Squirrels are agile, tree-dwelling rodents known for their energetic behavior, bushy tails, and remarkable ability to store food for the winter. Understanding what squirrels eat is crucial not only for wildlife enthusiasts and gardeners but also for ecologists studying forest regeneration and seed dispersal, as squirrels play a key role in these processes.
While many people assume squirrels feed solely on nuts, their diet is surprisingly diverse. In the wild, squirrels consume a wide range of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, fungi, and even small insects. Below is a detailed guide highlighting the 50 foods squirrels love the most:
- Acorns
- Oak nuts
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
- Chestnuts
- Pine nuts
- Beechnuts
- Seeds (various)
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Corn (maize)
- Grains (e.g., oats, barley)
- Berries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Pears
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Plums
- Figs
- Melons
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Peas
- Beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Potatoes
- Leafy greens
- Kale
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Flowers and buds
- Tree bark
- Twigs
- Roots
- Fungi (mushrooms)
- Lichens
- Insects
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
What Do Squirrels Eat in the Wild? (Food #1–#10)
1. Acorns
Acorns are one of the most iconic and essential foods in a squirrel’s diet. Rich in fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins, they provide high energy content crucial for winter survival. Squirrels often cache acorns in hidden spots to retrieve during periods of scarcity.
In addition to their nutritional value, acorns are also a key food source for both young and adult squirrels. Squirrels use their sharp incisors to crack the tough shell and access the nutrient-dense kernel inside, demonstrating impressive dexterity and problem-solving abilities.
2. Oak Nuts
Oak nuts are closely related to acorns and provide similar nutritional benefits. They are high in healthy fats and calories, which are especially important in autumn when squirrels are preparing for colder months. Squirrels can often be seen foraging on the forest floor beneath oak trees, selectively picking the ripest and most nutritious nuts.
The process of gathering oak nuts also plays a crucial ecological role, as many nuts that are forgotten or left behind may sprout into new oak trees, aiding forest regeneration and biodiversity.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are a prized food for squirrels due to their high fat and protein content. The tough shell of a walnut requires squirrels to use precise biting techniques and problem-solving skills to crack it open. Once accessed, the kernel offers a dense source of energy.
Walnuts are often stored in caches for winter use, and squirrels exhibit remarkable memory skills and spatial awareness to retrieve these stored nuts later. Their interaction with walnut trees also supports the dispersal of seeds across the forest floor.
4. Pecans
Pecans are another high-energy nut that squirrels enjoy, providing essential fats and micronutrients. In the wild, squirrels often forage in pecan orchards or areas where pecan trees are abundant, demonstrating their adaptability to different environments.
The act of hoarding pecans also helps squirrels survive lean periods. Occasionally, forgotten pecans can germinate, contributing to tree propagation and enhancing local forest ecosystems.
5. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are rich in fats, proteins, and antioxidants. Squirrels carefully collect and store them for winter, often burying them in soil or hiding them under leaf litter. Their keen sense of smell helps them relocate hidden hazelnuts months later.
Hazelnuts also support forest regeneration, as squirrels sometimes fail to retrieve all cached nuts, allowing new hazel trees to grow, demonstrating the intricate relationship between squirrel behavior and the environment.
6. Almonds
Almonds are nutritious and provide a significant source of energy for squirrels. In areas where almond trees grow, squirrels will climb, forage, and carefully extract the edible seed from its shell. Their sharp teeth and dexterous paws are well-suited to accessing these high-value nuts.
Almond consumption is often seasonal, coinciding with the harvest period. Squirrels’ storage behaviors ensure they maintain energy reserves during periods when fresh food is scarce.
7. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are exceptionally large and nutrient-rich, containing high levels of fats, proteins, and selenium. Squirrels must employ specialized techniques to access these nuts, often gnawing through the tough outer shell with persistence and skill.
Consumption of Brazil nuts provides squirrels with a dense energy source, and their occasional dispersal by forgotten caches contributes to forest regeneration in their native habitats.
8. Chestnuts
Chestnuts are an important part of a squirrel’s autumn diet. Rich in carbohydrates and low in fat compared to other nuts, they provide quick energy. Squirrels collect chestnuts directly from trees or the forest floor and store them for future use.
Chestnuts are often found in clusters, and squirrels’ foraging patterns ensure a natural thinning of seeds, which enhances genetic diversity and forest health over time.
9. Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are small, energy-dense seeds found inside pine cones. Squirrels display incredible skill in extracting these seeds, peeling back the cone scales with their sharp teeth. These nuts are rich in fats, making them an excellent source of energy during cold months.
By storing pine nuts in hidden caches, squirrels ensure a food supply during winter, while also inadvertently helping to disperse pine seeds, aiding in reforestation and biodiversity.
10. Beechnuts
Beechnuts are a seasonal favorite, packed with fats, proteins, and essential nutrients. Squirrels actively seek out beech trees during nut production periods, collecting and storing these seeds for later consumption.
Their foraging behavior around beech trees not only ensures survival but also promotes seed dispersal. Many beech trees rely on squirrels to spread their seeds across suitable forest sites, highlighting the important ecological role of squirrel feeding habits.
11. Seeds (Various)
Squirrels are natural seed collectors, consuming a wide variety of seeds from grasses, flowers, and trees. Seeds are rich in carbohydrates and proteins, making them an ideal energy source for active squirrels. Their diet includes sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, and seeds from native plants, which provide essential nutrients for growth and reproductive health.
When foraging for seeds, squirrels demonstrate remarkable memory and spatial skills, often caching them in soil, under leaf litter, or within tree crevices. These caches ensure a steady food supply during scarce months, while forgotten seeds often germinate, contributing to plant diversity and forest regeneration.
12. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a high-fat, protein-rich food that squirrels eagerly seek. These seeds provide concentrated energy, especially useful during autumn when squirrels are preparing for winter. They are often found in wild sunflower patches or even backyard gardens, making them a reliable food source in both natural and urban environments.
Squirrels use their sharp incisors to crack the hard shells and access the nutrient-dense kernels inside. Beyond nutrition, the foraging and caching of sunflower seeds play a role in dispersing the seeds, promoting the growth of new sunflower plants across various habitats.
13. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, often overlooked, are a highly nutritious treat for squirrels. Rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, these seeds support sustained energy levels. Squirrels may find pumpkin seeds in wild patches, abandoned gardens, or even compost piles where pumpkins have decayed.
When consuming pumpkin seeds, squirrels typically separate the seeds from the fibrous pumpkin flesh, demonstrating both dexterity and foraging efficiency. Cached pumpkin seeds that are forgotten or left behind contribute to natural pumpkin propagation, enhancing plant diversity in the ecosystem.
14. Corn (Maize)
Corn is a calorie-dense staple for squirrels, providing both carbohydrates and fiber. In rural areas and agricultural lands, squirrels often forage on corn fields, stealing kernels either from cobs left on the ground or directly from plants. This opportunistic feeding behavior ensures they meet their energy requirements for survival and reproduction.
Corn consumption also requires squirrels to carefully select and process kernels, using their sharp teeth to remove husks and access the edible parts. While corn is an introduced crop, squirrels have adapted well to it, showcasing their flexibility in diet and foraging strategies.
15. Grains (e.g., Oats, Barley)
Grains are an important supplemental food for squirrels, especially in agricultural regions. Oats, barley, and other cereal grains provide essential carbohydrates and trace minerals that support energy-intensive activities such as climbing, running, and storing food for winter.
Squirrels often forage near cultivated fields, barns, or natural grasslands where these grains are available. Their caching behavior ensures a supply of grains during periods of scarcity, contributing to their survival and well-being throughout seasonal changes.
16. Berries
Berries are a vital source of vitamins, antioxidants, and sugars for squirrels. Wild berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are especially abundant during summer and provide hydration alongside nutrition. Squirrels consume both the flesh and seeds, gaining nutrients and aiding in seed dispersal.
Berry foraging also demonstrates the squirrels’ role as ecosystem facilitators. By transporting seeds away from parent plants, squirrels increase the chance of new plants thriving in different locations, promoting forest diversity and resilience.
17. Strawberries
Strawberries are a seasonal treat for squirrels, rich in vitamin C, natural sugars, and antioxidants. They are often foraged from wild patches, gardens, or farms. While strawberries provide less fat compared to nuts, their high sugar content offers immediate energy, which is particularly useful during active foraging and reproductive periods.
Squirrels typically eat strawberries on the spot but may also cache some for short-term use. Their interaction with strawberry plants contributes to seed dispersal, helping maintain the growth of new strawberry patches across their habitat.
18. Raspberries
Raspberries are another favored berry, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Squirrels actively seek them during peak seasons and consume both ripe fruits and seeds. The seeds’ small size allows squirrels to ingest them easily, while their digestive processes aid in natural seed dispersal.
