Squirrels are known for their love of nuts. They are often seen scurrying up trees, collecting nuts, and burying them for later use. But what types of nuts do squirrels actually eat?
There are several types of nuts that squirrels commonly consume. Some of the most popular include acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds. Squirrels are also known to eat other types of nuts, such as pecans, pistachios, and pine nuts, depending on their availability and location.
While nuts are a staple in a squirrel’s diet, they also consume a variety of other foods, such as fruits, seeds, and insects.
Understanding what squirrels eat can help people better appreciate these fascinating creatures and provide them with the food they need to survive in the wild.
Table of Contents
What Nuts Do Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels are known for their love of nuts, and they have a reputation for being expert foragers. They are capable of finding and storing food for the winter months, which is why they are such a common sight in parks and gardens.
But what nuts do they eat, and how do they go about finding them?
The Most Common Nuts
The most common nuts that squirrels eat include acorns, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, and pecans.
These nuts are all rich in nutrients and provide squirrels with the energy they need to survive. Squirrels are also known to eat seeds, bird feed, fruit, and even fungi.
Grey squirrels, which are the most common type of squirrel in North America, tend to prefer nuts that are high in fat and protein, such as acorns and hazelnuts.
Red squirrels, on the other hand, prefer nuts that are high in carbohydrates, such as pine nuts and sunflower seeds.
Other Foods That Squirrels Eat
While nuts are a staple of a squirrel’s diet, they also eat a variety of other foods.
Squirrels are known to eat fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, and carrots. They also eat bird eggs and insects, which provide them with additional protein.
When it comes to finding food, squirrels are opportunistic and will eat whatever they can find. They are known to raid bird feeders and steal food from gardens.
However, it is important to note that not all nuts and seeds are good for squirrels. Cashews and macadamia nuts, for example, are not recommended for squirrels because they are too high in fat and can cause health problems.
Overall, squirrels have a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They are expert foragers and are capable of finding food in even the most challenging environments.
By understanding what squirrels eat, we can help to ensure that they have access to the foods they need to thrive.
10 Most Common Nuts Squirrels Eat
1. Almonds
Almonds are a popular nut that squirrels love to eat. They are a great source of protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious snack for squirrels.
Almonds are also high in vitamin E, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system.
2. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are another favorite of squirrels. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious snack.
Hazelnuts are also a good source of vitamin E and B vitamins, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.
3. Acorns
Acorns are a staple food for squirrels. They are high in fat and protein, which provide energy and help squirrels maintain their body weight.
Acorns are also a good source of fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to a squirrel’s diet.
4. Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are a tasty and nutritious snack for squirrels. They are high in protein and healthy fats, which provide energy and help maintain a healthy weight.
Pine nuts are also a good source of vitamin E and magnesium, which are important for overall health and wellbeing.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts are a popular nut that squirrels love to eat. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious snack.
Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining a healthy heart and brain.
6. Pecans
Pecans are a delicious and nutritious snack for squirrels. They are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and satisfying snack.
Pecans are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
7. Macadamia
Macadamia nuts are a tasty and nutritious snack for squirrels. They are high in healthy fats and protein, which provide energy and help maintain a healthy weight.
Macadamia nuts are also a good source of fiber and minerals, making them a healthy addition to a squirrel’s diet.
8. Peanuts
Peanuts are a favorite of squirrels. They are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and satisfying snack.
Peanuts are also a good source of vitamin E and B vitamins, which are important for overall health and wellbeing.
9. Cashews
Cashews are a delicious and nutritious snack for squirrels. They are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and satisfying snack.
Cashews are also a good source of minerals, such as magnesium and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and a strong immune system.
10. Hickory Nuts
Hickory nuts are a tasty and nutritious snack for squirrels. They are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and satisfying snack.
Hickory nuts are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
What Other Foods That Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels are known for their love of nuts, but they also eat a variety of other foods, depending on the season and availability. Here are some other foods that squirrels eat:
Seeds
Seeds are a common food source for squirrels. They eat a wide variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Squirrels are known for their ability to crack open seeds with their sharp teeth.
Fruits
Squirrels enjoy a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and berries. They may also eat fruit that has fallen to the ground and started to rot.
Vegetables
Squirrels will eat vegetables such as corn, peas, and beans. They may also raid gardens for fresh vegetables.
Fungi
Squirrels are known to eat fungi, including mushrooms and truffles. They may also eat lichen and other types of fungi found on trees.
