What do squirrels eat?
Quick Answer
Squirrels primarily eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables; they also consume bird eggs, insects, and occasionally small animals. Their diet varies by season and species, with tree squirrels preferring nuts while ground squirrels eat more plants and seeds.
Key Takeaways
- Nuts and seeds form the core of squirrel diets
- Different squirrel species have varying dietary preferences
- Squirrels cache food for winter survival
- Urban squirrels adapt to eat human food sources
- Diet changes seasonally based on food availability
- They occasionally eat protein sources like eggs and insects
Primary Food Sources
Squirrels are primarily herbivorous but exhibit opportunistic omnivorous behavior:
Nuts (Preferred Food)
- Tree nuts: Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, pecans
- Hazelnuts and almonds: High-energy favorites
- Pine nuts: From various conifer species
- Chestnuts: Seasonal autumn favorites
Seeds
- Sunflower seeds: Popular bird feeder raider
- Pumpkin seeds: Seasonal favorites
- Tree seeds: Maple, elm, and other tree seeds
- Wildflower seeds: Various native plant seeds
Seasonal Diet Variations
Spring Diet
- Tree buds and fresh shoots
- Early berries and fruits
- Cached nuts from winter stores
- Bird eggs and nestlings
Summer Diet
- Fresh fruits and berries
- Green vegetation and leaves
- Insects and larvae
- Garden vegetables
Fall Diet (Caching Season)
- Abundant nut harvesting
- Acorns and tree nuts
- Late-season fruits
- Intensive food storage activities
Winter Diet
- Cached nuts and seeds
- Tree bark and twigs
- Persistent fruits and berries
- Human-provided food sources
Animal Protein Sources
While primarily herbivorous, squirrels occasionally consume animal protein:
- Bird eggs: Raided from accessible nests
- Nestling birds: Opportunistic predation
- Insects: Beetles, caterpillars, and grubs
- Small amphibians: Rarely, frogs and salamanders
Frequently Asked Questions
What nuts are safe for squirrels?
Safe nuts include acorns, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds. Avoid salted, seasoned, or moldy nuts. Raw, unsalted nuts are best for squirrel health.
Do squirrels remember where they hide nuts?
Squirrels use a combination of memory and scent to relocate cached food. They remember general areas and rely on smell to find specific caches, though they don't find all stored items.
Should I feed squirrels in my yard?
Feeding squirrels can make them dependent and potentially aggressive. If you choose to feed them, use appropriate foods sparingly and check local regulations, as feeding wildlife is prohibited in many areas.
What foods are harmful to squirrels?
Avoid chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, salted items, and avocado. These can be toxic or harmful to squirrel health.
How much do squirrels eat per day?
Adult squirrels typically consume about 1-1.5 pounds of food per week, varying by season and availability. During fall, they may cache much more than they immediately consume.
Wildlife Feeding Supplies
Support backyard wildlife responsibly:
