After it snows, there’s much to be done — like digging out cars, clearing sidewalks and plowing streets. But following a recent winter storm in Long Island, New York, city workers and residents weren’t the only ones hard at work.
Ahead of the snowfall, homeowner Melissa Ludyny added a few extra nuts and seeds to the wildlife feeding stations in her front yard for birds and squirrels.
“I think wildlife plays an important role in keeping a healthy ecosystem,” Ludyny told The Dodo. “So I’m happy to feed them, especially when food is scarce.”
She knew the squirrels would appreciate the extra snacks before the storm. What she didn’t expect was what they’d do after it passed.
Melissa Ludyny
The morning after the storm, Ludyny stood at her window and noticed an odd hole in the snow, near where her birdfeeder is positioned.
“I thought it was strange,” Ludyny said. “I later noticed another hole by the tree, under the squirrel feeder.”
Then, from the first hole, she saw a squirrel pop out.
“That’s when I pieced it all together: they had created a snow tunnel!” Ludyny said.
She captured video of both squirrels and birds using what could be described as an impressive public works project, led by a few fluffy-tailed engineers:
From the birdfeeder, where fallen treats often collect, to their own feeding station across the yard, the squirrels’ tunnel provided cover from the elements and potential predators overhead.
“I was really impressed when I realized [it]. I’ve never witnessed this behavior before,” Ludyny said.
The squirrels responsible seemed quite pleased with how their tunnel turned out.
Melissa Ludyny
Sadly, the squirrel tunnel was only temporary. With warmer weather the following day, the snow began to melt, weakening the tunnel until it eventually collapsed. (No injuries were reported.)
But now that the squirrels have proven such a construction is possible, Ludyny suspects it won’t be the last tunnel of its kind in her yard.
“I’m hopeful they will rebuild again and better if we get more snow!” she said. “They are continuing their mischief above ground now that it’s gone. The squirrels are funny, and each has a unique personality!”
