Look Up: What is the Pile of Leaves Stuck in Your Idaho Tree?

Fall is here, and some days the weather feels like fall, and other times it still feels like summer. Soon, the days of heat will fade, and the weather will begin to be cooler more frequently. The lawn mowers will lessen, and leaf blowers will begin to be the sounds outside of homes. As the weather changes, the leaves will soon begin to fall as well, and when they do, some will blow onto vehicles, some will blow into the neighbor's yards, and others will stay stuck in your tree. Some get frustrated seeing a ball of leaves stuck at the top of their tree, but don't knock it down, because it might not be what you think. 

What is the Ball of Leaves in Your Tree? 

To some, it may be common sense, but to others, they might think those leftover leaves are randomly piled together and stuck in the branches. They are, in fact, there on purpose and were arranged that way. It is not random, but instead, they are home to an animal. The balls of leaves are called a drey, and they are where squirrels live. They compact this home of leaves, twigs, and other things they find, and this is how they stay warm during the winter, where they have their babies, and where they sleep through the night. You may be tempted to knock it down, especially if you hate squirrels, but it is best to leave them alone. 

Can You Knock Down a Squirrel's Nest in Idaho?

Can you legally knock down a tree if there is one on your property? The answer is complicated. If a squirrel is actively living in a drey and using it, by Idaho law, it is illegal to knock it down. Idaho law protects wildlife from being harmed unlawfully, and knocking down their home would fall into that category. While you can't reach up and take it down or destroy it, you do have options to get rid of it in the right circumstances. If you know that the drey is no longer being used and the squirrels are long gone, you may remove it, or if the animals are causing damage to your property, then you can contact Idaho Fish and Game to come out and inspect the situation and relocate the animals.

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The leaves will soon change colors, fall to the ground, and others will stay in your tree. Rake up what you can, but make sure not to touch the ones that remain high above. Enjoy your furry neighbors and leave them alone, as they, too, will have chores to do this fall to prepare for the winter.