Squirrels are fascinating creatures that can be found in various parts of America. From red squirrels to grey squirrels, they belong to the Sciuridae family of mammals, closely related to chipmunks, prairie dogs, and woodchucks. But have you ever wondered what squirrels eat? Well, these furry foragers have quite an eclectic taste when it comes to food. In this article, we’ll explore the diverse diet of squirrels and discover some surprising items they consume. So, let’s dive in and uncover the culinary preferences of these tree-dwelling critters.
What Do Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels are known for their palate diversity, as they happily feast on a wide range of foods. Let’s take a closer look at some of their favorite culinary choices.
Fruit
Squirrels have a strong affinity for fruits, making them a common sight near fruit trees and bushes. They eagerly munch on a variety of fruits, including pears, apples, grapes, kiwi, avocados, berries, and citrus fruits. Squirrels also have a sweet tooth and enjoy indulging in bananas, watermelons, and cherries. These fruity delights provide them with a much-needed energy boost for their high-energy activities.
Vegetables
Gardeners beware! Squirrels have an appetite for vegetables too. They will happily devour leafy greens like lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, and arugula. In addition to greens, squirrels relish tomatoes, radishes, corn, squash, beans, peas, root vegetables, and even the tender tips of growing plants. Nothing seems to escape their voracious appetite for fresh produce.
Cereals
It might come as a surprise, but squirrels have a penchant for cereals. The grains and nuts in cereals make for a delectable treat for these little critters. Whether it’s Chex, Cheerios, Cap’n Crunch, or corn flakes, squirrels have no qualms about indulging in these sugary delights. The added sugar provides them with an extra burst of energy to continue their search for food.
Cheese
While not a natural part of their diet, squirrels have developed a fondness for cheese. They will happily nibble on chunks of cheddar, swiss, provolone, and mozzarella, even scavenging from discarded sandwiches or compost piles. Cheese provides a valuable source of fat for squirrels, which they store for leaner times, like during the winter months.
Nuts
Nuts are undoubtedly a squirrel’s favorite food. These furry foragers go nuts for nuts! Whether it’s pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, acorns, or chestnuts, squirrels enthusiastically collect and devour these nutritious gems. Nuts serve as an excellent source of fat and protein for squirrels, sustaining them throughout the year.
Birdseed
It’s not just the birds that enjoy a hearty meal of birdseed. Squirrels will seize the opportunity to join in on the feasting. They happily munch on the seeds, grains, and nuts found in birdseed, relishing every bite.
Insects
When fruits and nuts are scarce, squirrels resort to eating small insects to fulfill their protein requirements. Caterpillars, larvae, winged bugs, grasshoppers, and crickets are just a few examples of the insects squirrels will devour when necessary.
Fungi
Squirrels are skilled foragers and have a taste for mushrooms. They can be found scouring forests for various fungi, such as acorn truffles, oyster mushrooms, and more. In addition to mushrooms, squirrels also enjoy feasting on lichen, a smaller type of fungi that grows on tree bark.
Eggs
When food options are limited, squirrels may resort to stealing eggs. They may prey on robin eggs, blackbird eggs, and even eggs from chicken coops. In dire circumstances, squirrels will not hesitate to consume hatchlings or fallen chicks.
Scraps and Waste
Squirrels are excellent scavengers and make good use of our food waste. They are known to root around in garbage cans, devouring scraps like leftover birthday cake or discarded sandwiches. While this ability to recycle and compost is impressive, it’s essential to remember that certain processed and sugary foods can harm their digestion and overall health.
Is There Anything They Don’t Eat?
You might be wondering if there’s anything squirrels won’t eat. Fortunately, there are a few items they tend to avoid. Raw onions, raw garlic, and hot peppers, such as jalapeños, are typically passed over by squirrels. Pepper spray is often used as a deterrent to protect gardens from these furry foragers. Additionally, dairy products, chocolate, junk food, and candy are all foods that squirrels should avoid, even though they might be tempted by their sweet taste.
In conclusion, squirrels are incredibly adaptable creatures with a broad culinary palette. From fruits and vegetables to cereals and nuts, they enjoy a diverse diet that allows them to thrive in various environments. While some foods are better suited to their natural needs, squirrels are more than capable of scavenging and making the most of the resources available to them. So, the next time you spot a squirrel scurrying around, marvel at its ability to find sustenance in the most unexpected places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can squirrels eat dog food?
A: Squirrels are known to be opportunistic eaters. While they can consume dog food, it’s not a suitable option for their nutritional needs. Dog food lacks the essential nutrients required for a squirrel’s diet. It’s best to let squirrels find their natural food sources rather than relying on dog food.
Q: What are some foods squirrels should avoid?
A: Squirrels should avoid foods like dairy products, chocolate, junk food, and candy. Additionally, raw onions, raw garlic, and hot peppers are typically avoided by squirrels. These foods can be harmful to their digestion and overall health.
Q: Are squirrels beneficial to the environment?
A: Yes, squirrels play a vital role in the ecosystem. They assist in seed dispersal by caching nuts and seeds, helping to promote the growth and survival of certain tree species. Their foraging activities also contribute to the decomposition of plant material, aiding in nutrient recycling.
Q: How can I prevent squirrels from eating my plants?
A: To deter squirrels from eating your plants, you can try using deterrents such as pepper spray or garlic spray. Additionally, creating barriers or installing squirrel-proof feeders can help protect your plants from their hungry appetites.
Q: What should I do if I find an orphaned baby squirrel?
A: If you come across an orphaned baby squirrel, it’s important to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. They have the expertise to care for and raise the squirrel until it can be released back into the wild. Attempting to care for a baby squirrel yourself can be challenging and may not be in the best interest of the animal.
Conclusion
Squirrels are fascinating creatures with an extensive culinary repertoire. From fruits and vegetables to cereals and nuts, they have adapted to survive by finding nourishment in a variety of food sources. Their versatility and ability to thrive in diverse environments make them a true testament to nature’s adaptability. So, the next time you encounter a squirrel in your neighborhood, take a moment to appreciate its resourcefulness and the incredible array of foods it consumes.
To learn more about squirrels and their fascinating behaviors, visit Pawsoha. The Pawsoha website offers valuable insights and tips on caring for squirrels and other furry friends.