Ground squirrels are common in many landscapes, from open fields to urban parks. These active rodents, known for their burrowing habits, have a diverse diet that reflects their adaptability and role within ecosystems.
The Primary Plant-Based Diet
Ground squirrels primarily consume a wide variety of plant matter. Their diet includes green plant parts such as grasses, leaves, and stems, favored during spring and early summer. They also feed on roots and bulbs, digging for these underground food sources. Some species show a preference for nonlegume forbs like filaree leaves and seeds.
As seasons change and green vegetation becomes less available, ground squirrels shift their dietary focus. They consume seeds, fruits, nuts, and flowers. Fungi also form part of their plant-based intake. This flexibility allows them to utilize available and nutritionally beneficial plant resources throughout the year.
Occasional Animal Protein Sources
While plant matter constitutes the majority of their diet, ground squirrels are omnivores and consume animal protein. This opportunistic feeding provides essential nutrients, particularly protein. Their animal-based diet often includes insects such as grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and ants.
Ground squirrels may also consume small invertebrates like earthworms. On occasion, they prey on small vertebrates, including mice, small rabbits, toads, and frogs. They also eat bird eggs and young birds. Some ground squirrels hunt voles and consume carrion, especially when other food sources are scarce.
Foraging and Food Storage Behavior
Ground squirrels employ specific techniques to obtain food. They primarily forage on the ground, using their keen sense of smell to locate buried items and their eyesight to assess resource distribution. While some species may climb for plant parts, their activity typically remains close to their burrows, often within a 75-yard radius. This minimizes exposure to predators while maximizing access to nearby food.
Ground squirrels use internal cheek pouches to collect and transport food back to their burrows or a safer location. This allows them to gather food efficiently, reducing time spent exposed in open areas.
Ground squirrels are also known for their food caching habits, important during lean times or before hibernation. They create scattered stashes, burying nuts, seeds, and other food items underground. This strategic storage ensures a reserve supply when fresh forage is scarce, as they do not store significant fat reserves for long-term energy. They possess a strong spatial memory and sense of smell, enabling them to retrieve hidden caches even under snow or debris.