Squirrels are common, active inhabitants of many backyards and natural spaces, often observed foraging. Their energetic behaviors spark curiosity about what sustains them. Understanding their dietary needs provides insight into their survival. This article explores their natural diet, seasonal shifts, and human foods to avoid.
Natural Diet of Squirrels
Squirrels have a diverse, plant-based diet, reflecting their adaptable omnivorous strategy. Nuts are central to their diet, including acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, beechnuts, and hazelnuts. These provide concentrated fats and proteins, crucial for energy. They also consume various seeds, such as those from pine cones, sunflowers, and pumpkins, which are packed with vital nutrients. Squirrels are known for their foraging, burying individual food items in multiple shallow caches for future retrieval.
Beyond these primary sources, fruits and berries are a significant part of their diet, offering carbohydrates and natural sugars. Examples include wild fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and mulberries, along with apples and peaches. Fungi, such as mushrooms, are also consumed, contributing essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, squirrels feed on tree components like tender buds, young shoots, and inner bark or sap, especially during scarcity.
Although largely herbivorous, squirrels are opportunistic and occasionally eat animal protein. This includes insects like grasshoppers, bird eggs, and small nestlings. They search persistently on the ground and in trees, using a highly developed sense of smell to locate buried food.
Seasonal Variations in Squirrel Diets
Squirrel diets adapt throughout the year, influenced by natural food availability. In spring, as new growth emerges, squirrels consume tender tree buds, young shoots, and emerging flowers. Insects and larvae also provide essential protein, replenishing energy after winter. Any remaining food caches from autumn might supplement their diet during this period.
During summer, their diet expands to include ripe fruits and berries, along with seeds from maturing plants. This time is crucial for building fat reserves. As autumn arrives, squirrels forage and cache large quantities of nuts, such as acorns, walnuts, and hickory nuts, preparing for winter.
Winter presents the greatest challenge, with squirrels relying on stored nuts and seeds. When these reserves are low, they forage for scarce alternatives like tree bark, dormant buds, or minimal available foods. Reduced activity during colder periods conserves energy, making efficient use of cached provisions important for survival.
Foods to Avoid Giving Squirrels
Many human foods are detrimental to squirrels, despite their eagerness to consume them. Processed items like sugary snacks, salty foods, and junk food offer poor nutritional value, leading to various health issues. High salt content can cause dehydration and kidney strain. Chocolate is toxic due to theobromine, which squirrels cannot metabolize, potentially causing severe illness or death.
Moldy foods must be avoided, as they often contain dangerous aflatoxins; moldy corn is particularly fatal. Even fresh corn has an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and large amounts contribute to metabolic bone disease (MBD), weakening bones. Similarly, excessive pecans can lead to calcium deficiency. Artificial sweeteners and bread provide no nutritional benefit, disrupting their natural diet and overall well-being.