The mysterious lack of acorns in some parts of the country has scientists baffled and struggling to fully explain why.
The unusual phenomenon was first discovered this fall when residents noticed an absence of acorns underneath oak trees.
One explanation is that the trees might be exhausted and lacking energy. Last year, oak trees produced a bumper crop of acorns that scientists say might be the cause of this year’s scarcity as acorns are produced in cycles. A lean year after a bumper crop is a natural occurrence.
Another theory blames the shortage on a wet spring. The Washington-Baltimore area experienced twice as much precipitation in May than normal. Some experts theorize that the pollen from the trees might have been washed away.
However, in some places scientists are finding no acorns at all. So far no explanation could be found for the complete lack of nuts in some parts of northern Virginia and other states.
Even though the acorn shortage has not risen to the level of a national crisis, scientists are keeping a close watch. If the phenomenon continues for a few years other factors may be at work.
As for the squirrels, scientists are saying they might be in for a hard winter but the population as a whole won’t be facing serious harm as the furry creatures can easily adapt and survive.