Squirrels are amazing animals known for their acrobatic movements and bushy tails and they are very curious creatures that can adapt very well to several habitats around the world.
They fundamentally depend on their sharp senses and a natural disposition to find food, their diet is incredibly diverse and adaptable.
Squirrels are aggressive eaters that use their sharp incisors to consume a wide range of foods.
Though their preferences may differ depending on the species and geographic location, there are certain foods that squirrels tend to prefer most above others.
In this article, we will explore the things squirrels like to eat the most so that you can have insights into their dietary habits and preferences.
Table of Contents
21 Things Squirrels Like to Eat the Most
Here are 10 things squirrels like to Eat the most, dive in and explore!!
| Nuts | Vegetables | Flower bulbs |
| Seeds | Bark and twigs | Bird feed |
| Fruits | Berries | Crop and agricultural produces |
| Tree buds and shoots | Grain and cereals | Invertebrates |
| Insects and larvae | Flower blossoms | Animal carcass |
| Bird eggs and nestlings | Sap | Nectar |
| Fungi and mushroom | Human-provided foods |
1. Nuts
Nuts are one of the things squirrels like to eat the most as it convincingly happens to be the prominent food associated with squirrels.
The Jaws of squirrels are very strong and they have very sharp incisors that allow them to crack open the tough outer shells of nuts like walnuts, acorns, pecans, and hazelnuts.
They feast on the nutrient-rich kernels that are inside, which provide them with a good source of energy, proteins, and fats.
2. Seeds
The fondness squirrels have for seeds is something. They feed on seeds of several plants, such as bird seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Seeds can be easily accessible by squirrels as they also serve as a valuable source of nutrition for them, by providing them with essential nutrients like fats, minerals, and proteins.
3. Fruits
Due to the sweet tooth squirrels have a sweet tooth, they enjoy feasting on certain fruits.
They are mostly attracted to the sugars and juices that are found in fruits.
Squirrels prefer fruits like grapes, apples, peaches, berries, and pears.
They also play a vital role in seed dispersal as they usually bury excess fruits and contribute to forest regeneration unintentionally.
4. Tree buds and shoots
Squirrels are very ambitious creatures, and they keenly consume the succulent buds and young shoots of trees during spring.
In times when there is a shortage of food sources these parts of the plant tend to provide squirrels with water and essential nutrients they need.
5. Insects and larvae
Insects and larvae are part of the things squirrels like to eat the most. As they are commonly known to be herbivores, and they supplement their diet with insects and larvae occasionally.
Insects such as caterpillars, ants, and beetles are what they feed on which gives them additional proteins and nutrients that are essential.
6. Bird eggs and nestlings
Squirrels feed on birds’ eggs and nestling, though they are not a significant part of their diet.
As squirrels are commonly known to be opportunistic eaters and they may occasionally invade bird nests for eggs or young nestlings.
This behavior occurs mostly when other food sources are very scarce and is more common among certain species of squirrels.
7. Fungi and Mushrooms
Squirrels have been discovered to be consuming various types of fungi and mushrooms. They may feed on mushrooms directly or nibble on the fungal mycelium that is growing on wood that is decaying.
Meanwhile, not all the species of squirrels that consumes fungi, the ones that do benefit from the nutritional value and moisture content are mainly seen in certain types of mushrooms.
8. Flower bulbs and plant bulbs
Squirrels are commonly known for digging up and consuming pf flower bulbs and plant bulbs.
This behavior can end up frustrating the gardeners as oftentimes squirrels end up damaging the planted bulbs by uprooting them.
These, however, show the squirrels’ adaptability and ability to hunt for food in several environments.
9. Vegetables
Vegetables are one of the things squirrels like to most. They are commonly fed on various vegetables, especially ones that have higher levels of sugar.
Vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins peas, and corn, are the kind of vegetables that squirrels may feed on if have they the opportunity.
Although vegetables are not a primary food source for squirrels, they may just select them if they come across them.
10. Bark and twigs
Squirrels may feed on bark and twigs in certain situations. especially in cases where there is a scarcity of food or limited food sources.