Raspberry foraging often involves climbing shrubs or navigating thorny bushes, showcasing the squirrels’ agility and risk-taking behavior. This not only ensures their nutritional needs are met but also benefits the ecosystem through effective propagation of raspberry plants.
19. Blackberries
Blackberries provide a similar nutritional profile to other berries, containing sugars for energy and micronutrients that support overall health. Squirrels are known to forage extensively in blackberry patches, eating fruits while sometimes carrying a few to safer locations for consumption or storage.
Their feeding habits promote seed dispersal, helping maintain plant populations in natural habitats. Blackberries’ thorny nature requires squirrels to use both caution and dexterity, further illustrating their adaptability and intelligence when accessing food.
20. Blueberries
Blueberries are small but packed with antioxidants, sugars, and vitamins that contribute to a squirrel’s diet. In the wild, squirrels selectively consume blueberries that are fully ripe to maximize their nutrient intake. The small size and soft texture allow squirrels to eat multiple berries quickly, gaining immediate energy.
Besides nutritional benefits, blueberries play an important ecological role. Squirrels’ consumption and subsequent seed dispersal facilitate the spread of blueberry plants, helping maintain plant diversity and supporting the overall health of their ecosystem.
21. Grapes
Grapes are a sweet and juicy food source for squirrels, providing natural sugars, hydration, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. In the wild, squirrels often forage in vineyards, wild grapevines, or backyard gardens, selecting fully ripe grapes for maximum energy. The high sugar content provides a quick energy boost for climbing, running, and storing food for future use.
While consuming grapes, squirrels often swallow the seeds whole, aiding in natural seed dispersal. This behavior not only benefits the ecosystem by promoting grapevine propagation but also demonstrates the squirrels’ dual role as both foragers and ecosystem facilitators.
22. Apples
Apples are a seasonal staple, rich in sugars, fiber, and vitamins like vitamin C. Squirrels access apples from fallen fruits in orchards, wild apple trees, or urban gardens. They are capable of chewing through the tough skin to reach the juicy flesh, making apples an important part of their autumn diet when preparing for winter.
In addition to nutrition, apple seeds consumed by squirrels may pass through their digestive systems intact, contributing to the natural spread of apple trees. This caching and consumption behavior highlights squirrels’ role in maintaining plant diversity and forest regeneration.
23. Pears
Pears are similar to apples in nutritional value, providing natural sugars, fiber, and hydration. Squirrels eat both wild and cultivated pears, often preferring soft, fully ripe fruits. Their strong teeth allow them to access the sweet flesh, while seeds may be swallowed or discarded, aiding in seed dispersal and promoting new growth.
Consuming pears also gives squirrels a quick source of energy needed for daily activities such as climbing, exploring, and evading predators. Seasonal access to pears supports squirrels’ preparation for colder months and scarcity of food.
24. Cherries
Cherries are small, nutrient-rich fruits packed with sugars, antioxidants, and vitamins. Squirrels forage on cherry trees in forests, orchards, and gardens, carefully selecting ripe fruits while often leaving the pits behind. Cherry consumption provides immediate energy, supporting their high metabolic needs for climbing and foraging.
By dropping or forgetting cherry pits, squirrels unintentionally contribute to seed dispersal and the natural propagation of cherry trees. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the squirrel and the surrounding ecosystem, illustrating the interconnectedness of wildlife and flora.
25. Peaches
Peaches offer juicy, sweet nutrition high in natural sugars and vitamins, which squirrels consume eagerly during the fruiting season. Their soft flesh is easy to eat, though the large pit is generally discarded. In the wild, squirrels may forage for peaches on fallen fruits or climb trees to access fresh, ripened fruits.
The energy gained from peaches supports essential behaviors such as storing food, maintaining body temperature, and raising offspring. Additionally, discarded peach pits can germinate into new trees, demonstrating squirrels’ indirect role in forest and orchard health.
26. Plums
Plums are similar to peaches in providing sugars, hydration, and micronutrients. Squirrels forage for plums on trees or pick up fallen fruits, eating the sweet flesh and occasionally discarding the pits. The consumption of plums is particularly important during late summer when squirrels are stockpiling food for winter survival.
The act of caching or dropping plum pits contributes to natural seed dispersal. By aiding in the propagation of plum trees, squirrels enhance ecosystem diversity and ensure future availability of seasonal fruits.
