Plant-based foods:
* Nuts: Acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, beechnuts, and pine nuts are favorites.
* Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other birdseed are common snacks.
* Fruits: Apples, berries, cherries, pears, and other fruits are seasonal treats.
* Mushrooms: Squirrels enjoy mushrooms, particularly when other food sources are scarce.
* Bark: They may nibble on bark, especially during winter when other food is limited.
* Buds: Squirrels eat flower buds and tree buds for extra nutrition.
* Grasses: They will eat grass seeds and blades.
Animal-based foods:
* Insects: Squirrels will eat insects like beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers.
* Eggs: They may raid bird nests for eggs.
* Small animals: Occasionally, squirrels will eat small animals like mice or young birds.
Other:
* Bird feeders: Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders!
* Garbage: They may scavenge for scraps in garbage cans.
Seasonal Variations:
Squirrels' diet varies depending on the time of year:
* Summer and Fall: They focus on nuts, fruits, and insects.
* Winter: Squirrels rely more on their stored food (nuts) and will also eat bark, buds, and mushrooms.
It's important to note: Not all squirrels eat the same things. Their diet can be influenced by their location, the availability of food, and individual preferences.