I tried finding some data on squirrels’ retrieval rates, and while I couldn’t find anything concrete, the consensus seemed to be that they leave enough behind to play an important role in the dispersal of trees.

What I did discover, though, was the amazing sport of Squirrel fishing. There’s even a club for it at the University of Oregon, complete with action shots. Officially weird.

I read somewhere that squirrels recover 1/3-1/2 of the nuts they bury. This works just fine for the trees, but it’s really annoying to be digging saplings out of my lawn every spring.