What do squirrels collect during autumn?

During autumn, squirrels collect and store a variety of food items, primarily nuts such as acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts. They also gather seeds, fruits, and fungi to prepare for the winter months when food is scarce. Squirrels use their keen sense of smell and memory to cache these food items in various locations, ensuring they have enough sustenance to survive the colder season. This behavior is crucial for their survival and plays a significant role in forest ecology by aiding in seed dispersal.