Hoarding (animal behavior)

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hoarding-animal-behavior

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Hoarding (animal behavior)?Varies greatly by species; from small rodents to larger birds
2. What is the scientific name?N/A (Behavior, not a specific species)
3. What is the diet?Omnivore or Herbivore (depends on species; includes seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, grains)
4. What do squirrels do with their nuts?Squirrels bury thousands of nuts each year in small piles across the forest floor. This is called scatter-hoarding. It helps them keep food safe for later.
5. Why do squirrels hide their food?Hiding food lets squirrels survive when nuts are scarce. It also gives them extra chances to eat later. This helps them stay healthy and grow strong.

Hoarding: The behavior of animals storing food in hidden locations for future consumption.
Caching: A term often used for birds that hide food, synonymous with hoarding in many contexts.
Larder hoarding: The strategy of creating a few large food caches, often centrally located and defended.
Scatter hoarding: The strategy of distributing food into many small, dispersed caches.