What Animal Eats a Squirrel?

Humans are widely known to eat squirrels but aren’t the only creature to prey or hunt down the rodent. Owls, foxes, and snakes are all predators of this small mammal. Squirrels can get into the water, but they won’t stay in deeper water. Large fish, such as catfish, will eat them. Smaller fish will wait until the squirrel drowns before feasting on it. In the wild, alligators, and crocodiles are also known to attack squirrels.

Squirrels are among the most common and commonly hunted animals in the United States. They’re also among the most popular meat, and fur products on the market, but they are skittish and can be easily swayed by a predator. Fortunately, these predators aren’t particularly destructive. If you spot a squirrel, it’s best to avoid it until you’re sure you’ll be able to identify it.

Squirrel’s Predators

Hawks and eagles are among the most common predators of squirrels. Although they’re omnivorous, hawks are often able to locate a squirrel even in its secretive hideouts. These birds wait until the squirrel is out of the cover and in an open field. Unlike cats and dogs, though, they don’t spend much time in open fields, a hawk may still be able to find them without much effort.

Aside from foxes, squirrels are preyed upon by red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks. They’re also susceptible to attacks by great horned owls, bald eagles, and sharp-shinned hawks. A few species of hawks are particularly deadly to squirrels, but they’re all highly trained, and they can kill any kind of squirrel in an instant.

Must Read: How To Keep A Baby Squirrel Alive

While squirrels have a short lifespan, most of them survive for five to ten years. Some species can live up to 20 years. Their good eyesight allows them to spot predators and find food. This is especially helpful in areas where they live. If a snake were to get a squirrel, it would likely suffocate or poison it. That’s not a good outcome, so it’s best to avoid a snake if you’re worried about the possibility of a rat or squirrel infestation.

As you can see, squirrels have many predators. But the most common ones are foxes, alligators, and snakes. While squirrels are primarily carnivorous, they can also be killed by humans. If you have a dog, they will chase the squirrel. If a dog catches a squirrel, it can be killed, but it is better not to expose the squirrel to a snake.

While there are several types of squirrels, they all have different types of predators. Baby squirrels are vulnerable to opportunistic predators, while older squirrels are more likely to be attacked by ground-dwelling, aerial predators, and parasites. These are just some of the predators that kill a squirrel. But there are other predators that can harm a squirrel, including humans.