Squirrel Eats: What Do Squirrels Really Eat?

Squirrels are versatile eaters with diverse dietary habits. They primarily consume nuts, seeds, and fruits, but their diet extends beyond these basics. Observing their eating patterns offers a fascinating glimpse into their adaptability in different environments.

Nuts and Seeds

Squirrels are well-known for their love of nuts, especially acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts. They gather and store these in their dens for winter. Seeds from trees, such as pine seeds, are also highly favored. The high-fat content in these foods helps them build up fat reserves to survive the colder months.

Acorns

Acorns are a staple in a squirrel’s diet. They contain essential nutrients and fats. Squirrels often hide these in the ground, a practice known as caching. This helps them locate food during leaner times.

Walnuts and Hazelnuts

Walnuts and hazelnuts provide crucial energy. Their shells offer protection, ensuring the nuts remain fresh until needed. Squirrels have strong teeth capable of breaking these tough shells.

Fruits and Vegetables

Squirrels enjoy a wide range of fruits. Apples, berries, and grapes are common in their diet. They also munch on vegetables from garden spaces when available.

Apples

Apples are a treat for squirrels. The sweet and tangy taste appeals to their taste buds. Both the seeds and flesh are consumed, though in moderation due to the trace cyanide content in apple seeds.

Berries

Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. These fruits provide essential nutrients and hydration during the summer months.

Mushrooms and Fungi

Squirrels also eat different types of mushrooms and fungi. These are particularly important as they offer nutrients that are not available in nuts or fruits. Some species of fungi have medicinal properties which may benefit squirrels.

Insects and Small Animals

Although primarily herbivorous, squirrels occasionally consume protein from insects. Grasshoppers, caterpillars, and larvae form part of this diet segment. This unusual diet choice helps in maintaining a balanced nutritional intake.

Human Food

Urban squirrels have adapted to human presence by foraging for food discarded by people. They often raid bird feeders and scavenge through garbage for bread, snacks, and other leftovers. While this helps them survive, it can sometimes lead to health issues due to the high salt and sugar content in processed foods.

Handling Food Scarcity

Squirrels are excellent at managing food scarcity. They cache surplus food during the bountiful periods. When food is scarce, they rely on these hidden stores. Their keen sense of smell and memory aids in locating these caches.

Caching Behavior

• Squirrels hide food in diverse locations to avoid loss through pilfering by other squirrels.
• They use shallow burials, often covering caches with leaves or grass.
• These caches help them sustain themselves during winter and times of scarcity.

Role in Ecosystem

Squirrels play a crucial role in forest ecology. By burying nuts and seeds, they contribute to forest regeneration. Many of the buried items are forgotten, leading to seed germination and tree growth.

Squirrels’ dietary habits are reflective of their adaptability. From nuts to human food, they manage to find nourishment in various environments. This adaptable diet not only ensures their survival but also impacts their ecosystems positively.