94 Dodge Ram Van AC Blow Housing

When I turned on the AC for the first time this spring I had a loud noise from the fan area. I removed the blower fan from the side of the blower housing. I found 'acorns' :grinyes: in the housing and lodged in the fan blades. I cleared out the acorns. But, how the heck did they get in there. While the fan was out, I could reach through the housing and touch the inside of the wheelwell. Shouldn't there be a panel there? I put the fan back on and the ac now works without the loud noise. But I think something is missing. Any advice?

Ask the squirrels what they did with the cover. :)