What does the fox squirrel eat?

Fox squirrels have a diverse diet and are considered omnivores. This means they eat both plant and animal matter. Here's a breakdown of their typical diet:

Plant matter:

* Nuts: Acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, pecans, beechnuts, pine nuts are favorites.

* Seeds: Sunflower seeds, corn, wheat, and other grains.

* Fruits: Berries, apples, pears, peaches, and other fruits in season.

* Buds: They'll eat buds from trees in the spring.

* Bark: Sometimes they'll gnaw on bark, especially in winter.

* Mushrooms and fungi: They are known to eat mushrooms and other fungi.

Animal matter:

* Insects: Grubs, caterpillars, beetles, and other insects.

* Eggs: They'll eat birds' eggs if they find them.

* Small animals: Occasionally they'll eat small mammals like mice or young birds.

Other:

* Birdseed: They are known to raid bird feeders.

* Garbage: They may scavenge from garbage cans, especially in urban areas.

Important note: Fox squirrels are adaptable and will adjust their diet based on what's available in their environment. Their diet will vary depending on the season, location, and food availability.