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Climate Change Drives Surge in Squirrel Rescues in Berlin-Brandenburg

Record droughts, warmer winters, and habitat loss are weakening squirrel populations, with rescue calls in Teltow reaching 40 daily as experts warn of a slow decline toward extinction.

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Ein Eichhörnchen zu Besuch in Berlin-Kreuzberg
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Overview

  • The Teltow squirrel rescue station reports receiving around 40 emergency calls daily, highlighting the growing crisis for local squirrel populations.
  • Prolonged droughts and earlier nut falls are depleting squirrels' food stores, while dehydration is causing some to fall from trees.
  • Warmer winters are disrupting squirrels' natural rest cycles, increasing stress and vulnerability to disease.
  • Sterile gardening trends, including tree felling, stone gardens, and harmful fertilizers, are reducing habitat quality and food availability.
  • Domestic cats remain the leading predation threat to squirrels, according to wildlife researchers.