What Do Squirrels Eat?

Squirrels are primarily herbivores with a diet centred around nuts, seeds and fruits, but they are also opportunistic feeders that will eat fungi, bark, buds and even small insects when the chance arises. Their diet varies depending on the species, habitat and season, allowing these lively creatures to thrive in woodlands, parks and urban environments alike.

Introducing the Squirrel
Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. The most common species in the UK and much of Europe is the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), while the larger and more adaptable grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has become widespread, often outcompeting the native reds. Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their bushy tails, nimble climbing skills and inquisitive nature. They are mostly diurnal, active during daylight hours, and spend much of their time foraging or storing food.

Diet in the Wild
The core diet of squirrels consists of various nuts, including acorns, hazelnuts, beech nuts and chestnuts. These provide essential fats and proteins, helping squirrels build up energy reserves especially before winter. Seeds from conifer cones and other trees also feature heavily, alongside a range of fruits such as berries and apples. Squirrels have a keen sense of smell and sharp teeth, enabling them to crack tough shells and access nutritious contents.

Apart from nuts and seeds, squirrels consume buds and shoots during spring when fresh growth appears. This provides important vitamins and moisture after a lean winter. Bark stripping is another behaviour, often misunderstood as destructive, but it can supply minerals and roughage. In addition, squirrels eat fungi, including truffles and mushrooms, some of which form important underground networks with tree roots. Occasionally, squirrels supplement their diet with insects, bird eggs or even small birds, though these are relatively rare and opportunistic inclusions.

Seasonal Dietary Habits
Squirrels’ diets change significantly with the seasons. In autumn, they focus on gathering and storing nuts and seeds for the winter months, creating caches hidden across their territory. This food hoarding is vital for survival when fresh resources are scarce. During spring and summer, their diet shifts toward fresh shoots, flowers, fruits and insects, which are more readily available. This seasonal rhythm ensures a balanced intake of nutrients throughout the year.

Differences Between Species and Habitats
Tree squirrels, like the UK’s red and grey squirrels, rely heavily on arboreal food sources—nuts, seeds and fruits found in trees and bushes. Ground squirrels, more common in North America and parts of Asia, have a more varied diet that includes roots, grasses and occasionally small vertebrates. Flying squirrels, mostly nocturnal, feed similarly but with adaptations to their night-time lifestyle.

Urban squirrels often adapt their diets to include human food scraps, bird feeders and garden produce. While this can increase food availability, it sometimes leads to nutritional imbalances or dependence on unnatural foods. Gardeners often notice squirrels nibbling on vegetables or fruit trees, reflecting their opportunistic feeding habits.

Feeding Behaviour and Food Storage
Squirrels are famous for their food caching behaviour, burying nuts and seeds in multiple locations to retrieve later. This scatter-hoarding helps prevent total loss if a cache is discovered by others and also inadvertently aids forest regeneration, as forgotten nuts can grow into new trees. Squirrels have excellent spatial memory to relocate their stores, though they occasionally forget some caches.

They forage extensively during daylight, using their sharp eyesight and dexterous paws to gather and manipulate food. Their strong incisors grow continuously, requiring them to gnaw regularly on hard materials, including shells and bark.

Care Tips for Squirrels in Gardens
For those who enjoy attracting squirrels, providing natural foods like unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds and fresh fruit is best. Avoid processed human foods, bread or sugary treats which can harm their health. Maintaining diverse native plants and trees supports their natural diet and habitat needs. Water sources like shallow bowls also benefit visiting squirrels.

Conservation and Threats
The UK’s native red squirrel faces significant threats from habitat loss and competition from the invasive grey squirrel, which is larger, more aggressive and can carry squirrelpox virus deadly to reds. Protecting woodlands, controlling grey squirrel populations and raising public awareness are key conservation efforts. Ensuring a plentiful and natural food supply is vital to support native squirrel populations.

Interesting Squirrel Facts
Squirrels have a fascinating ability to eat some foods toxic to other animals. For example, they can safely consume acorns that contain tannins, which are bitter and astringent. Their digestive system can neutralise these compounds, allowing them to exploit a food source others avoid. Squirrels are also known for their agility and speed, able to leap across gaps and scamper up vertical surfaces with ease.

Cultural Significance
Squirrels have long been popular figures in folklore and literature, often symbolising resourcefulness and preparedness. Their busy, lively nature makes them a favourite in parks and gardens, charming children and adults alike. In some cultures, squirrels are seen as messengers or guardians of the forest.

Common Questions About Squirrel Diet
People often ask if squirrels can eat peanuts, bread or fruit scraps. Unsalted peanuts are safe but should be given sparingly. Bread offers little nutritional benefit and can cause digestive issues, so it’s best avoided. Fruits such as apples and berries are fine in moderation. It is important to feed squirrels only suitable foods and avoid anything salty, sugary or processed.

Conclusion
Squirrels are adaptable, primarily herbivorous creatures with diets centred on nuts, seeds and fruits, complemented by fungi and occasional animal matter. Their ability to adjust their diet with the seasons and across habitats has helped them flourish in many environments. Supporting their natural food sources and habitats ensures these enchanting animals remain a beloved part of our countryside and urban green spaces for generations to come.