What happens when a squirrel eats too many fermented crab apples?
A drunk squirrel was caught on camera eating fermented crab apples. Initially, the man who captured the video assumed that the squirrel was injured and reacted in an unnatural manner. However, the squirrel’s unusual behavior eventually caught his attention. In this article, you will learn what happens when a squirrel eats too many fermented crab apples. Here are some tips for your next drunk squirrel encounter.
Getting back to her nest
A group of people came across a squirrel who was struggling to move after eating a lot of fermented crab apples. They initially thought the squirrel was injured, but soon realized that the squirrel had become drunk, as animals get naturally buzzed when fermenting fruit is eaten. The video of the squirrel has nearly two million views and counting. So, what should we do to prevent this from happening to our little friends?
A squirrel may exhibit aggressive behavior if she is eating too many fermented crab apples. This is not unusual behavior for this species. Females may also act wary or standoffish, even towards people they trust. They may also refuse to accept food from humans. This behavior is not always obvious, and can depend on several factors. It might also be the time of year, sex, and temperament of the animal.
Falling from a tree
The video of a squirrel falling from a tree after eating fermented crab apples is going viral! The animal is spotted half hopping and falling from the tree. While the squirrel appears to be intoxicated, the natural alcohol found in fermented fruit has been known to cause animals to get buzzed. Apparently, it wasn’t the only animal to get buzzed after eating too much fermented crab apples.
A family in the United States caught the squirrel falling from a tree after it ate too many fermented crab apples. The family captured the entire incident on video, and it has gone viral. Although the squirrel seems to have hurt itself, the video clearly shows how drunk the animal was. This squirrel probably has a home up the next tree. But a family member who lives on a hillside may have caught this footage.
Running in erratic paths
If you have ever watched a video of a squirrel falling down a tree or hopping around, you may have wondered what could have caused it to get so drunk. While this may seem bizarre, fermented fruits contain naturally occurring alcohol, so it’s possible for animals to get drunk from these substances. Fermented crabapples, for example, contain as much alcohol as a gallon of whiskey.
If you’ve ever noticed a squirrel running in erratic paths after eating too many fermented crab apples, you may have already seen such an occurrence. Despite the fact that squirrels are quite friendly and trusting creatures, they are also very clever. This is why they sometimes put on elaborate fake food burial displays to fool birds or potential thieves. When they do this, they are more likely to get away with their stealing.
Acting drunk
When a squirrel eats too many ferment-crusted crab apples, it may act like a human who is buzzed. The alcoholic effect of the crabapples can make it difficult for the animal to walk, run, or jump. But what if the squirrel had been drinking the fermented fruit for a long time? Scientists have examined the effects of fermented fruit on animals to find out if alcohol is a natural occurrence.
Benzene or ethanol is a naturally occurring substance in alcohol that gets into the bloodstream, which affects the brain. But unlike humans, plants don’t have a nervous system and brain, so they are not prone to getting drunk. So, what causes squirrels to get drunk? Fermented fruit is fermented by bacteria, yeast, mold, or an enzyme. The crabapple reaches its mature stage in the fall, when many birds and insects begin feasting on them.
Also Read: How many nuts does a squirrel eat in a day?
What happens when a squirrel eats too many fermented crab apples?
The squirrel becomes intoxicated and may display signs of drunkenness such as stumbling incoordination and slowed reactions.
Do squirrels eat crab apples?
The squirrel’s level of intoxication will depend on how many crab apples were consumed and how long ago they were eaten.
Generally it takes around 30 minutes for the effects of alcohol to set in.
What are the consequences of a squirrel becoming intoxicated?
If a squirrel consumes too much alcohol it may suffer from alcohol poisoning and potentially die.
Is there a way to prevent a squirrel from getting intoxicated from fermented crab apples?
If you do not want a squirrel to get drunk do not leave fermented crab apples where they can reach them.
What do fermented crab apples taste like?
Fermented crab apples taste sour and slightly sweet.
They may also have a slightly yeasty or alcoholic flavor.
How long do fermented crab apples last?
Fermented crab apples will last for several months if they are stored in a cool dark place.
How do you make fermented crab apples?
To make fermented crab apples you will need to bury them in a container of sugar and water for several weeks.
What other fruits can be fermented?
In addition to crab apples other fruits that can be fermented include grapes strawberries and cherries.
What are some other uses for fermented crab apples?
In addition to being eaten fermented crab apples can also be used to make crab apple cider or wine.
What is the alcohol content of fermented crab apples?
The alcohol content of fermented crab apples will depend on how long they have been fermenting.
Generally they will have an alcohol content of around 5%.
Are fermented crab apples safe for humans to eat?
Yes fermented crab apples are safe for humans to eat.
However it is important to note that they do contain alcohol and should be consumed in moderation.
What are some other animals that like to eat fermented crab apples?
In addition to squirrels other animals that enjoy fermented crab apples include birds chipmunks and deer.
Do fermented crab apples attract insects?
Yes fermented crab apples can attract insects such as bees and wasps.
What are some other uses for crab apples?
In addition to being eaten crab apples can also be used to make crab apple jelly or cider.
How can you tell if a crab apple is ripe?
Crab apples are ripe when they are soft to the touch and have a slightly reddish color.

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.