Squirrels are omnivorous animals that include a wide variety of plant and animal matter in their diet, including fruit. They definitely enjoy blackberries, as these sweet berries offer a highly desirable source of quick energy when in season. Blackberries are safely consumed by squirrels as a natural part of their foraging activities. The abundance of berries during the summer and early fall makes them an opportunistic addition to the typical squirrel menu.
Why Blackberries Appeal to Squirrels
The primary attraction of blackberries is the high concentration of natural sugars, which translates into an immediate energy boost. This caloric intake is valuable for these active rodents, fueling demanding activities like climbing, foraging, and preparing for colder months. Ripe fruit is far more appealing than tart, unripe berries, making late summer the peak season for consumption.
Blackberries also offer hydration due to their high water content, a practical benefit during warmer parts of the year. Compared to cracking a shell, the ease of access to a cluster of juicy berries provides a convenient meal requiring minimal effort. Foraging squirrels strip bushes bare when the fruit is bountiful, treating the seasonal crop as a temporary delicacy rather than a year-round dietary staple.
Nutritional Value and Consumption Risks
Blackberries provide nutrients that support a squirrel’s general health, including high levels of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. They are also rich in antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins, which are responsible for the fruit’s deep purple color and benefit cell protection. The fruit contains a notable amount of dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion and gut function.
Despite these benefits, the high sugar content presents a risk when consumption is not naturally regulated. For wild squirrels, the seasonal nature of the fruit prevents chronic overconsumption. However, urban squirrels with access to human-provided sugary foods can develop digestive upset or dental problems. Excessive sugars can lead to blood sugar issues and a nutritional imbalance.
Keeping Squirrels Away From Your Berry Harvest
Gardeners seeking to protect their blackberry harvest often turn to physical barriers as the most effective, non-harmful deterrence method. Draping wildlife-safe netting over the canes and securing the edges to the ground creates an impenetrable shield against climbing animals. The netting must be taut and checked regularly to ensure that no animals, particularly birds, become entangled.
Another technique is to use decoy feeding stations placed away from the berry patch, offering high-value food like unsalted peanuts or sunflower seeds to divert the squirrels’ attention. Scent-based deterrents can also be employed, as squirrels dislike the smell of capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers. Applying a diluted cayenne pepper spray directly to the plants can discourage them from sampling the fruit without causing harm.