The squirrels down here (FL) are fat also and I have unusually large crop of acorns, according to the Farmers Almanac it is supposed to be a cold and wet winter. I also noticed that my dog is fuzzy........dogs down here don't usually get much of a winter coat, but I had mentioned that Rio was really getting furry already.......she is a desert breed so I imagine she will need a warm coat if it does in deed get cold, nature has a way of preparing for the seasons and yes I believe it will be a cold one this year, my only thoughts are for the people up north and the cost of fuel......So lets hope that the signs are wrong this year and we have a mild winter.