Over the years squirrels have gnawed the bark back to the cambian layer of these tree wounds. In the early Spring, when the saps rises, it leaks to the surface, dries and squirrels nibble the residue. As a result, the poor tree, is unable to repair the damage. While squirrels may not know pancakes, they do know Maple syrup.
1/200s F/8.0 iso200 55mm HH