Feeding squirrels is a common activity for many people who enjoy observing wildlife in their backyards. Peanuts are often a readily available and convenient food choice for this purpose. This article explores the implications of feeding peanuts to squirrels, focusing on nutritional aspects and ecological impacts.
The Nutritional Reality of Peanuts for Squirrels
Peanuts are legumes, not true nuts, and present nutritional concerns when fed to squirrels. While calorie-dense, they lack a balanced nutritional profile. A diet heavily reliant on them can lead to deficiencies.
A primary issue is their poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Squirrels need a ratio of at least 1:1 (adults) or 2:1 (growing) to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD). Peanuts contain more phosphorus than calcium, leading to calcium leaching from bones. This can cause weakened bones, joint abnormalities, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and can be fatal.
Beyond mineral imbalance, raw peanuts contain a trypsin inhibitor, interfering with protein absorption. This hinders digestion and absorption of essential vitamins like B12, potentially causing malnutrition. Peanuts can also harbor aflatoxins, a poisonous mold causing liver, heart, lung failure, and brain damage.
Beyond Nutrition: Ecological and Behavioral Impacts
Regularly feeding squirrels alters their natural behaviors and impacts local ecosystems. When accustomed to human-provided food, their foraging instincts diminish, leading to reliance on handouts. This dependency makes them vulnerable if the food source becomes unavailable, especially during harsh weather.
Concentrated feeding increases squirrel population density in specific areas. This intensifies competition and aggression for food and territory. Higher densities also increase disease transmission risk within the squirrel community and to other wildlife or humans.
Squirrels losing their natural fear of humans due to regular feeding become bolder, seeking food near homes. This can result in property damage, such as gnawing on electrical wires, chewing siding, or digging in gardens. They may also become aggressive if they expect food and do not receive it, potentially biting or scratching.
Responsible Wildlife Interaction
For those supporting local wildlife, offering appropriate food in moderation is important. Healthier alternatives to peanuts include unsalted, in-shell nuts like walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts, providing beneficial fats and proteins. Acorns, pumpkin seeds, and specialized squirrel food mixes are also suitable options.
Small quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples (without seeds), berries, carrots, and leafy greens, can supplement a squirrel’s diet. Avoid highly processed foods, sugary treats, salted items, and dried fruits, as these offer little nutritional value and can be harmful. Providing fresh, clean water in a shallow dish or bird bath is also beneficial, especially during dry periods.
Observing squirrels from a distance helps maintain their wild nature and reduces habituation. Discouraging squirrels from becoming overly comfortable in human dwellings prevents potential conflicts and property damage. Maintaining a natural environment with native plants and diverse food sources supports a healthier, self-sufficient squirrel population.