27. Figs
Figs are nutrient-dense, containing sugars, fiber, and minerals such as calcium and potassium. Wild squirrels often forage for figs in trees or shrubs, consuming both the flesh and seeds. Figs’ high sugar content makes them an excellent energy source, especially during reproductive periods or when preparing for cooler months.
By consuming figs, squirrels participate in a natural cycle of seed dispersal. Many fig seeds survive passage through the digestive tract and are deposited in nutrient-rich fecal matter, aiding in the growth of new fig plants and supporting forest regeneration.
28. Melons
Melons, including wild watermelon or cantaloupe varieties, provide hydration, sugars, and vitamins. Squirrels locate melons in the wild or in human-modified landscapes such as gardens or farms. Their consumption focuses primarily on the soft flesh, which is easy to digest and provides quick energy.
Seeds from melons are often discarded or cached, allowing them to germinate elsewhere. Melon foraging supports squirrels’ energy needs while simultaneously promoting the growth of new plants in the ecosystem, showing a natural balance between feeding behavior and environmental impact.
29. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a hydrating, low-calorie food source that squirrels consume opportunistically. Found in gardens or wild cucumber patches, cucumbers supply water content alongside small amounts of vitamins and minerals. While not as calorie-dense as nuts or seeds, cucumbers complement a squirrel’s diet, especially during hot or dry seasons.
Squirrels usually eat the flesh and discard seeds, some of which may germinate, continuing the cycle of plant propagation. This dietary flexibility highlights squirrels’ ability to utilize a broad range of foods depending on availability and seasonality.
30. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another garden or wild plant fruit consumed by squirrels. They are rich in water, natural sugars, and antioxidants like lycopene. Squirrels eat soft, ripe tomatoes directly from plants or from the ground, gaining hydration and energy from the fruit’s nutrient content.
By feeding on tomatoes and sometimes transporting seeds in their droppings or caching locations, squirrels inadvertently assist in spreading tomato plants. This behavior underscores their ecological role as both consumers and facilitators of plant reproduction, helping maintain biodiversity in their habitat.
31. Carrots
Carrots are root vegetables rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and natural sugars, which squirrels consume opportunistically in gardens, farms, or wild patches. They gnaw on the roots to access nutrients, gaining both energy and vital vitamins. Carrots are especially useful for hydration due to their high water content, supporting squirrels’ daily activities and thermoregulation.
By consuming carrots, squirrels can also transport seeds or leftover plant matter in their feces or caching sites, contributing indirectly to plant propagation. This showcases squirrels’ dual role as foragers and ecological facilitators.
32. Peas
Peas are protein-rich legumes that provide essential amino acids and energy for squirrels. In the wild, squirrels eat both fresh pods and fallen seeds, often caching some for later use. The combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber makes peas a valuable seasonal supplement, particularly in spring and summer when foraging opportunities are abundant.
Squirrels’ consumption of peas contributes to seed dispersal, with some seeds germinating in locations where squirrels have hidden them. This symbiotic relationship enhances plant diversity and ecosystem resilience.
33. Beans
Beans, including wild and cultivated varieties, are another protein- and fiber-rich food for squirrels. They chew through pods to access the seeds inside, often storing excess beans in caches for periods of scarcity. The nutritional value of beans supports energy-intensive behaviors like climbing, exploring, and predator evasion.
Seed caching and occasional seed loss during transport aid in the propagation of bean plants in natural habitats, further highlighting squirrels’ role in maintaining plant populations.
34. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are starchy tubers that provide carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients such as vitamin A. Squirrels forage for sweet potatoes in gardens or wild patches, digging to access the roots. These tubers are especially valuable in fall and winter, providing energy reserves that support survival during food-scarce months.
Sweet potato consumption often involves storing portions underground or in tree cavities, which may lead to accidental germination of leftover plant material, indirectly supporting new growth.
35. Potatoes
Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and provide squirrels with a dense energy source. They dig up tubers in gardens or fields and consume them raw or partially chewed. Potatoes are particularly useful for squirrels preparing for colder months, offering sustained energy for foraging and thermoregulation.
Similar to sweet potatoes, leftover potato pieces or uneaten seeds may contribute to plant propagation, demonstrating the ecological impact of squirrels’ feeding behavior.
36. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce are consumed for hydration, vitamins, and fiber. Squirrels often forage on tender leaves from garden beds or wild patches, supplementing their otherwise energy-dense diet with micronutrients. The greens’ high water content is especially beneficial during dry periods.
