[Tweeters] Off topic- squirrel behavior

[via Tweeters]

While doing yardwork I've been dodging falling spruce cones as the 
Douglas squirrels are busily gnawing them off the trees. The cones are 
not yet mature, so dropping them now seems counterproductive for seed 
maturity for winter food. I remember in the midwest the gray squirrels 
would strip the pecan and walnut trees well before the nuts were mature 
enough for food or germination.

This behavior doesn't make sense to me, though I suppose it's possible 
the cones will continue to mature even after being separated from the 
tree. I plan to check this by storing a few in my attic and garage, but 
am doubtful, as this behavior has been constant over the years, but 
while I've had many cedar, hemlock and fir volunteers, I've never had a 
volunteer spruce.

Also I'm curious why our local Cooper's hawks don't seem to consider the 
Douglas squirrels as dinner possibilities.

Could anyone enlighten me on this behavior or at least point me in a 
direction to research it?

judyem at olypen dot com in Port Angeles WA