Bird Feed
Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders. They will eat a variety of bird feed, including sunflower seeds, millet, and corn.
Insects, Larvae, and Caterpillars
Squirrels are omnivores and will eat insects, larvae, and caterpillars when they can find them. They may also raid bird nests for eggs and young birds.
Bark
Squirrels will eat the bark of trees in the winter when other food sources are scarce. They may also eat the inner bark of trees, which is a good source of nutrients.
Grains, Roots, and Bulbs
Squirrels will eat grains such as wheat and oats when they can find them. They may also eat roots and bulbs, such as tulip bulbs, when other food sources are scarce.
Bird Eggs
Squirrels will raid bird nests for eggs and young birds. This behavior can be harmful to bird populations and is generally discouraged.
Feeding Squirrels
Squirrels are known for their love of nuts, but what else should you feed them? Here are some tips for feeding squirrels:
The Best Way to Feed Squirrels
The best way to feed squirrels is to give them a variety of foods. This can include nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. You can also provide them with a squirrel feeder that is designed to hold these foods.
The Right Ratio of Nuts and Other Foods
While nuts are an important part of a squirrel’s diet, they should not be the only food they eat. Squirrels need a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. A good ratio is 60% nuts and 40% other foods.
The Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition is important for squirrels, just like it is for humans. Squirrels need a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium. Calcium is especially important for squirrels because it helps to keep their teeth strong and healthy.
The Nutritional Value of Nuts
Nuts are a great source of nutrition for squirrels. They are high in protein and healthy fats, which help to keep squirrels energized and healthy. Some of the best nuts to feed squirrels include almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
Squirrel Feeders
Types of Squirrel Feeders
Squirrel feeders come in a variety of styles and materials. Some popular types include:
- Hopper feeders – These feeders have a container that holds the food and a platform for squirrels to sit on while they eat.
- Platform feeders – These feeders have a flat surface for squirrels to eat from and are often mounted on a pole or tree.
- Squirrel-proof feeders – These feeders are designed to keep squirrels out while allowing birds to access the food. They often have a cage or other mechanism to prevent squirrels from reaching the food.
The Benefits of Squirrel Feeders
Providing squirrels with their own food source can have several benefits:
- Reduced competition – Squirrels are known to raid bird feeders, which can lead to a decrease in food for birds. Providing squirrels with their own feeder can help reduce this competition.
- Entertainment – Watching squirrels eat can be a fun and entertaining activity for people of all ages.
- Environmental benefits – Squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and helping to control insect populations.
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How to Use a Squirrel Feeder
Using a squirrel feeder is easy and straightforward:
- Choose a location – Squirrel feeders should be placed in an area where squirrels can easily access them but are not too close to bird feeders or other areas where they may cause damage.
- Fill the feeder – Fill the feeder with a mix of nuts, seeds, and other foods that squirrels enjoy.
- Monitor the feeder – Check the feeder regularly to make sure it is still full and that squirrels are using it.
What Foods to Avoid Feeding Squrriels?
Foods That Are Toxic to Squirrels
While squirrels have a varied diet, there are some foods that are toxic to them. Herbivores, such as squirrels, should avoid allium plants like onions, garlic, and chives.
These plants contain thiosulphate, which can cause hemolytic anemia in squirrels.
Other plants, such as daffodils, snowdrops, and hyacinths, contain lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions in squirrels if ingested.
Foods That Squirrels Should Not Eat
There are also some foods that squirrels should avoid, even though they are not toxic. Raw onion and garlic can cause digestive problems in squirrels, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
Additionally, these foods can cause anemia in squirrels if consumed in large quantities. Squirrels should also avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, such as candy and fried foods, as they can cause obesity and other health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, squirrels are known to be fond of a variety of nuts, including acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and many others.
These nuts are not only a tasty treat for squirrels but are also a great source of nutrition for them, providing them with essential fats, proteins, and other nutrients.
While it may seem like squirrels have a preference for certain types of nuts over others, the truth is that they are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever is available to them.
As humans, we can learn a lot from these little nibblers. Just like squirrels, we should also strive to consume a diverse range of nuts and other foods to ensure that we get all the essential nutrients we need.
By incorporating a variety of nuts into our diets, we can enjoy their many health benefits and maintain optimal health and well-being.
So the next time you see a squirrel nibbling on a nut, take a moment to appreciate the nutritional value that these little snacks offer to these furry creatures.
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