Squirrels commonly consume pinecones, which are a significant part of their diet. This behavior is particularly common for certain species of squirrels.
The Squirrel’s Pinecone Consumption Process
Squirrels possess specialized physical adaptations that enable them to efficiently extract the edible seeds from pinecones. Their strong, ever-growing incisors allow them to gnaw through the tough outer scales of the cone. They hold the pinecone in their paws and rotate it, systematically stripping away each scale to access the seeds hidden within. This methodical approach leaves behind a characteristic central core, often resembling a small corn cob.
While many tree squirrels eat pinecones, red squirrels are particularly adept at this task and are often referred to as “pine squirrels.” A red squirrel typically begins by chewing off the scales near the stem, exposing pairs of seeds as each scale is removed. This precise eating style results in distinctive piles of discarded scales, known as “squirrel cuttings,” often found at the base of pine trees.
Nutritional Value of Pinecones for Squirrels
Pinecone seeds are a valuable food source for squirrels, providing a rich array of nutrients. These seeds are packed with fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which are essential for providing the energy squirrels need for their active lifestyles. Fats offer energy storage and insulation, especially important for colder temperatures. Proteins support growth, repair, and overall bodily functions, while carbohydrates supply immediate energy.
Beyond these macronutrients, pinecone seeds also contain various vitamins and minerals, supporting physiological processes like immune function and bone health. The high caloric density of these seeds is beneficial for squirrels, helping them build fat reserves for winter when other food sources become scarce.
Pinecone Foraging and Storage Behavior
Squirrels acquire and store pinecones, especially in anticipation of winter. They are expert climbers, using their sharp claws and agile bodies to navigate tall pine trees to gather cones. Squirrels prefer to harvest green, unopened pinecones because their seeds are still securely tucked inside and have not yet dispersed. They may even clip off unopened cones directly from trees.
Once gathered, squirrels store these cones for future consumption. Red squirrels, for instance, create large, centralized caches known as “middens,” which can be substantial piles of cone scales and cores, sometimes reaching several feet high and wide. These middens act as natural refrigerators, providing cool and moist conditions that prevent the cones from opening and losing their seeds. Gray squirrels also bury individual cones in various locations, remembering their caches through spatial memory.