Squirrels are small animals that are part of the rodent family. They eat a wide variety of foods every day to stay healthy and energetic. Their diet depends on the food they can find around their home and the season. Let’s explore what squirrels eat regularly and how they find their food.
Fruits That Squirrels Eat
Squirrels love eating fruits when they are available. Fruits are sweet and full of nutrients that give them energy. Some of the fruits squirrels enjoy include apples, grapes, pears, bananas, and berries. In the wild, squirrels often find fruits in trees or on the ground.
Fruits are a good source of vitamins, which keep squirrels healthy. They especially like berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries because they are small and easy to carry. Squirrels often collect fruits and save them for later. However, they eat fruits in moderation because too much sugar can harm them.
In urban areas, squirrels sometimes find fruits in people’s gardens or trash bins. People feeding squirrels may also offer them small pieces of fruit, which they happily accept.
Nuts and Seeds in a Squirrel’s Diet
Nuts and seeds are the favorite foods of many squirrels. These provide the protein and fats squirrels need to stay strong and active. Common nuts that squirrels eat include acorns, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Seeds such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and pine seeds are also popular.
Squirrels are well-known for collecting and burying nuts. This helps them store food for colder months when food becomes scarce. They have strong teeth that help them crack open hard shells to reach the nuts inside. Nuts are also energy-dense, so they give squirrels a lot of energy even when eaten in small amounts.
While nuts and seeds are healthy, squirrels should not eat too many salted or roasted nuts. These can cause health problems. In the wild, squirrels naturally stick to unsalted and raw options.
Vegetables That Squirrels Eat
Squirrels also eat vegetables, which are another source of vitamins and minerals. They like crunchy vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, corn, and leafy greens. In gardens, squirrels often nibble on vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and cabbage.
Vegetables are less sweet than fruits but still give squirrels the nutrition they need. Squirrels may dig into vegetable gardens when they are looking for food. If they find crops like peas, beans, or squash, they will happily eat those too.
Squirrels are opportunistic eaters, meaning they eat what is available. If they find vegetables in the wild or in urban areas, they will add them to their daily meals.
Do Squirrels Eat Insects?
Yes, squirrels sometimes eat insects. Although they mostly eat plant-based foods, they are not picky eaters. Insects like caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, and moths are a source of protein. Squirrels will eat these insects when other food is hard to find.
Insects are more common in warmer seasons, so squirrels may eat them more often during spring and summer. Insects are an easy way for squirrels to get quick protein, especially for young squirrels that need extra energy to grow.
While insects are not a major part of their diet, squirrels eat them occasionally to meet their nutritional needs.
What About Grains?
Grains are another food group that squirrels eat. These include foods like oats, corn, wheat, and rice. Grains provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. Squirrels may find grains in fields, bird feeders, or leftover food from humans.
Grains like corn on the cob are popular with squirrels because they are easy to eat. Squirrels will also chew on wheat stalks or forage for oats when they are available. In parks, squirrels often pick up leftover bread or crackers, which are processed grains. However, processed grains are not the healthiest option for them.
Wild grains are a better choice for squirrels because they are natural and free from harmful additives.
Fungi and Mushrooms
Fungi, such as mushrooms, are part of a squirrel’s diet. Squirrels find mushrooms growing on trees, logs, or in the soil. Mushrooms are rich in nutrients, making them a good food choice.
Squirrels may eat fresh mushrooms or dry them out to store for later. This is especially common in forests where mushrooms grow in abundance. Some types of mushrooms are highly nutritious and help squirrels stay healthy.
However, squirrels are careful about the mushrooms they eat. They naturally avoid poisonous mushrooms, which can be harmful.
Do Squirrels Drink Water?
Yes, squirrels need water to stay hydrated. Water is an important part of their daily routine, especially during hot weather. Squirrels drink from natural sources like rivers, ponds, puddles, or streams. In urban areas, they may drink water from birdbaths, fountains, or small pools.
Water helps squirrels digest their food and stay cool. If food like fruits is part of their diet, squirrels also get some water from the moisture in those foods. Still, they regularly look for fresh water to drink.
During winter, squirrels may eat snow or ice when liquid water is not available.
What Do Baby Squirrels Eat?
Baby squirrels, called kits, have a different diet than adult squirrels. For the first few weeks, baby squirrels drink their mother’s milk. This milk gives them all the nutrients they need to grow.
Once they are a few weeks old, baby squirrels start trying solid foods. They eat soft fruits, small nuts, and vegetables that are easy to chew. As they grow older, they begin eating the same foods as adult squirrels.
Orphaned baby squirrels need special care and may be fed with puppy milk or special formulas by humans.
How Squirrels Find Their Food
Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them find food. They can smell nuts, seeds, and fruits buried underground or hidden in trees. Their sharp eyesight also allows them to spot food from far away.
Squirrels spend much of their day looking for food. When they find nuts, they often bury them in the ground to save for winter. This habit is called hoarding. In colder months, squirrels rely on the food they stored earlier.
In urban areas, squirrels search for food in trash bins, bird feeders, and gardens. They adapt quickly and can find food in almost any environment.
Foods Squirrels Should Not Eat
While squirrels can eat many foods, there are some things they should avoid. Processed foods like chips, candy, and fast food are unhealthy for squirrels. These foods contain salt, sugar, and chemicals that can harm them.
Squirrels should also not eat chocolate, as it is toxic for them. Other foods like onions, garlic, and spicy items are also harmful.
Feeding squirrels with the wrong foods can make them sick, so it’s important to stick to natural foods like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Squirrels eat a mix of fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, insects, and fungi every day. Their diet changes based on what is available in their environment and the season. They are opportunistic eaters, which means they will eat whatever they can find to survive.
Healthy foods like nuts, fruits, and natural grains provide them with the energy and nutrients they need. It is important for squirrels to avoid processed and unhealthy foods that can harm their health. By understanding their diet, we can help keep squirrels healthy in the wild and in urban areas.
FAQs
1. How often do squirrels eat?
Squirrels eat several times a day. They spend much of their time searching for food, especially in the morning and afternoon.
2. Can squirrels eat bread?
Squirrels can eat bread, but it is not healthy for them. Bread lacks the nutrients they need and can fill them up without giving them energy.
3. Do squirrels eat meat?
Squirrels mostly eat plant-based foods, but they will eat small insects or eggs if food is scarce. They do not hunt for meat but may eat it when available.
4. Can squirrels eat peanut butter?
Squirrels can eat peanut butter in small amounts. However, it should be unsalted and given in moderation because it is high in fat.
5. Do squirrels eat bird food?
Yes, squirrels often eat bird food, such as seeds, nuts, and grains. They are known to raid bird feeders to find easy meals.