Leaf consumption by squirrels also affects plant community dynamics, as selective feeding can influence which plant species thrive or are suppressed, highlighting their ecological role in shaping vegetation patterns.
37. Broccoli
Broccoli provides fiber, vitamins C and K, and other phytonutrients. Squirrels access this vegetable in gardens or urban settings, nibbling on florets and stalks. It supports immune health and digestive function while adding variety to their diet. Broccoli is often consumed opportunistically alongside other vegetables and fruits.
Through consumption and potential caching, squirrels inadvertently disperse seeds or leftover plant fragments, reinforcing their role in supporting plant diversity and regeneration.
38. Flowers and Buds
Flowers and buds offer nectar, pollen, and other nutrients, and squirrels consume them from wild plants, shrubs, or garden ornamentals. While not a primary food source, flowers provide essential micronutrients and variety. Some buds may also contain small amounts of carbohydrates, aiding energy intake.
By feeding on flowers and buds, squirrels can affect plant reproductive success and contribute indirectly to pollination and seed dispersal, influencing plant population dynamics within their habitats.
39. Tree Bark
Tree bark is consumed by squirrels primarily for fiber, roughage, and nutrients found in inner layers, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce. Bark from deciduous and fruit trees provides carbohydrates and minerals, helping maintain energy balance during lean months.
Feeding on bark can stimulate tree growth responses and may even aid in the spread of fungi or lichens that grow on trees, showing how squirrels’ feeding habits interact with broader forest ecology.
40. Twigs
Twigs are another supplemental food, rich in fiber and occasional nutrients. Squirrels chew small twigs to access the softer inner tissue or to help maintain their continuously growing teeth. Twigs are often consumed alongside buds, leaves, and bark, especially during periods of limited food availability.
The act of nibbling on twigs can influence plant pruning, shape growth patterns, and affect the surrounding microhabitat, highlighting squirrels’ subtle but significant ecological impact.
41. Roots
Roots provide carbohydrates, minerals, and sometimes water, making them a valuable fallback food. Squirrels dig to access roots of wild plants or garden vegetables, particularly during food-scarce seasons. Roots sustain squirrels’ energy and hydration, allowing them to remain active even when above-ground foods are limited.
By digging roots, squirrels inadvertently aerate soil, enhance nutrient cycling, and promote seed germination for other plants, illustrating their important ecological role in soil health.
42. Fungi (Mushrooms)
Mushrooms and other fungi offer proteins, minerals, and moisture. Squirrels forage for fungi in forests, shaded areas, or decomposing logs. They selectively consume edible varieties, ignoring toxic types, and sometimes cache fungi for later consumption.
This feeding behavior supports forest nutrient cycling and dispersal of fungal spores, which benefits both the ecosystem and the mycorrhizal networks that sustain tree growth.
43. Lichens
Lichens, symbiotic organisms of fungi and algae, provide carbohydrates, minerals, and trace nutrients. Squirrels consume lichens opportunistically, particularly in winter or when other food sources are scarce. Lichens’ high resilience and nutritional content make them a valuable supplemental food.
By feeding on lichens, squirrels may also assist in their dispersal across tree branches and forest floor, indirectly supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
44. Insects
Insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles supplement squirrels’ primarily plant-based diet with protein and fats. Squirrels forage for insects under bark, in foliage, or on the ground, particularly during spring and summer. Protein from insects supports growth, reproduction, and high-energy activity.
Occasional insect consumption also regulates insect populations, highlighting squirrels’ role in maintaining ecological balance.
45. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are soft-bodied insects rich in protein and fats, consumed by squirrels for additional nutrition. They forage in leaves, stems, and under bark. This opportunistic feeding provides a high-energy source during key periods, supporting survival and reproductive success.
Feeding on caterpillars can also influence local insect populations, contributing indirectly to forest health and plant protection.
46. Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers provide protein, fat, and essential amino acids. Squirrels capture them in fields, grasslands, and gardens, often using dexterity and quick reflexes. This high-energy food complements plant-based nutrition, especially during active seasons requiring sustained energy.
By regulating grasshopper populations, squirrels contribute to maintaining balanced ecosystems while benefiting from an important nutritional supplement.
47. Beetles
Beetles offer protein, minerals, and fats. Squirrels consume beetles found under logs, leaf litter, or within tree bark. Protein-rich beetles help support muscle development, reproduction, and activity levels in squirrels, particularly in juvenile or nursing individuals.
