Squirrels are adaptable, opportunistic feeders found in diverse environments, from dense forests to urban areas. Their ability to consume a wide array of food sources allows them to thrive across various habitats. Their diet varies significantly, influenced by seasonal availability and human activity. Understanding their eating habits helps appreciate their role in ecosystems and manage interactions in shared spaces.
Squirrels’ Natural Diet
In their natural habitats, squirrels primarily consume plant-based foods. Nuts like acorns, walnuts, pecans, hickory nuts, and hazelnuts form a significant part of their diet; they often bury these for later consumption. Seeds, tree buds, and tree bark are also important natural food sources, especially in spring when other foods are scarce. Squirrels also forage for wild fruits and berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and mulberries, which provide essential carbohydrates and sugars.
Beyond plant matter, squirrels are opportunistic omnivores, supplementing their diet with other available items. They eat fungi and mushrooms, sometimes drying them in trees before storing. Insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles provide protein. Some species, particularly flying squirrels, may also consume bird eggs, nestlings, or small rodents when food is scarce. Their diet fluctuates seasonally, relying on stored nuts in winter and fresh vegetation, fruits, and buds in warmer months.
Common Human-Provided Foods
In human-populated areas, squirrels frequently encounter foods not typically found in their wild diet. Squirrels commonly raid bird feeders, consuming seeds like sunflower seeds and nuts intended for birds. While accessible, these foods may not always offer the complete nutritional profile squirrels need. Squirrels also forage in gardens, eating fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, corn, peas, carrots, and berries.
These resourceful animals also scavenge human food scraps, including bread, chips, and other discarded snacks. While easily obtainable, relying on human food scraps can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Over-reliance on human-provided food can reduce their natural foraging skills and lead to a loss of fear towards humans, potentially causing aggressive behavior if food is not offered.
What Not to Feed Squirrels
Certain foods are harmful or unhealthy for squirrels and should be avoided. Chocolate is toxic due to theobromine, a stimulant squirrels cannot metabolize effectively, leading to hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, heart problems, or even death. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol, found in sugar-free products, are toxic and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and seizures. Processed foods like chips, crackers, sugary snacks, and candy offer little nutritional value. They can cause obesity, dental issues, and digestive problems due to high sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat.
Dairy products are also unsuitable as squirrels have difficulty digesting them, potentially causing stomach discomfort. While nuts are generally good, certain types or preparations can be problematic.
- Raw peanuts contain trypsin inhibitors that interfere with protein digestion and may harbor aflatoxins, a toxic mold.
- Cashews, especially in large quantities, can lead to calcium depletion due to high phosphorus.
- Salted nuts should be avoided; excessive salt intake can cause dehydration and kidney damage.
- Almonds contain cyanide and should not be fed.
- Pet food, while seemingly innocuous, is formulated for specific animals and can lead to nutritional imbalances.