7 Surprising Foods Squirrels Will Actually Eat Besides Nuts

From the moment they scurry across your backyard, squirrels often capture our attention with their bushy tails and playful antics. It’s common knowledge that these critters love nuts, but did you know their diets are far more eclectic than just acorns and walnuts? In this long-form blog post, we delve into 7 surprising foods squirrels will actually eat besides nuts. Let’s explore the unexpected culinary choices of these fascinating animals.

🍇 Fruits: Not Just For Humans

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Squirrels aren't just nut connoisseurs; they also have quite the taste for fruits. From apples to berries, squirrels enjoy the natural sweetness and high-water content that fruits offer. This part of their diet not only provides hydration but also essential vitamins:

• Apples: Squirrels will nibble on apples both for the flesh and seeds.
• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – you name it, they'll try it!
• Pears: Their soft flesh and seeds are squirrel favorites.

🍏 Note: Remember, squirrels love fruit, but they also play a crucial role in seed dispersal, which can help your garden thrive!

🌿 Vegetables: A Crunchy Surprise

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Believe it or not, squirrels are also partial to a good, crunchy vegetable. They might not be the typical garden pests, but they can't resist some greens:

• Carrots: Squirrels will munch on carrot tops and the roots too.
• Peas: Either fresh or in their pods, squirrels are not picky.
• Corn: Both on the cob and the kernels are a treat for them.

🌽 Note: If you're dealing with a squirrel problem in your garden, using natural deterrents like hot pepper can keep them at bay.

🥜 Insects and Protein-Rich Foods

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Squirrels need protein to grow, maintain health, and raise their young. Here are some protein sources you might not expect:

• Insects: Caterpillars, beetles, and grubs are a natural part of their diet.
• Bird Eggs: When accessible, squirrels might help themselves to a bird's nest.
• Small Vertebrates: Occasionally, squirrels will eat baby birds or mice if given the chance.

🌰 Fungi: Nature's Nutritious Growth

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Mushrooms and other fungi might seem an unlikely choice, but squirrels love them:

• Mushrooms: They'll forage for various types of mushrooms, especially during wet seasons.
• Truffles: These underground fungi are a delicacy for many forest creatures, including squirrels.

🌿 Flowers and Tree Bark: Seasonal Delights

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When the usual food sources are scarce, squirrels turn to:

• Flower Buds: Early spring brings a feast of flower buds before they bloom.
• Tree Bark: In winter, when other foods are scarce, squirrels will chew on the bark of trees for its high fiber content.

🥥 Non-Traditional Foods: Human Offerings

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Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and they sometimes find their way into human-provided food:

• Bread: Particularly if it's moldy or stale, squirrels will give it a go.
• Pet Food: Left-out dog or cat food is often a welcome snack.
• Birdseed: Though not a human food, bird feeders are a prime target for these nimble creatures.

🎁 Miscellanea: The Unexpected Menu

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Lastly, squirrels can be surprisingly adventurous with their diet:

• Candle Wax: Particularly beeswax which has nutritional value.
• Twigs and Leaves: Not for nutrition but often to sharpen their teeth or for nesting material.

Squirrels might seem like simple creatures with a diet confined to nuts, but their feeding habits reveal a more complex and varied palate. Their ability to adapt to different food sources not only helps them survive but also plays an essential role in forest ecosystems. They are nature's gardeners, dispersing seeds and shaping plant growth patterns.

From fruits to fungi, insects to human-provided treats, squirrels showcase the versatility and intelligence of small animals. Their dietary choices are a lesson in ecological balance, showing how interconnected the food chain really is. The next time you spot a squirrel in your garden, take a moment to appreciate their dietary flexibility and the vital role they play in the environment.

FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can squirrels eat chocolate?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Chocolate is toxic to squirrels and other wildlife. It contains theobromine, which they cannot metabolize, leading to potential health issues.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do squirrels hibernate?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, most species of squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active throughout the year, though they might enter a state of torpor during very cold conditions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are squirrels harmful to gardens?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Squirrels can damage gardens by eating fruits, vegetables, and digging for bulbs. However, they also help by planting seeds for new plants.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>