People are affected this fall by a shortage of acorns in the eastern U.S . Residents in some areas have plenty of trees , while others have seen none at all . Tree growth runs in cycles , so a lean year may be normal after last year 's big crop . Some people fear the shortage will affect their populations .
Naturalists are baffled this fall by a shortage of acorns in the eastern U.S . Residents in some areas report plenty of acorns , while others have seen none at all . Acorn growth runs in cycles , so a lean year may be normal after last year 's big crop . Some scientists fear the shortage will affect squirrel populations .