Have you ever wondered how much food a squirrel eats? We have all heard that Red squirrels love vegetables, but how much do Grey or Fox squirrels eat? As you’ll see in this article, they also love fungi, insects, and lichen. Here’s what they eat and what you can feed them. In addition, there are some tricks you can use to get more veggies in your squirrel’s diet.
Table of Contents
Red squirrels eat a lot of vegetables
A 2004 study found that red squirrels ate more than half of the Rhizopogon species that grow in Scottish forests. These plants contain odours that attract squirrels. Other research suggests that they may act as dispersers of fungal spores. A recent Italian study also suggests that reds eat a lot of vegetables, particularly acorns. The authors of the study cited the findings of several other researchers in explaining the differences in the diet of these squirrels.
Grey squirrels eat fungi
A recent study of Red and Douglas’s squirrels in the Scots Pine forest in eastern Scotland found that they ate fungi throughout the year, peaking in the autumn months. In winter, they consumed conifer buds and bark. Then in the spring, they ate fruit and seeds of deciduous trees. The findings suggest that greys are important dispersers of fungal spores in the soil, and that their preference for fungi is closely related to the health of forests.
Fox squirrels eat insects
Generally, a squirrel needs a variety of foods that contain a balance of vitamins and minerals. It should also include vegetables, especially those that are high in calcium. These include arugula, broccoli, and radicchio. Aside from fruits, squirrels also eat insects and small prey. A well-balanced diet should include both meat and plant-based foods.
Grey squirrels eat lichen
A grey squirrel’s diet is diverse and rich, ranging from fruits to seeds, fungi to tree bark. The species eats a greater variety of food than red squirrels, which are known for their preference for seeds and coniferous trees. In addition to lichen, grey squirrels eat berries and buds, and tree bark during the winter. They also occasionally eat lichen and moss.
Nuts are a favorite food of squirrels
Squirrels eat a variety of nuts, including acorns, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds. They will also happily eat peanuts. While squirrels prefer a variety of nuts, they do like a few common types. If you want to attract squirrels to your yard, plant nut trees and bushes. Squirrels will happily eat your nuts, storing them for winter.
Nuts are a rich source of nutrition
Squirrels are known to feed on nuts, such as acorns, which are very tasty and nutritious. The acorn nut is produced by oak trees and is a delicious treat for squirrels. Pecans grow in various regions of the world, including Texas, Georgia, and New Mexico. The nuts are rich in protein and essential nutrients, while being low in calories. Squirrels enjoy eating shelled nuts as it provides them with exercise and sharpens their front teeth.
Seeds are the bulk of a squirrel’s diet
A squirrel’s diet consists of a variety of plants. In addition to seeds, they also eat insects, rodents, birds, hatchlings, and lizards. Seeds are important sources of protein for these little creatures. Other squirrel foods include dead animals, skinks, and anoles. When nuts are scarce, they will eat small animals and eggs. In addition, female squirrels eat animal eggs to provide them with extra protein and nutrients.
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.
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