Wildlife Control

The Squirrel’s Natural Diet

Squirrels are opportunistic eaters with a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits and even bird eggs. Knowing what should squirrels eat is important for their health and to prevent metabolic bone disease. If you want to feed squirrels in your yard or just observe their natural behaviour, knowing what to feed them can make a difference.

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Squirrels Favourite Foods in the Wild?

In the wild, squirrels eat what’s available. Eastern Gray squirrels eat insects, nuts, fruits, vegetables, seeds, tree buds and even birds eggs to meet their needs. Gray squirrels are particularly known for foraging in nearby forests, gathering food to store for winter.

A More Varied Diet is Key

A diet with variety helps with squirrel health by providing essential nutrients. While squirrels love sunflower seeds, only eating them can lead to deficiencies. Don’t feed squirrels peanuts either, there is not much nutrition in those for squirrel food. A good squirrel diet includes foods like hickory nuts for their teeth (they love to eat nuts), white oak acorns for energy and tree flowers for extra nutrients.

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Squirrels Favourite Foods

Nuts, Seeds and Other Goodies

Squirrels enjoy nuts like pecans (shell on), walnuts and almonds, which are very good for their teeth and are actually the absolute best food for them. Do you have hickory nuts? Excellent! Pecans? Excellent shelled as well! Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also food squirrels love. Yellow squash is also a nutritious alternative that helps with food balance.

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Squirrels and their Favorite Bird Feeders

Bird seed and sunflower seed is a favourite food squirrels love. Many people invest in squirrel-resistant bird feeders to protect their main bird feeders; others prefer a squirrel-friendly feeder close to trees so they have their own food source. Some even place a bird feeder specifically dedicated to squirrels in a few choice areas to keep them away from their primary bird feeders.

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Should You Feed Squirrels?

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Many people wonder if it’s legal to feed squirrels. In some areas, there is a law to prevent overpopulation or harm to other wildlife. Check with a local game officer to see if feeding squirrels is allowed in your area. Some people intentionally feed squirrels, while others believe it’s best to limit feeding squirrels to avoid dependency.

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Right and Wrong Foods for Squirrels

Providing proper nourishment is crucial when feeding squirrels. In the shell nuts, seed, and pumpkin shell are safe options. However, human food, including salted nuts and bread poor in nutrients, can be harmful. Unhealthy food can cause health problems and hurt squirrels over time.

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How to Feed Squirrels Safely

Choosing the Right Feeder

If you want to intentionally feed grey squirrels a simple animal feeder gives squirrels good access to food while keeping them away from regular bird feeders. Bait feeder placement can draw squirrels to specific areas, reducing competition with birds. Weight activated shut off mechanisms on bird feeders can also prevent squirrels from stealing bird seed.

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Managing the Squirrel Population

Feeding squirrels can impact the local squirrel population by increasing their numbers. Poor squirrels may struggle to find food naturally, leading to dependency on humans. While some enjoy watching squirrels interact with their environment, overzealous squirrel activity can cause problems for other wild animals including small mammals and birds.

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Squirrels and Wildlife

Squirrels and Birds

Squirrels eat young bird nestlings and may raid nests for food. This can disrupt bird populations especially near main bird feeders. Dual bird feeders designed to protect birds can help maintain balance between species.

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Other Wildlife Considerations

While squirrels are part of the ecosystem, their feeding habits can impact safer wild animals in the area. Grey squirrels eat a wide range of foods and can outcompete other species. A balanced approach when feeding them helps with biodiversity.

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Squirrels in Your Yard

Attracting Squirrels the Right Way

For those who want to attract squirrels, providing a designated feeding area away from favourite bird feeders is a good strategy. But remember squirrels carry fleas which can be a problem for pets and people. A controlled environment with a squirrel feeder close to trees can encourage natural foraging behaviour.

Though you may only want to attract them to your yard, they may push further and bust into your house if it’s during baby season. If they get in to your roof or attic call a professional wildlife removal company to evict them safely.

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Fun Facts About Squirrels

Squirrel pictures often show their playful nature and interactions with their surroundings. Their teeth’ healthy growth requires constant chewing, which is why nuts are a great squirrel diet. More squirrel articles will give you more insight into their habits and behaviour.

Once you know what squirrels eat and how to feed them safely you can ensure their health and balance in the ecosystem. Giving them proper food options like nuts, fruit, and seeds will meet their needs and avoiding human junk food will prevent harm. Using squirrel feeders and considering the wildlife in your area you can enjoy watching them without the unintended consequences.

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Conclusion

Squirrels have a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and even bird eggs, allowing them to thrive in different environments. While they love sunflower seeds and other high-energy foods, a balanced diet with in the shell nuts, tree buds, and natural vegetation is best for their health. Feeding squirrels can be enjoyable, but it’s important to limit feeding squirrels to prevent dependency and ensure they get proper food. Avoiding human junk food and salted nuts helps maintain squirrel health and prevents issues like metabolic bone disease. Whether you’re using a squirrel friendly feeder or observing their natural foraging, understanding their diet helps protect both squirrels and other wild animals.