Predation on beetles also controls insect populations, indirectly supporting plant health and forest ecosystem balance.
48. Seeds (Various)
Squirrels rely heavily on seeds for carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Wild seeds from trees, shrubs, and grasses form a core dietary component. Squirrels collect, eat, and cache seeds, ensuring energy intake and food security during lean periods.
Seed caching behavior promotes plant propagation, forest regeneration, and biodiversity, highlighting squirrels’ critical ecological role.
49. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are nutrient-dense, high in fat, protein, and vitamin E. Squirrels extract seeds from flower heads, providing concentrated energy sources. They often store these seeds for winter, which supports survival when other foods are scarce.
Caching sunflower seeds contributes to unintentional planting, aiding in the spread of wildflowers and supporting ecosystem diversity.
50. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. Squirrels forage pumpkins in gardens or wild patches, eating seeds after gnawing through the outer rind. This provides energy-dense nutrition, particularly valuable in preparation for winter.
Discarded or cached pumpkin seeds may germinate, aiding plant propagation and contributing to ecosystem health, demonstrating the interconnectedness of squirrel feeding behavior and environmental impact.
How Diet Varies by Species or Subspecies
Squirrels include tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels, each with slightly different dietary preferences. Tree squirrels primarily consume nuts, seeds, and fruits found in forests or urban parks, while ground squirrels often forage for roots, tubers, and grains from open grasslands. Flying squirrels favor nuts, seeds, and fungi in dense forest canopies, occasionally supplementing their diet with insects and bird eggs. These dietary variations reflect adaptations in behavior, digestive physiology, and habitat selection, allowing each species to exploit specific ecological niches.
Regional differences also affect food availability: squirrels in temperate forests rely heavily on acorns and beech nuts in fall, whereas squirrels in subtropical regions may have year-round access to fruits and seeds. Understanding these variations is key for wildlife conservation and habitat management.
Seasonal Diet Changes
Squirrel diets fluctuate with the seasons. In spring, tender shoots, flowers, and insect larvae dominate, providing protein for reproduction and growth. Summer brings abundant fruits, berries, and nuts, allowing squirrels to build energy reserves. Fall is a critical period for foraging and caching acorns, walnuts, and other nuts to survive winter. During winter, squirrels rely on stored caches, tree bark, buds, and occasionally fungi to maintain energy.
Seasonal changes also influence foraging behavior: squirrels spend more time caching food in fall and actively seek hidden stores in winter, adjusting their activity patterns to conserve energy and avoid predators.
What Do Squirrels Eat in Captivity or Around Humans?
In captivity or urban environments, squirrels’ diets often include fruits, vegetables, grains, and commercially prepared squirrel food. Human-provided foods, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, and corn, supplement natural diets but should be given in moderation to avoid nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding squirrels chocolate, processed foods, or excessive dairy, as these can be harmful.
Providing a varied, nutrient-rich diet that mimics natural foods supports squirrels’ health in rescue centers or zoos, allowing normal behaviors like gnawing, foraging, and caching to be expressed safely.
Feeding Behavior & Foraging Techniques
Squirrels are agile and resourceful foragers. They climb, dig, and leap to access food sources. Their strong incisors allow them to crack nuts, gnaw bark, and chew tough plant matter. For caching, squirrels bury or hide food in soil, tree crevices, or leaf litter, remembering locations through spatial memory. This behavior ensures a reliable food supply during scarcity.
Squirrels also exhibit selective feeding, choosing high-fat nuts or protein-rich insects, and will occasionally pilfer caches of other squirrels. Their ability to forage across vertical and horizontal landscapes enhances survival and ecological impact.
Ecological Role of Squirrels’ Diet
Squirrels are crucial ecosystem engineers. By consuming and caching seeds, they aid plant propagation and forest regeneration. Their predation on insects helps regulate populations, while their foraging activities aerate soil, recycle nutrients, and disperse fungi. Squirrels indirectly shape plant community structures by selective feeding and caching, maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity.
Their role as both seed dispersers and occasional insect predators illustrates the interconnectedness of squirrel feeding habits and ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of their conservation.
Fun Facts About Squirrels’ Eating Habits
- Squirrels have an excellent spatial memory that allows them to locate thousands of hidden food caches months later.
- They can eat a variety of foods including fruits, nuts, fungi, and even small insects, making them highly adaptable omnivores.
