Burton wanted the scene as life-like as possible which meant live squirrels cracking and sorting nuts on a conveyor belt.
Most of the squirrels were rescues and some came from private homes. An animal trainer worked tirelessly for 8-weeks with the animals to get them ready for showtime.
The Training was based on food rewards, so the squirrels got nuts when they did what was required.
Rescues can't be released into the wild by law, so after filming wrapped most of the squirrels were adopted by an animal training facility where they awaited their next role.
