds, is there a reason this year is different?
Thanks for the feedback!
Jane

On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 5:29 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 6:03 PM EDT

Anecdotally, I have observed an increase in the numbers of red squirrels active in Ingham County, and we have seen them in areas they had not previously been. In terms of science, mast seed years are associated with higher reproduction and survival of red squirrels, and with expansion of red squirrel territory to the detriment of nesting birds.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied July 10, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
Thanks again for response. Personally, much rather have birds and squirrels other than reds.
Since we live in a heavily oak wooded lot next to Meridian Twp land, I guess we just wear hard hats and wait this year out.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
Jane

On Wed, Jul 10, 2024 at 11:52 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 12:02 PM EDT

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