What Fruits Are Tree Squirrels Eating in Missouri? 
What fruits are tree squirrels eating in Missouri? The rufiventer subspecies is the only type of tree squirrel that can be found in Missouri. These squirrels are primarily reddish-yellow in color, and their backs are heavily gray. They prefer to live in woodlands on higher ridges. Their preferred diet includes corn and Osage orange fruits. You can even try to spot these squirrels when you see them hanging out in your yard.
Habitat
The two main types of tree squirrels in Missouri rely on the right combination of trees for survival. Tree squirrels thrive in mature forests and prefer elm and shelter trees. These animals are known to migrate to open water sources during drought. You can spot them in your attic if you know where to look. These animals will make your attic their home during these periods. But you should be aware of some important facts before you try to catch one.
The first thing to know about tree squirrels is that they breed at approximately one year of age. Although females can breed year-round, they mate twice a year. They mate for about two weeks each. Females breed in December and January, but southern tree squirrels begin breeding two to four weeks before northern ones. The second mating season occurs late May through early July. Both females and males are active during the day. Their activity is the most active during midday when it is sunny.
Diet
If you love animals, you may have laid out food for a squirrel or fed it in your backyard. Tree squirrels enjoy eating a variety of foods, but some don’t provide much nutrition, while others can actually harm the digestive system of a squirrel. Starchy foods such as breakfast cereals, oats, and potatoes are a common source of food for squirrels, but they do not have many nutritional benefits. These types of foods can harm the digestive system of a squirrel, so it’s best to keep these foods out of their diets.
The diet of a tree squirrel is unique to its species, and it’s essential to know the proper nutrition it needs to stay healthy and strong. While the exact number of calories depends on the age and weight of your squirrel, you can use these general guidelines to determine the right amount of food for your squirrel. Remember to always double-check any information before doing something that can harm your squirrel. You can always contact the Squirrel Refuge for more information.
Lifespan
The average life span of a tree squirrel is about three years, but they do live longer than you might expect. The squirrel’s fluffy tail and small ears make them easy to spot, as they are considered herbivores. Although they often supplement their diet with insects, bird eggs, and nestlings, the squirrel also eats seeds, corn, and tree sap and twigs. Their long tails also help them balance on tree branches.
Female tree squirrels in Missouri give birth to two to eight young at a time. Unlike most animals, they can bear multiple litters. Female tree squirrels have only two litters a year. They mate once in late December, while northern tree squirrels have a single litter of kits between late December and early January. The southern tree squirrels start breeding two to four weeks before their northern counterparts. The second mating period takes place in late May or early July. Gestation lasts forty-five days.
Dietary habits
One of the main food sources for squirrels is nuts. They often hang out in branches where they can gather nuts and store them for later. However, if you don’t like squirrels eating your nuts, you may want to deter them from doing this by installing a metal sheet around the trunk of your tree. Alternatively, you can remove trees around crop areas. Despite the annoying noises, squirrels are not considered a serious threat by many people.
Squirrels are not picky eaters and will eat just about anything you throw at them, from a carrot to a piece of apple. Their diet should contain plenty of fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, and nuts that they naturally eat. You can even provide them with candy bars. Remember that they are omnivores and will eat almost anything as long as it provides them with what they need.
Preferences
Whether your home is in the countryside or an urban neighborhood, there’s a good chance you have encountered a tree squirrel. These critters are a welcome sight and sound, but in the city, they can be a real nuisance, causing damage to electrical wiring, siding, and even agricultural crops. Plus, tree squirrels can eat electrical wiring and insulating materials, causing power outages with their gnawing habits. While all members of the Missouri Sciuridae are considered low-risk by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, their management must be very careful.
The rufiventer subspecies of tree squirrels inhabits only parts of Missouri. Its plump body is mostly reddish-brown, with patches of brown on its back and sides. Its distinctive tufts of fur on its tail add a fluffy touch to its appearance. The squirrels prefer eating corn and Osage oranges. They also eat a variety of other plants, including fruit.
Damage caused by squirrels
Tree squirrels are easily visible and active during the day. They can cause extensive damage to crops, particularly fruit and nut trees. While they are fun to watch, they can also cause significant expenses in repairs. Trees that overhang a roof or are near telephone lines should be trimmed back to prevent tree squirrels from entering. Making a garden less attractive to squirrels may also be beneficial. Here are a few things to do to keep tree squirrels from destroying your crops.
Injuries caused by squirrels vary from small holes to large gnawing holes. Squirrels may gnaw on phone cables, destroy woodwork, and damage electrical wires. In addition to their destructive behavior, squirrels may also carry diseases that can be passed on to humans. In addition to gnawing, tree squirrels are often infested with fleas and mites. If you suspect your home or garden may be inhabited by squirrels, take immediate steps to prevent them from establishing a home or business.
What is the most common type of fruit eaten by tree squirrels in Missouri?
The most common type of fruit eaten by tree squirrels in Missouri is the acorn.
What other types of fruits do tree squirrels in Missouri eat?
Other types of fruits that tree squirrels in Missouri eat include hickory nuts beechnuts and walnuts.
How do tree squirrels eat acorns?
Tree squirrels typically eat acorns by removing the acorn’s shell and then eating the acorn’s kernel.
Do all tree squirrels in Missouri eat the same types of fruits?
No not all tree squirrels in Missouri eat the same types of fruits.
Some squirrels may eat a greater variety of fruits than others.
What is the difference between a hickory nut and a beechnut?
Hickory nuts and beechnuts are both types of tree nuts but hickory nuts are typically larger than beechnuts.
Do tree squirrels eat other types of food besides fruits?
Yes in addition to eating fruits tree squirrels also eat buds twigs and leaves.
What is the primary reason that tree squirrels eat fruits?
The primary reason that tree squirrels eat fruits is for the squirrels to obtain energy.
Do all tree squirrels eat the same types of fruits?
No not all tree squirrels eat the same types of fruits.
Some squirrels may eat a greater variety of fruits than others.
What is the difference between a hickory nut and a beechnut?
Hickory nuts and beechnuts are both types of tree nuts but hickory nuts are typically larger than beechnuts.
Do tree squirrels eat other types of food besides fruits?
Yes in addition to eating fruits tree squirrels also eat buds twigs and leaves.
What is the primary reason that tree squirrels eat fruits?
The primary reason that tree squirrels eat fruits is for the squirrels to obtain energy.
What is the most common type of fruit eaten by tree squirrels in Missouri?
The most common type of fruit eaten by tree squirrels in Missouri is the acorn.
What other types of fruits do tree squirrels in Missouri eat?
Other types of fruits that tree squirrels in Missouri eat include hickory nuts beechnuts and walnuts.
How do tree squirrels eat acorns?
Tree squirrels typically eat acorns by removing the acorn’s shell and then eating the acorn’s kernel.
Do all tree squirrels in Missouri eat the same types of fruits?
No not all tree squirrels in Missouri eat the same types of fruits.
Some squirrels may eat a greater variety of fruits than others.
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.
