I am a squirrel.
I came to this realization a few days ago when I ran across an article on what squirrels do when autumn arrives.
Here’s what I mean:
- Once fall arrives, squirrels start eating more. They enter a “hyperphagic” phase which basically just means overeating.
Me! That is me. The weather starts turning cooler and I turn into an eating machine. I trade my summer salads for soups and stews, baked goods come pouring out of my oven and I crave hot chocolate and decadent coffee drinks (plus a donut or two).
- All those extra calories are stored as fat to carry squirrels through the lean months that follow.
Me again! Except, sadly I have no lean months!
- Squirrels cache what they don’t eat, hiding food for later consumption.
I may or may not have a hidden chocolate drawer (is my husband reading this?). I am also freezing all the late-season garden produce for winter eating.
- Squirrels sleep more when the weather gets colder.
Me too! There is nothing like a cozy bed when the weather is cold.
- They decrease their activity level to conserve energy.
I’m all about conserving energy levels. Give me a blustery day, a good book and a pot of tea and I am a happy girl. Once the chilly weather hits, you can usually find me under a blanket in my favorite chair.
- Squirrels grow thicker coats for the colder weather.
I can’t grow a winter coat, but I do unpack my sweaters. I love a good sweater and I look forward to wearing them all year.
- Squirrels make “hibernaculum” dens (from the Latin for “tent for winter quarters”).
Oh, how I love to nest in the cold months! It’s one of my favorite things to do. I put out fuzzy blankets and soft pillows, fill the house with candles and light fires in the fireplace. I love my hibernaculum den!
- During their hibernation times, squirrels slow their breathing, their heart rate and even their metabolic rate.
Fall and winter are my times of peace. My breathing naturally slows down and so do I, which calms my heart rate too. Sadly, my metabolic rate also seems to tank. I guess we can’t have everything.
So, there you have it. Proof that I am part squirrel. Fall is here and I couldn’t be happier.
What about you. Are you a squirrel too?
Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
