The common sight of squirrels and dandelions across backyards and parks leads to the question of whether squirrels consume them. These ubiquitous plants are a readily available food source for many small animals, and squirrels are no exception. Squirrels do consume dandelions, viewing them as an easily accessed component of their diverse, opportunistic diet.
Squirrel Consumption Habits of Dandelions
Squirrels incorporate dandelions into their feeding habits as a readily available source of forage, rather than a primary food staple like nuts or seeds. They consume various parts of the plant, but often show distinct preferences based on palatability. The bright yellow flowers and unopened buds are the most sought-after portions, likely due to their softer texture and higher concentration of simple sugars.
The broader leaves, or foliage, are also eaten, providing greens that supplement their usual diet. A squirrel clips off the preferred parts with its teeth and consumes them immediately, unlike hard-shelled nuts which are often carried away for caching. While less common, squirrels will sometimes dig into the soil to access the thick taproots, especially when other food sources are scarce or during drier periods.
This digging behavior demonstrates the lengths a squirrel may go to for a meal, pulling the root out of the ground to consume it. Although the entire plant is consumable, dandelions function as an opportunistic snack or supplement. This willingness to eat the common plant highlights the adaptability of omnivorous species like the Eastern gray squirrel and ground squirrels in urban and suburban environments.
Nutritional Context and Safety
The reason squirrels are drawn to dandelions lies in the rich nutritional profile of the plant. Dandelion greens are dense in certain micronutrients, making them a beneficial addition to an animal’s diet. They are a good source of vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which support various bodily functions.
Dandelions contain significant levels of calcium, a nutrient that animals often actively seek out in their environment. This high calcium content, along with minerals like iron and potassium, helps explain why squirrels and other wildlife consume the plant. From a safety perspective, the common dandelion is non-toxic to squirrels and is frequently recommended as a wild food source.
However, the safety of consuming dandelions is entirely dependent on the environment where they grow. Any dandelion that has been exposed to chemical treatments, such as herbicides or pesticides, is unsafe for consumption. Similarly, plants growing immediately adjacent to heavily trafficked roadways may accumulate pollutants, making uncontaminated, naturally grown dandelions the only safe option for wildlife.