What foods do squirrels really like? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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What Foods Do Squirrels Really Like? A Comprehensive Guide to Squirrel Cuisine

Squirrels, those ubiquitous backyard acrobats, are surprisingly discerning eaters; despite their reputation for indiscriminate scavenging, what foods do squirrels really like? This guide dives into their preferred diet, from nuts and seeds to surprising delicacies.

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Understanding the Squirrel Palate: More Than Just Acorns

Squirrels are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods. However, they have definite preferences driven by nutritional needs and ingrained instincts. Understanding these preferences is key to appreciating their role in the ecosystem and, if you’re so inclined, safely feeding them. This also helps prevent squirrels from getting into your bird feeders or vegetable gardens.

The Nutritional Basis: Squirrels need a balanced diet of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for energy and overall health. Different foods provide these nutrients in varying proportions, influencing their choices.
Seasonal Shifts: What a squirrel eats in the spring is different from what it eats in the fall. Food availability changes seasonally, and squirrels adapt accordingly.
Regional Variations: Diet also depends on geographical location. A squirrel in California has access to different food sources than a squirrel in Maine.

Squirrel Staples: The Foundation of Their Diet

Certain foods consistently top the squirrel’s menu, forming the core of their dietary habits. These include:

Nuts: The quintessential squirrel food! Acorns, walnuts, pecans, hickory nuts, and beechnuts are all highly prized.
Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and birdseed (unfortunately, for bird lovers!) are readily consumed.
Fruits: Apples, berries, grapes, and other fruits provide essential vitamins and sugars.

Beyond the Basics: Surprising Squirrel Treats

While nuts and seeds form the backbone of their diet, squirrels enjoy a broader range of foods than many realize.

Vegetables: Corn, carrots, squash, and mushrooms can supplement their diet, especially when other food sources are scarce.
Insects: Grubs, caterpillars, and even small insects provide crucial protein, especially during breeding season.
Eggs: Occasionally, squirrels will raid bird nests for eggs, again for a boost of protein.
Fungi: Certain types of fungi are a delicacy for squirrels, providing essential nutrients not found in other foods.

Foods to Avoid: What Not to Feed Squirrels

While it’s tempting to offer squirrels whatever you have on hand, some foods are harmful to their health.

Processed Foods: Bread, chips, cookies, and other processed foods offer little nutritional value and can lead to health problems.
Salty Foods: Excessive salt can be detrimental to their kidneys.
Chocolate: Like many animals, squirrels cannot properly digest chocolate.
Raw Peanuts: These can contain a mold that is toxic to squirrels. Roasted, unsalted peanuts are acceptable in moderation.

The Squirrel’s Food Storage Strategy: Preparing for Winter

Squirrels are famous for their caching behavior, burying nuts and seeds for later consumption. This is essential for surviving the winter months when food is scarce.

Scatter Hoarding: Most squirrels engage in scatter hoarding, burying individual nuts and seeds in various locations.
Central Larder Hoarding: Some species, like red squirrels, create a central larder, a larger cache in a single location.
Memory and Scent: Squirrels rely on memory and scent to locate their buried treasures, although they don’t always remember where they hid everything!

Table: Preferred Foods by Squirrel Species

Squirrel Species	Preferred Foods	Other Foods
————————-	—————————————————-	————————————————
Eastern Gray Squirrel	Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, sunflower seeds	Fruits, vegetables, insects, fungi, eggs
Fox Squirrel	Pecans, beechnuts, acorns, corn	Seeds, fruits, vegetables, insects, birdseed
Red Squirrel	Conifer seeds, fungi, tree sap	Nuts, fruits, insects, eggs
Flying Squirrel	Acorns, nuts, seeds, fungi	Insects, fruits, birdseed

Factors Influencing Squirrel Food Choices

Several factors affect what foods squirrels choose to eat at any given time. These include:

Availability: Squirrels will naturally gravitate towards the most abundant food sources.
Nutritional Value: They instinctively seek out foods that provide the nutrients they need.
Taste and Texture: Squirrels have preferences for certain flavors and textures.
Competition: Competition from other squirrels and animals can influence their food choices.

Impacts of Feeding Squirrels

While feeding squirrels can be enjoyable, it’s important to consider the potential impacts.

Dependence: Over-reliance on human-provided food can make them dependent and less able to forage for themselves.
Overpopulation: Artificial feeding can lead to increased populations, potentially straining resources.
Health Problems: Unhealthy foods can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Nuisance Behavior: Squirrels that are used to being fed may become more aggressive in seeking out food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Diets

What is the best food to offer squirrels in my backyard?

The best food to offer squirrels is a variety of unsalted nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Sunflower seeds are also a good option, as are small pieces of fresh fruit or vegetables. Avoid processed foods or anything high in salt or sugar.

Are acorns really a squirrel’s favorite food?

Acorns are a very important food source for squirrels, especially Eastern Gray Squirrels. However, they aren’t always their absolute favorite. What what foods do squirrels really like can vary with the season and availability, as well as their personal preference. Many squirrels enjoy pecans or walnuts more.

Is it okay to give squirrels peanuts?

Yes, roasted, unsalted peanuts are generally safe for squirrels in moderation. However, raw peanuts should be avoided due to the potential for mold contamination, which can be toxic.

Can squirrels eat birdseed?

Unfortunately, yes, squirrels can and do eat birdseed. This can be frustrating for bird lovers. To deter squirrels, consider using squirrel-proof feeders or offering birdseed they don’t typically prefer, such as safflower seeds.

Do squirrels eat insects?

Yes, squirrels are opportunistic omnivores and will consume insects, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein. They may eat grubs, caterpillars, and other small insects they find.

What vegetables are safe for squirrels to eat?

Safe vegetables for squirrels include carrots, squash, corn (in moderation), and leafy greens. Avoid offering them onions or garlic, as these can be harmful.

Do squirrels drink water?

Yes, squirrels need water just like any other animal. They get some moisture from their food, but access to fresh water is essential, especially during hot weather. Provide a shallow dish of water for them.

Why do squirrels bury nuts?

Squirrels bury nuts as a survival strategy for the winter months when food is scarce. They are creating a food cache to sustain them through the cold season.

Do squirrels remember where they bury their nuts?

While squirrels have a good memory and use scent to locate their buried nuts, they don’t always remember where they hid everything. This forgetfulness actually benefits the ecosystem, as the nuts they don’t recover can sprout and grow into new trees.

What are the dangers of feeding squirrels too much?

Feeding squirrels too much can lead to dependence on human-provided food, overpopulation, and health problems such as obesity. It can also make them bolder and more likely to enter homes or gardens in search of food.

Do squirrels eat other animals?

While rare, squirrels are opportunistic feeders and may occasionally eat small animals, such as insects, eggs, or even baby birds. This is typically driven by a need for protein.

Is it illegal to feed squirrels?

The legality of feeding squirrels varies by location. Some cities or municipalities have ordinances prohibiting feeding wildlife, including squirrels. Check your local regulations before offering food to squirrels to ensure you are not violating any laws.