- Some squirrels will gnaw on bones or antlers to obtain minerals and calcium, especially during breeding season.
- Acorns are often preferred over other nuts due to their high-fat content, providing essential energy for winter survival.
- Even in urban areas, squirrels can adapt their diet to human-provided foods, yet still retain natural foraging behaviors.
Conclusion
Squirrels are highly adaptable omnivores with diets encompassing nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, fungi, insects, and occasional small animals. Their foraging behaviors, seasonal adjustments, and caching strategies enable survival across diverse habitats. By dispersing seeds, regulating insect populations, and recycling nutrients, squirrels play a vital ecological role in forests, grasslands, and urban environments. Understanding their diet is essential for conservation, habitat management, and appreciating their integral part in nature’s balance.
50+ Frequently Asked Questions About What Squirrels Eat
1. What are the favorite nuts of squirrels?
Squirrels love acorns, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, chestnuts, pine nuts, and Brazil nuts. These nuts are high in fat and protein, giving squirrels energy for foraging, caching, and surviving cold seasons.
2. Do squirrels eat seeds?
Yes, squirrels consume a wide variety of seeds including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other wild seeds. Seeds provide essential nutrients and are often cached for future consumption.
3. Can squirrels eat fruits?
Absolutely. Fruits like apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, berries, and figs are part of a squirrel’s diet. Fruits supply sugars, vitamins, and hydration, especially in warmer months.
4. Are vegetables safe for squirrels?
Yes, squirrels eat carrots, peas, beans, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and lettuce. Vegetables provide fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
5. Do squirrels eat fungi?
Squirrels eat mushrooms, lichens, and other fungi. Fungi provide protein, minerals, and certain vitamins, especially during seasons when other foods are scarce.
6. Do squirrels eat insects?
Yes, squirrels supplement their diet with insects like caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Insects provide protein essential for growth, especially for young squirrels.
7. How do squirrels find food in winter?
In winter, squirrels rely heavily on cached nuts, seeds, and occasionally bark or buds. Their excellent spatial memory allows them to locate buried caches even months later.
8. Do squirrels eat grains?
Squirrels consume grains such as corn, oats, barley, and other cereal crops. These grains provide carbohydrates for energy and are often foraged in fields or urban areas.
9. Are flowers part of a squirrel’s diet?
Yes, squirrels occasionally eat flowers and buds. Flowers provide fiber and certain micronutrients and may supplement their regular diet in spring.
10. Do squirrels eat tree bark and twigs?
Squirrels gnaw on tree bark and twigs, particularly during winter when other food sources are limited. Bark contains some nutrients and helps keep their teeth healthy.
11. Can squirrels eat roots and tubers?
Yes, squirrels sometimes dig for roots and tubers, which provide carbohydrates and minerals, especially when nuts and fruits are scarce.
12. Do squirrels eat honey or human foods?
While squirrels can consume small amounts of sweet foods like honey, processed human foods should be avoided as they can cause nutritional imbalances and health problems.
13. How much do squirrels eat daily?
Adult squirrels may consume 1/4 to 1/3 of their body weight daily. The exact amount varies by species, season, and availability of food.
14. Are berries good for squirrels?
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a favorite summer and fall food.
15. Do squirrels eat grains in urban areas?
Yes, squirrels in urban or suburban areas often consume corn, sunflower seeds, and other grains provided in gardens, parks, or bird feeders.
16. Can squirrels digest legumes?
Yes, legumes like peas, beans, and lentils are consumed by squirrels and provide essential proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber for their diet.
17. Do squirrels eat melons or pumpkins?
Squirrels enjoy soft fruits like melons and pumpkin, which supply hydration and natural sugars, especially in late summer and fall.
18. Are grapes safe for squirrels?
Yes, grapes are safe in moderation. They provide vitamins, sugars, and hydration, though excessive consumption can cause digestive upset.
19. Do squirrels eat nuts from fruit trees?
Yes, squirrels forage for nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts from fruit and nut trees. These high-fat foods are essential for winter energy reserves.
20. Do squirrels eat fungi like mushrooms?
Yes, many squirrel species consume edible mushrooms and fungi in forests, which help diversify their diet and provide protein and minerals.
21. Can squirrels eat corn?
Corn is a staple for many squirrels, especially near farms or urban areas. It provides carbohydrates and is often cached for winter.
22. Do squirrels eat tree seeds?
Yes, tree seeds from oaks, maples, and beeches are critical food sources, especially acorns and beech nuts, which are rich in fat for energy storage.
