Squirrels are familiar urban and suburban wildlife, constantly observed foraging and scampering across the landscape. While the perception of their diet is often limited to nuts and acorns, their actual feeding habits are complex and flexible. This adaptability leads to questions about whether they might consume other small animals, such as the elusive, burrowing mole.
Squirrels Are Primarily Herbivores
Most squirrel species are classified as herbivores, meaning their diet is overwhelmingly composed of plant matter, seeds, and fungi. Daily foraging is dedicated to locating and consuming energy-dense foods, which are crucial for survival, especially when preparing for winter. They primarily seek nutrient-rich seeds found within nuts like acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts.
Their diet also relies heavily on fruits, berries, and various forms of plant vegetation found above ground. They regularly consume tree buds, flowers, and new growth, which provide moisture and necessary vitamins. Fungi, including a variety of mushrooms, also constitute an important part of their food sources.
The Direct Answer Do Squirrels Target Moles
Squirrels do not typically hunt moles. A squirrel’s predatory skill set is poorly suited for pursuing a subterranean animal that rarely surfaces. Their primary survival strategy involves quick foraging and escape, not sustained hunting.
The energy required for a squirrel to locate and excavate a mole from its deep, intricate tunnel system far outweighs the caloric reward. Hunting a mole would require significant effort, digging, and time, representing an inefficient use of energy. A squirrel is much more likely to spend its time efficiently searching for surface-level food items like fallen acorns or a bird’s nest.
What Squirrels Eat When They Need Protein
While their main diet is plant-based, squirrels are opportunistic omnivores and readily consume animal matter for a boost of protein. This behavior is most commonly observed when plant resources are scarce, such as in early spring, or when females are pregnant or nursing young. In these circumstances, the need for dense protein is heightened.
The animal matter they consume usually consists of easily accessible, defenseless, or stationary sources. This includes insects like caterpillars, grubs, and grasshoppers, which are easily captured. Squirrels also exhibit predatory behavior toward bird nests, consuming eggs and vulnerable nestlings, and will scavenge on small carrion or scraps they encounter.
Key Differences Between Moles and Squirrel Prey
Moles are ecologically and physically distinct from the usual animal protein sources squirrels consume, making them unsuitable targets. The mole’s entire life is spent in a subterranean environment, creating elaborate networks of tunnels beneath the soil surface. This habitat makes them virtually inaccessible to a surface-dwelling squirrel.
Moles possess a cylindrical body, powerful shoulders, and large, shovel-like forepaws adapted for digging. Their dense fur allows them to move easily through soil, rather than fleeing a surface predator. This subterranean lifestyle and specialized anatomy present a barrier for a squirrel whose opportunistic predation is limited to the surface or tree canopy.