What Squirrels Commonly Eat
Squirrels are opportunistic foragers with a varied diet that shifts by season and habitat. Their primary foods include nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi, while insects and other protein sources support growth and reproduction. In urban and suburban areas, they readily adapt to bird feeders, discarded human food, and garden crops. Understanding these preferences helps explain their survival strategies and interactions with humans. Below is a concise overview of key foods and their role in squirrel nutrition.
| Food Type | Examples | Seasonal Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts | Acorns, hickory, walnuts, beechnuts | High in fall; cached for winter |
| Seeds | Sunflower, pine, pumpkin | Available at feeders and in cones |
| Fruits & Berries | Apples, cherries, blueberries | Summer abundance |
| Invertebrates | Grubs, caterpillars, beetles | Critical for juveniles |
| Fungi & Greens | Mushrooms, clover, cattails | Supplementary year-round |
The Role of Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds form the energy-dense core of a squirrel’s diet, rich in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts are often cached in hidden caches or tree cavities to ensure winter availability. At feeders, squirrels favor sunflower seeds and peanuts, though peanuts are low in nutrients and can become moldy if not fresh. Seed mixtures designed for birds often draw squirrels, who can strip kernels quickly. By dispersing seeds through scatter hoarding, squirrels inadvertently support forest regeneration and plant diversity.
Preferred Nuts and Their Value
- Acorns: High in tannins; require leaching by some species to reduce bitterness.
- Walnuts and hickory nuts: Dense calories for fat storage before cold months.
- Beechnuts and chestnuts: Seasonal windfalls that support large numbers of squirrels.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers
When available, fruits provide quick energy and moisture, making them especially valuable in dry periods. Apples, cherries, and berries are common in summer diets, while garden crops like corn and tomatoes can attract squirrels near human habitation. Flowers and buds, particularly from trees and shrubs, offer nectar-like sap and tender shoots. While this foraging is natural, it can conflict with gardeners, prompting the need for protective measures.
Supplementary Foods in Gardens
- Sweet corn and tomatoes: Often targeted; can be protected with netting.
- Berries and stone fruits: High appeal; plant resistant varieties if needed.
- Maple and birch sap: Chewed in spring for moisture and sugars.
Insects and Animal Protein
Insects and other invertebrates are critical protein sources, particularly for growing juveniles and lactating females. Caterpillars, grubs, beetles, and grasshoppers are common prey, helping maintain muscle development and overall health. Some squirrels also consume small vertebrates, bird eggs, or nestlings, though this is less frequent. Carrion and discarded human meat are rarely taken but may occur in opportunistic settings. Protein intake balances the carbohydrate-heavy stores from nuts and seeds.
Key Invertebrate Prey
- Larvae and grubs: Found in soil or decaying wood.
- Beetles and crickets: Abundant in meadows and edge habitats.
- Occasional nestlings or eggs: Rare and context-dependent.
Foods Around Human Habitats
Urban squirrels exploit bird feeders, pet food left outdoors, compost piles, and unsecured trash. While entertaining, feeding squirrels directly can lead to dependency, overpopulation, and disease transmission. Foods like bread, processed snacks, and salted nuts offer little nutritional value and may harm health. When intentionally feeding, use small amounts of unsalted nuts and seeds in moderation, and maintain clean feeding stations to reduce conflicts and disease risk.
Safe vs. Risky Human Foods
| Food Type | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted raw nuts | Good | Natural choice; avoid salted or seasoned |
| Birdseed mixes | Moderate | High sunflower content can displace balanced diet |
| Bread and processed foods | Poor | Low nutrients; can cause digestive issues |
| Pet food outdoors | Avoid | Attracts wildlife and may imbalance nutrients |
Seasonal and Geographic Variations
Diet composition varies widely by region and season. In temperate climates, fall focuses on caching nuts, while spring emphasizes buds, insects, and emerging vegetation. Tropical squirrels may rely more on fruits year-round. Local availability of mast crops—like acorn or beechnut yields—drives fluctuations in squirrel numbers and behavior. Drought or early frosts can shift diets toward human-provided foods. Understanding these patterns explains why sightings and feeding interactions increase during certain times.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can squirrels eat peanuts from bird feeders?
Yes, but peanuts are best offered raw and unsalted in moderation. They are low in calcium and prone to mold, so should not be a staple. Prefer nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds when possible, and ensure feeders stay dry.
Do squirrels store food for winter?
Yes, scatter hoarding is common; they bury nuts individually and remember many cache sites. This behavior supports forest regeneration and improves their winter survival.
Is it safe to feed squirrels in my yard?
Small, occasional offerings of unsalted nuts and seeds are generally safe, but regular feeding can create dependency and attract other wildlife. Focus on natural foods and secure garbage to reduce conflicts.