Here’s Why You’re Seeing So Many Squirrels in Maine Roads Right Now

No, it's not your imagination. If you feel like every time you get behind the wheel of your car, you've got a squirrel darting out in front of you, you're not alone.

Squirrels have never been sound decision makers when it comes to crossing the road or avoiding vehicular traffic. But if you've been noticing more squirrels than normal, both alive and dead, in the roadways of Maine, there's a reason behind it.

2025 is Another Bumper Crop Year For Acorns in Maine

Every few years or so, there is a bumper crop for acorns in Maine. That's when oak trees produce a significantly large number of seeds which creates a boom for acorns on the ground.

Those acorns are awfully enticing for squirrels. It gives them a better stockpile to survive the winter. But it also leads to reckless decisions when crossing roadways. Which is why you may seeing more roadkill than normal.

Everyone Remembers The 'Squirrel Apocalypse' of 2018

For the entire month of September in 2018, it felt like you couldn't drive 100 yards in Maine without seeing a squirrel in the road.

That's because 2017 wasn't just a bumper crop for acorns, it was an overwhelming crop. Squirrels went wild stocking up and in turn, their population exploded in 2018.

Food wasn't as plentiful in the fall that year, leaving squirrels to scrounge even more than normal. That led to a dramatic increase in squirrel roadkill and left drivers feeling like they were taking part in a squirrel apocalypse.

Next Fall Could Be Another Squirrel Explosion

With a 'mast year' for acorns happening in 2025, you can reasonably expect to see a lot more squirrels next year.

That also means more squirrels in the road, desperately looking for their next bite to eat.