They may be small, quick, and often overlooked—but squirrels play an essential role in maintaining healthy forests and green spaces. Behind every playful leap and buried nut is a surprising contribution to the ecosystem.
Seed Spreaders and Tree Planters
Squirrels are nature’s gardeners. Every time they bury a nut or seed for later, they’re performing an act of reforestation—often without realizing it.
Since squirrels don’t retrieve every food cache they make, many of those forgotten nuts eventually sprout into trees. Over time, this helps forests regenerate naturally. Oaks, hazels, and even some pines can trace their growth back to a squirrel’s instinctive hiding spot.
Soil Aerators in Disguise
When squirrels bury their food, they dig dozens of small holes in the soil. This process gently aerates the ground, improving its structure and allowing water and nutrients to move more freely.
Unlike heavy digging or machinery, squirrels do this in a light, natural way, keeping the forest floor healthy without disturbing its balance.
Food Chain Connectors
Squirrels themselves are part of a delicate web of life. They’re prey for birds of prey, foxes, and other carnivores, making them important players in the food chain. Their presence supports the survival of other species—even as they gather food to survive on their own.
Their nests, called dreys, also offer temporary shelter to insects and small birds once abandoned.
Indicators of a Healthy Ecosystem
A thriving squirrel population is often a sign of a healthy park or forest. If there’s enough natural food, shelter, and safety for squirrels to live and raise their young, that usually means the ecosystem is in good shape.
That’s why I pay attention not just to how many squirrels I see, but how they behave. Are they active? Are there young ones? Do they have safe places to hide or nest?
Why It Matters
Squirrels do more than entertain us with their antics—they support the life cycle of trees, help maintain soil quality, and quietly contribute to biodiversity.
By feeding them responsibly, protecting their habitats, and simply appreciating their role, we’re also protecting the delicate systems that support life around us.