What changes in the environment during winter most likely causes squirrels to store their food?

The most likely environmental change that causes squirrels to store food in winter is the lack of readily available food.

Here's why:

* Decreased Food Availability: During winter, many of the nuts, seeds, and fruits that squirrels rely on become scarce or buried under snow.

* Cold Temperatures: The cold weather makes it more difficult for squirrels to find food, and their energy needs increase to stay warm.

* Limited Daylight Hours: Shorter days mean less time for foraging.

This combination of factors forces squirrels to prepare for winter by storing food, ensuring they have a readily available supply when food is scarce.