What Can I Feed A Wild Squirrel? 
You should know that squirrels will try almost anything you put in their mouths, but there are some things they do not eat. Flower bulbs such as daffodil, snowdrop and hyacinth are best avoided. Chilli, on the other hand, is a definite no-no. While the birds love a sprinkle of chilli, squirrels don’t, and this fact is often used to keep them away from bird feeding stations. Raw onion and garlic are also unappetizing to them.
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Squirrels love nuts
You’ve probably noticed that squirrels love nuts. They eat them in the wild and are known for their climbing and fast movements. The average squirrel can roam anywhere from two to five miles and never ventures far from its nest. They’re constantly on the move while foraging. But what do you know about them? Here are some interesting facts about them. What is their favorite food? What kind of nuts do they like?
Squirrels love walnuts. These are among their favorite snacks and are easy to find in the wild. Black and regular American walnuts are great options for squirrels. Leave the shells on them, as they contain good amounts of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, copper, phosphorus, manganese, and vitamin B6. You can buy them in bulk, or leave them on your tree.
They eat fungi
Most mammals eat fungi, but only a handful specialize in it. In fact, 22 species of primates feed exclusively on fungi, including wild squirrels. Squirrels can consume any type of mushroom, including some that can be toxic to humans. Fungi are able to enter the body through the intestines because they have a molecule that breaks down into a toxin and a glycoprotein. Once in the squirrel’s digestive tract, the toxin and glycoprotein are separated and excreted.
Red squirrels eat spruce, pine, and fruit trees, while gray and brown varieties eat acorns, acorn berries, and fungi. Their diet is also diverse, and they will eat bird seed, dog and cat food, and even waste from human garbage. Fungus also contains a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, and they are one of the most nutrient-dense foods available to squirrels.
They eat corn
If you have a yard full of plants that attract wild animals, you may be wondering if your pets are eating corn. Corn is one of those foods that squirrels love. They eat the leaves, stalk, and kernels of corn. If you’d like to feed your pet squirrels, you can dry corn and place it in a feeder. However, you must remove the husk and silk and break off the end of the stalk to make it easier for the squirrels to eat. If you leave out the hulls, they will become a blockage and may even cause digestive issues, which could make them die.
One reason for not feeding your pet squirrels is that corn is high in calories and fat. Fresh corn has a 41:1 phosphorus/calcium ratio, meaning it depletes calcium, which needs to be replaced elsewhere in the squirrel’s diet. And because corn has a high glycemic load, it can raise a squirrel’s blood sugar levels. That’s why most experts do not recommend feeding your pet corn.
They eat twigs
You might be wondering, “Why do wild squirrels eat twigs?” Well, you are not alone! Squirrels eat all kinds of things, including twigs, branches, and even tree bark. But did you know that squirrels also like to eat insects? Whether they are caterpillars, larvae, or winged bugs, squirrels will happily feast on these items.
While wild animals eat twigs as a source of food, you should be wary of the damage that they do to trees. Some species will eat twigs as a form of medicine and to maintain their sharp teeth. However, there is little evidence to support that squirrels are damaging your trees. If you feed them with their preferred food, they will leave your trees alone. Wild squirrels may also eat the buds on trees or consume birdseed, although this food source may not meet their nutritional requirements.
They eat leaves
Unlike most garden animals, wild squirrels do not rely on human garbage cans for their food. Instead, they make large caches of food during the fall and winter months. During the Spring and summer, squirrels must find alternative food sources to ensure they can survive the winter. Some squirrels forget about the caches and feed on tender budding flowers and fresh green shoots from their favorite trees. Some species will even consume the bark of certain plants.
In addition to eating leaves and nuts, squirrels also like to eat fungi and mushrooms. These sources of nutrition provide important vitamins and minerals. Squirrels also enjoy nibbling on puffballs, truffles, and lichens, which grow flat on trees. Additionally, squirrels eat insects, including grasshoppers, which provide protein for their growing bodies. These species also feed on fungi, which include lichens.
They eat animal bones
Although many people think of squirrels as pests, they actually have a valuable use for these animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of whatever is available. The gnawing of animal bones provides these rodents with calcium that is lacking in their diet. In addition to gaining calcium from bones, squirrels also consume other animal parts like the feet and limbs. Moreover, they can help prevent metabolic bone disease by consuming animal bones.
Squirrels also eat plant materials, like wood, fruit, and nuts. If you have a garden or fruit tree, you can plant seeds in it to attract squirrels. They will be happy to consume your plants as long as you provide them with an adequate supply of nuts and seeds. When plants are scarce, squirrels need to rely on their meat supply to stay alive. However, if you want to prevent squirrels from entering your yard, you should consider pepper spraying your garden. Squirrels and groundhogs are both herbivores and will hunt mice and snakes.
What is the best food to feed a wild squirrel?
Answer: The best food to feed a wild squirrel is fresh fruits and vegetables.
What kind of food should I avoid feeding a wild squirrel?
Answer: You should avoid feeding a wild squirrel food that is high in sugar or salt.
Can I feed a wild squirrel pet food?
Answer: No you should not feed a wild squirrel pet food as it is not nutritious for them.
Will a wild squirrel eat bird seed?
Answer: Yes a wild squirrel will eat bird seed.
I found a baby squirrel what should I feed it?
Answer: You should feed a baby squirrel milk replacer made for kittens or puppies.
How often should I feed a wild squirrel?
Answer: You should only feed a wild squirrel once a day.
What if I can’t find any fresh fruits or vegetables?
Answer: If you can’t find any fresh fruits or vegetables you can feed a wild squirrel dry unsalted nuts.
What is the best way to offer food to a wild squirrel?
Answer: The best way to offer food to a wild squirrel is to put it on a flat surface away from your house.
I think a wild squirrel is sick can I give it medicine?
Answer: No you should not give a wild squirrel medicine as it could do more harm than good.
I think a wild squirrel has fleas what should I do?
Answer: You should take the wild squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
A wild squirrel keeps coming into my house what should I do?
Answer: You should contact a wildlife rehabilitator as the squirrel may be sick or injured.
There is a dead squirrel in my yard what should I do?
Answer: You should contact your local animal control to remove the squirrel.
I found an injured squirrel what should I do?
Answer: You should take the injured squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
I hit a squirrel with my car what should I do?
Answer: You should take the squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
I think a squirrel is building a nest in my attic what should I do?
Answer: You should contact a wildlife rehabilitator as the squirrel may be sick or injured.
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.
