What to Feed Your Eastern Gray Squirrel
If you have an eastern gray squirrel, you may be wondering what to feed him. These squirrels are very omnivorous and will eat anything, including tree bark and nuts, as well as various fungi. They also have different diet plans according to the seasons. In the spring, they feed on the buds and winged seeds of maple and other hardwood trees. In the summer, they eat various berries and wild fruits, while in the fall, they eat nuts, mainly pine nuts, bitternuts, butternuts, and other hard-shelled fungi.
Table of Contents
Nuts
The best time to give an Eastern gray squirrel nuts is before winter arrives, when the winter weather turns cold and snow-covered. During the winter, eastern grays feed on nuts, acorns, and other nuts. During the early spring, these squirrels feed on the sweet sap from tree buds and young birds in nests. In the summer, eastern grays feed on various fruits and berries. They also eat carrion and shed antlers.
Berries
In the Okanagan, the Eastern grey squirrel is a potential agricultural pest. However, little is known about the species’ preferences. In this study, we sought to document the food preferences of captive Eastern gray squirrels. We concentrated on fruit crops grown in the Okanagan. In addition to berries, we provided fruit trees and other vegetation that are not toxic to the squirrel. We also included a few insects and small rodents that we’ve observed.
Fungi
You might be wondering what to feed your Eastern gray squirrel. After all, they are naturally omnivores, which means they eat both animals and plants. Interestingly, they eat almost 95% of their diet from nuts and seeds, with the remainder coming from insect larvae and fungi. So why would you feed your squirrel mushrooms? Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods that are not only delicious but also provide a variety of vitamins, proteins, and fiber. They are also immune-boosting.
Branches of trees
Eastern gray squirrels are tree-dwelling rodents that eat a variety of plants, berries, and fruits. Their range is one to one hundred acres. Populations fluctuate, but they typically stay in the same area, with some squirrels traveling up to fifty miles in search of better habitat. This rodent lives about four years and breeds once a year, usually in late December or early January. Once the female squirrel reaches maturity, she mates with two to five males. Those males who are breeding will often compete for the female, and female squirrels may mate with more than one male.
Tree cavities
In colder climates, gray squirrels rely on tree cavities for protection and shelter. In autumn, they begin collecting food for the winter. They dig holes in trees and search the ground for buried nuts. The female squirrel then takes the baby nuts to feed her young. This behavior is common in the Adirondacks. But what does this behavior mean for the rest of us? Read on to find out more about these fascinating animals.
Nesting habits
Females of the eastern gray squirrel nest in tree hollows. Breeding occurs during winter. Females are in estrous when they begin constructing nests. The young remain in the nest for eight to nine weeks before the mother leaves them to fend for themselves. Females may give birth to more than one litter during their lifetime, but most litters are born in tree cavities. Other females may have litters in the spring, early summer, or fall.
Diet
What does an eastern gray squirrel eat? Its diet varies based on where it lives, but it consists primarily of fruits, nuts and other plant materials. It also eats insects, bird eggs, and even farm crops. In the spring and summer, it feeds on the sweet sap from trees and swollen buds. It also consumes carrion and gnaws on bones and shed antlers.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
