What can you safely feed wild squirrels?

Table of Contents

The best foods to feed wild squirrels are unsalted nuts and seeds, providing a nutritious supplemental diet while avoiding harmful ingredients. Keep reading to learn more about what you can safely feed wild squirrels and how to do so responsibly.

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Introduction: Understanding Squirrel Nutrition

Squirrels, those charming acrobats of our parks and backyards, are fascinating creatures that often pique our interest, especially when it comes to feeding them. However, well-intentioned feeding can inadvertently harm these animals if not done carefully. It’s crucial to understand their natural diet and nutritional needs to avoid causing health problems. This article explores what you can safely feed wild squirrels, offering guidance on the best foods to offer and those to avoid.

The Squirrel’s Natural Diet

Before offering a treat, it’s essential to understand what squirrels naturally eat. Their diet is primarily composed of:

Nuts: Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts.
Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and various other plant seeds.
Fruits: Berries, apples, and other seasonal fruits.
Fungi: Mushrooms and other fungi found in their environment.
Insects: Occasionally, they supplement their diet with insects and grubs.

Understanding this natural diet allows us to choose supplemental foods that are both appealing and beneficial to squirrels.

Safe and Nutritious Foods for Wild Squirrels

So, what can you safely feed wild squirrels? Here’s a list of foods that are generally considered safe and nutritious:

Nuts (Unsalted): Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts are excellent choices. Always opt for unsalted varieties to avoid sodium toxicity.
Seeds (Unsalted): Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and squash seeds provide essential fats and nutrients. Again, unsalted is key.
Fruits: Apples, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas (in moderation) offer vitamins and natural sugars.
Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, and leafy greens provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Specially Formulated Squirrel Food: Available at many pet supply stores, these mixes are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of squirrels.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Wild Squirrels

Just as important as knowing what to feed them is knowing what to avoid. Certain foods can be harmful or even toxic to squirrels.

Salty Foods: Salt is toxic to squirrels in large quantities, leading to dehydration and other health problems.
Sugary Foods: Candy, cookies, and other sugary treats can cause dental problems and obesity.
Processed Foods: Chips, crackers, and other processed foods lack nutritional value and often contain harmful additives.
Bread: While seemingly harmless, bread offers little nutritional value and can fill squirrels up, preventing them from seeking more nutritious food sources.
Dairy Products: Squirrels are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy products.
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to many animals, including squirrels.

Responsible Feeding Practices

Offering food to wild squirrels can be a rewarding experience, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly.

Moderation is Key: Avoid overfeeding. Supplemental feeding should complement their natural diet, not replace it.
Hygiene: Clean feeding areas regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Consistency: If you start feeding squirrels, try to maintain a consistent schedule, especially during the winter months.
Location: Choose a feeding location away from roads and other hazards.
Observe: Watch for signs of illness or distress in the squirrels you are feeding and consult a wildlife rehabilitator if necessary.

Why is Unsalted Important?

Sodium toxicity is a serious concern for squirrels. Their bodies are not equipped to process large amounts of salt, which can lead to dehydration, kidney damage, and even death. Always choose unsalted nuts and seeds when feeding wild squirrels.

Table: Safe vs. Unsafe Foods for Squirrels

Safe Foods	Unsafe Foods
———————————————	————————————————-
Unsalted nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)	Salty foods (salted nuts, chips)
Unsalted seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, squash)	Sugary foods (candy, cookies)
Fruits (apples, berries, grapes)	Processed foods (crackers, junk food)
Vegetables (carrots, broccoli, leafy greens)	Bread
Specially formulated squirrel food	Dairy products (milk, cheese)
	Chocolate

Impacts of Human Feeding on Wild Squirrel Populations

While feeding squirrels seems like a harmless activity, it can have broader ecological implications. Consistent feeding can lead to:

Overpopulation: Artificially increasing food availability can lead to higher squirrel populations than the environment can naturally support.
Dependence on Humans: Squirrels may become reliant on human feeding, reducing their foraging skills and making them vulnerable if the food source disappears.
Changes in Behavior: Squirrels may become bolder and more aggressive in their search for food, potentially leading to conflicts with humans and other animals.
Disease Transmission: Concentrating squirrels in feeding areas can increase the risk of disease transmission among them.

By understanding these potential impacts, we can make more informed decisions about whether and how to feed wild squirrels.

Creating a Squirrel-Friendly Environment

Beyond simply providing food, you can create a welcoming habitat for squirrels by:

Planting Nut Trees: Planting nut trees like oaks, walnuts, and hickories provides a natural and sustainable food source.
Providing Water: A shallow dish of water can be especially helpful during hot or dry weather.
Offering Shelter: Providing nesting boxes or allowing areas of your yard to grow wild can offer squirrels a safe place to live.

By creating a squirrel-friendly environment, you can help support their well-being without relying solely on supplemental feeding.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to feed squirrels every day?

It’s generally not recommended to feed squirrels every day, as it can make them overly reliant on humans for food. Occasional treats are fine, but allow them to forage for their natural diet as well.

Can squirrels eat peanut butter?

Peanut butter can be a treat, but it should be offered sparingly and only in thin layers. Its stickiness can be a choking hazard. Natural peanut butter without added salt or sugar is preferable.

Are acorns safe for squirrels to eat?

Yes, acorns are a natural and important part of a squirrel’s diet. They are a good source of energy and nutrients, particularly in the fall and winter.

Can squirrels eat birdseed?

While squirrels will readily eat birdseed, it’s not the healthiest option for them. Birdseed often contains fillers and lacks the nutritional value of nuts and seeds specifically chosen for squirrels. A small amount is okay, but prioritize other healthier foods.

How do I keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?

There are several methods, including:

Using squirrel-proof feeders designed with cages or baffles.
Offering safflower seeds, which birds like but squirrels tend to avoid.
Placing the feeder in an area that is difficult for squirrels to access.

Can baby squirrels eat the same things as adult squirrels?

Baby squirrels have different dietary needs. If you find an orphaned baby squirrel, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They will provide the specialized care and nutrition it needs to survive. Do not attempt to feed it yourself without professional guidance.

What are signs that a squirrel is sick?

Signs of illness in squirrels can include:

Lethargy or weakness
Difficulty breathing
Visible wounds or injuries
Abnormal behavior (e.g., disorientation)
Loss of fur

If you observe these signs, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Can I get rabies from feeding squirrels?

While rabies in squirrels is rare, it is not impossible. Avoid handling squirrels directly and report any unusually aggressive or sick-looking squirrels to animal control.

Is it legal to feed squirrels in my area?

Check your local ordinances regarding feeding wildlife. Some areas have regulations in place to prevent overpopulation, nuisance behavior, or disease transmission.

How can I tell the difference between a grey squirrel and a red squirrel?

Grey squirrels are typically larger and grey in color, while red squirrels are smaller and reddish-brown. Their ranges and behaviors also differ depending on the region.

Should I feed squirrels in the winter?

Providing supplemental food during the winter can be helpful, especially during periods of heavy snow or extreme cold. However, continue to practice moderation and choose nutritious options.

Is it better to feed squirrels from my hand or from a feeder?

Feeding squirrels from your hand is generally not recommended as it can make them dependent on humans and increase the risk of bites or scratches. Using a feeder is a safer and more responsible option.