23. Are leafy greens part of their diet?
Yes, squirrels eat kale, spinach, lettuce, and other leafy greens, mainly in spring and summer when fresh vegetation is abundant.
24. Do squirrels eat nectar or flowers?
Occasionally, squirrels feed on nectar-rich flowers or flower buds for sugar and hydration, though this is a minor part of their diet.
25. Do squirrels eat animal matter?
Yes, squirrels may eat small insects, caterpillars, beetles, and even bird eggs opportunistically for protein, particularly during breeding season.
26. Can squirrels eat figs?
Figs are a sweet, soft fruit that squirrels enjoy. They provide hydration and essential sugars for energy.
27. Do squirrels eat plums and peaches?
Yes, squirrels consume soft fruits like plums, peaches, and cherries, particularly when ripe in summer and early fall.
28. Are nuts like hazelnuts and pine nuts preferred?
Yes, hazelnuts and pine nuts are highly favored because they are rich in fats, which are crucial for energy storage, especially in colder months.
29. Do squirrels eat roots during food scarcity?
Yes, when nuts and fruits are scarce, squirrels dig for roots and tubers, obtaining essential carbohydrates and minerals.
30. Can squirrels eat potatoes or sweet potatoes?
Yes, these starchy vegetables are safe and nutritious, providing carbohydrates and fiber for energy.
31. Do squirrels eat tree bark in winter?
Yes, during winter, tree bark and buds become an important food source, supplying minimal nutrients when other foods are unavailable.
32. Do squirrels eat lichens?
Yes, lichens are occasionally eaten by squirrels, providing trace minerals and roughage during winter.
33. Can squirrels eat insects?
Yes, insects like caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and ants are a protein-rich supplement in a squirrel’s diet.
34. Do squirrels eat sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds are a popular food for squirrels due to high fat and protein content, often found in bird feeders or caches.
35. Do squirrels eat pumpkin seeds?
Yes, pumpkin seeds are nutritious, high in protein and fats, making them ideal for caching and winter consumption.
36. Are apples and pears safe?
Yes, apples, pears, and other soft fruits are safe, providing essential vitamins, hydration, and natural sugars.
37. Do squirrels eat carrots?
Carrots are eaten occasionally and provide vitamin A, fiber, and sugars, supplementing other foraged foods.
38. Do squirrels eat peas and beans?
Yes, these legumes are nutritious, supplying protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to support growth and energy needs.
39. Can squirrels eat broccoli?
Broccoli is safe and provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but should be offered in moderation alongside natural foods.
40. Do squirrels eat tree buds?
Yes, buds provide nutrition during early spring and late winter when other foods are scarce, supplying sugars, fiber, and essential vitamins.
41. Do squirrels eat small insects?
Yes, small insects are opportunistic food sources for protein, especially for young or breeding squirrels.
42. Do squirrels eat mushrooms in urban areas?
Yes, urban squirrels often consume mushrooms or fungi in parks, gardens, or near compost heaps, supplementing their diet.
43. Can squirrels eat berries year-round?
Berries are seasonal foods, mostly eaten in summer and early fall, providing natural sugars, antioxidants, and hydration.
44. Do squirrels eat seeds from shrubs?
Yes, seeds from shrubs, such as wild sunflower or berry shrubs, are foraged and cached, adding diversity to their diet.
45. Are figs and grapes preferred over nuts?
While nuts are prioritized for fat content, figs and grapes are highly favored when available due to natural sugars and easy digestion.
46. Do squirrels eat tree leaves?
Yes, leaves are eaten occasionally, especially tender shoots or young leaves in spring, supplying fiber and vitamins.
47. Can squirrels eat sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes provide carbohydrates and vitamins, consumed when foraged from gardens or human-provided sources.
48. Do squirrels eat grains like oats and barley?
Yes, grains supplement their diet with carbohydrates and energy, especially in agricultural or urban areas.
49. Can squirrels eat insects like beetles and caterpillars?
Yes, insects are protein-rich, supporting growth, reproduction, and overall health.
50. Do squirrels eat human-provided nuts?
Yes, squirrels readily consume peanuts, sunflower seeds, and other nuts provided by humans, but these should be unsalted and given sparingly to avoid dietary imbalance.
51. Are sweet fruits like peaches and plums harmful?
No, squirrels can safely eat sweet fruits in moderation, which provide essential energy and nutrients for daily activities and caching.
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