Squirrels are ubiquitous rodents commonly found across urban and suburban landscapes. As highly adaptive omnivores, their diet is not limited to the traditional nuts and seeds they are known for, but often includes a wide variety of plant matter. This opportunistic feeding strategy means they regularly seek out available fruits and vegetables to supplement their meals. Their presence near fruit trees, including pear trees, often leads homeowners to question whether these animals consume the fruit.
Yes, Squirrels Eat Pears
The answer to whether squirrels consume pears is definitively yes; they often view ripe fruit as a preferred seasonal treat. When squirrels encounter a ripe pear, they typically consume the sweet, soft flesh, often starting near the top or taking multiple bites from the hanging fruit. This behavior frequently results in partially eaten pears or entire fruits being knocked to the ground and wasted, which frustrates gardeners. Squirrels are particularly attracted to the soft texture and intense sweetness that develops as the pear matures.
A significant concern regarding consumption is the safety of the pear seeds, which contain a compound called amygdalin. When this substance is chewed and digested, it can release toxic hydrogen cyanide. While the hard outer shell usually prevents the release of this toxin if the seed is swallowed whole, the risk increases if the seeds are crushed during consumption. Fortunately, squirrels often avoid the central core of the fruit. However, if they consume a large quantity of broken seeds, the potential for toxicity exists.
The Nutritional Appeal of Pears
Squirrels are motivated to eat pears because the fruit offers two biological advantages: a quick source of energy and essential hydration. The high concentration of natural sugars in a ripe pear provides a rapid boost of calories necessary to fuel their active lifestyle. This quick energy is especially valuable during the late summer and fall as they prepare for the lower food availability of winter.
The high water content of fresh fruit is crucial for maintaining hydration, particularly during dry seasons when water sources may be scarce. Pears, like many soft fruits, serve as a readily available liquid source for squirrels. The combination of easy calories and hydration makes ripe fruit, including pears, a high-value target in their foraging efforts.
Strategies for Protecting Pear Crops
For homeowners who wish to protect their harvest, implementing physical barriers is the most effective strategy against squirrels. Installing a metal or smooth plastic baffle around the tree trunk can prevent them from climbing up. The barrier should be at least two feet wide and positioned about five to six feet above the ground. This method relies on the smooth surface making it impossible for the rodents to grip and ascend the tree.
Another method involves carefully pruning any branches that are within six to eight feet of nearby fences, roofs, or other trees, eliminating jumping access points to the canopy. If the tree is small enough, draping wildlife-safe netting over the entire canopy and securing it tightly around the trunk can also exclude squirrels. Non-toxic taste deterrents, such as sprays containing capsaicin, can be applied to the fruit before it ripens. However, these repellents must be reapplied frequently and only used according to label instructions.