Squirrels are highly adaptable and opportunistic foragers whose diet is driven by the availability of high-energy foods, especially as they prepare for colder seasons. The question of whether squirrels eat pumpkin seeds becomes particularly common during the autumn and winter months when pumpkins and gourds are prominent features of human environments. The seeds contained within a pumpkin represent a concentrated source of nutrition that naturally attracts these active rodents.
Yes, They Do: Squirrel Diet and Preference
Squirrels readily consume pumpkin seeds, often targeting decorative pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns for the seeds inside. Their strong jaws and perpetually growing incisors allow them to gnaw through the tough shell of the pumpkin to access the nutrient-dense interior and the seeds. They generally prefer the kernel, but the outer husk is often consumed as well, providing dietary fiber.
Squirrels overwhelmingly prefer raw, unprocessed pumpkin seeds over salted or flavored varieties intended for human consumption. This high-fat food source is instinctively recognized as a valuable energy boost, similar to their native diet of acorns, walnuts, and hickory nuts. Like other hard-shelled foods, pumpkin seeds are frequently cached or buried by squirrels in preparation for times of scarcity.
Nutritional Profile of Pumpkin Seeds for Squirrels
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, offer a robust nutritional profile that supports a squirrel’s high-energy demands. They are rich in healthy fats and protein, which are essential for maintaining body temperature and muscle mass, especially heading into winter. The seeds also contain beneficial micronutrients, including magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin K.
While healthy in moderation, the seeds are not a complete diet and should be viewed as a high-value supplement. The high ratio of phosphorus to calcium found in many seeds, including those from pumpkins, can compromise bone health if squirrels over-rely on them. It is important to avoid feeding squirrels processed, salted, or spiced seeds, as the high sodium content can lead to dehydration and other health complications.
Strategies for Attracting or Deterring Squirrels
If the goal is to attract squirrels, offering raw, unsalted, and dried pumpkin seeds is an effective method. These seeds can be placed in a specific feeding area away from gardens or decorative displays to encourage foraging there instead of damaging property. Providing a secondary food source often reduces the pressure squirrels place on primary targets like bird feeders or porch pumpkins.
Conversely, deterring squirrels from eating a pumpkin display requires making the food source unappealing. One popular technique involves applying a taste-based repellent, such as a spray containing capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Reapplying these taste repellents regularly, especially after rain, is necessary to maintain effectiveness. Other tactics include using physical barriers or placing alternative foods like dried corn cobs to redirect their attention.