What do squirrels like to eat most? Nuts, tree seeds, fruit, buds, fungi, flowers, bird seed and some human foods are what they predominantly feed on. Squirrels may leave mushrooms and fungi out to dry to eat later. They also eat lichen growing on trees. When other food is scarce, squirrels may eat eggs.
I have spent many hours studying squirrels’ eating habits. After observing and interacting with squirrels worldwide for years, I can share surprising secrets about their favorite foods! Most squirrels are herbivores, preferring nuts, seeds, tree flowers and buds from various trees. They also snack on mushrooms and fungi. In the wild, squirrels mostly drink water. However, squirrels living near humans drink sweet drinks, alcohol and milk.
Squirrels are omnivorous but prefer a mostly herbivorous diet. Some exceptions exist like the carnivorous southern flying squirrel. While squirrels’ omnivorous habits help them survive almost anywhere, they do like some foods more than others.
Are squirrels intelligent?
Squirrels have good memory and navigation skills. This helps them remember locations of hidden food. Their ability to solve problems shows intelligence. But how smart they are compared to other animals is debated.
Some see squirrels as invasive pests. Others enjoy their presence. Anyone struggling with them raiding bird feeders knows they’re clever. What does research say?
Squirrels ensure survival through evolved behaviors. They hide food and remember its place months later. They trick others that may steal their caches by faking the burial spot.
Squirrels create fake food burials to deceive potential thieves. This protects their real food stores. Their nests high in trees also show intelligence.
What do squirrels need to survive?
Squirrels need food, water, and shelter. To survive winter, squirrels store food like nuts, acorns, berries, and bark. Some squirrels hibernate without food. Others remain active in winter and rely on stored food.
Squirrels are omnivores. They eat nuts, seeds, fungi, fruits, eggs, insects, small animals, and young snakes. Squirrels need minerals for bone health. They drink water daily and cannot survive a full day without it.
In winter, squirrels make nests of twigs, leaves, and moss in trees or attics. Fat reserves and sheltered nests help squirrels survive without hibernating. Squirrels emit warning calls when predators like foxes are near.
Relocated squirrels struggle to adjust and find shelter. Without adequate shelter, they die from heat or cold. Preparing winter nests takes time.
Adult squirrels can survive four days without food. Younger ones may need to eat more often. In dry weather, squirrels drink more than twice their weight in water from sources like snow, bird feeders and leaves.
Squirrels live up to 24 years. Their nests in trees keep them safe from predators. They build dens in hollow tree holes too.
Humans can help squirrels survive winter by providing food like nuts and seeds for energy and clean water since sources freeze.
Do squirrels only eat nuts?
Squirrels eat most kinds of nuts but particularly love acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts and macadamia nuts. Squirrels won’t give up cracking a hickory nut quickly; they know there is plenty of meat inside. Peanuts and cashews offer low nutritional value to squirrels. Vegetables are another beloved squirrel food. Squirrels eat various greens and vegetables and often prefer ones with a crunchy texture. Not only do squirrels like vegetables, but they also provide tremendous nutritional value. Squirrels include lettuce, cabbage, peas, radishes, and various other root vegetables.
Nuts provide squirrels necessary nutrients and energy during harsh weather. There are various nuts squirrels eat, including acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and almonds. Each nut has unique nutritional value and benefits. For instance, acorns are rich in protein and carbohydrates while walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids improving brain function. Squirrels also enjoy eating nuts because it’s exercise, it also helps maintaining their teeth. When squirrels eat nuts with the shell still on, removing the shell is exercise. Nuts also help squirrels maintain their teeth. Squirrel teeth never stop growing, the tips can become blunt over time.