Mysterious Eastern Acorn Shortage

Even though this acorn shortage has not risen to the level of a crisis, scientists say it is important to watch closely. If the shortage continues for several years, other forces might be at work.

Up and down the East Coast, residents and naturalists alike have been scratching their heads this autumn over a simple question: Where are all the acorns?

In far-flung pockets of northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and other states, scientists have found no acorns whatsoever. Some scientists fear a mysterious shortage of acorns this fall in the eastern U.S. will affect squirrels. Is this something to worry about? Not necessarily, naturalists say. Last year a bumper crop of acorns was reported, which scientists say may be one clue to this year?EUR??,,????'?????<