This is not their preferred food, squirrels bring out some nutrients from the inner layers of bark and then chew on twigs just to satisfy their hunger.
11. Berries
Squirrels are commonly known for their fondness for berries. They can keenly consume a variety of wild berries like blackberries, blueberries raspberries, and strawberries.
Berries provide squirrels with natural sugars, hydration, and antioxidants.
12. Grain and cereals
Most times In urban areas, squirrels may have access to human-provided food sources, such as grains and cereals.
They may also haunt bird feeders or hay for spilled grain that is near storage areas. Meanwhile, these foods are not part of their natural diet, squirrels may eagerly consume them.
13. Flower blossoms
Flower blossoms are part of the things squirrels like to eat the most. They are popularly known for consuming flower blossoms, especially the ones that produce nectar.
They can feed on the petals of flowers which are sunflowers, daffodils, and tulips.
Though the consumption of flower blossoms does not provide essential nutritional value.
They feed on flower blossoms mostly because they are driven by curiosity or the need for hydration.
14. Sap
Squirrels have been seen licking tree sap from maple trees particularly.
Meanwhile, sap is not an essential source of nutrients, it can provide squirrels with trace minerals and some hydration.
They may nibble on the bark to have access to the sap or take advantage of sap flows that occur naturally.
15. Human-provided foods
As we have said initially, squirrels are adaptable creatures and may hunt for human-provided foods in urban areas.
Often they can be seen sampling foods such as cookies, bread, and even fast food items that have been discarded in places where waste is disposed of.
These foods are not part of their natural diet and they should not be feeding on them regularly. squirrels may consume them when available.
16. Flower bulbs
Squirrels likely feed on the petals stems, and even the flower bulbs of some variety of plants. They mostly target flowers such as lilies, tulips, and crocuses, which can upset gardeners.
Squirrels are attracted to the taste and texture of these parts of the plant, it’s advisable to protect your garden to avoid them from nibbling on your flower bulbs.
17. Bird feed
Squirrels are well known for raiding bird feeders and stealing bird seeds. They are acrobatic climbers and can find their ways to access feeders, often causing damage to those that rear birds.
Squirrels are attracted to the high-fat content in birdseed mixes, and they will happily feast on them if they have the opportunity.
18. Crops and agricultural produce
In rural areas and agricultural landscapes, squirrels may target crops and agricultural produce.
They can damage crops like sunflowers, soybeans, and corn by nibbling on the young shoots or even harvesting the seeds that are matured.
This can cause challenges for farmers and gardeners who depend on these crops for food production.
19. Invertebrates
Squirrels are said to be primarily herbivores, they may sometimes prey on small invertebrates such as worms, snails, and insects,
This behavior is more majorly seen in some species of squirrel and can provide them with additional protein and nutrients.
20. Animal carcasses
Although rare, there have been reports of squirrels scavenging animal carcasses for food. This behavior is more commonly exhibited in cases where food is scarce or during harsh winter conditions when there is a shortage of other food sources.
21. Nectar
Squirrels may occasionally sample nectar from flowers that produce sufficient nectar, such as certain types of blossoms and tree sap.
While nectar is not a primary food source for squirrels, they may lick or lap it up for hydration to quench their thirst or fulfill their curiosity.
Conclusion
We have successfully listed the things squirrels like to eat the most. It’s important to note that while squirrels may consume a variety of foods, their dietary needs are best met through their natural diet such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and other natural vegetation.
This gives them a properly balanced diet for squirrels, especially in captive or rehabilitative settings, which requires careful consideration of their nutritional requirements.
Thanks for reading through.
FAQs
What are the things squirrels like to eat the most
- Nuts
- seeds
- fruits
- Tree buds and shoots
- Insects and larvae
- Bird eggs and nestlings
- Fungi and mushroom
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Precious Okafor is a digital marketer and online entrepreneur that got into the online space in 2017 and since then have developed skills in content creation, copywriting and online marketing. He is also a Green activist and hence his role in publishing articles for EnvironmentGo