Here's why they might only eat part:
* Caching: Squirrels are known for burying nuts for later. They might eat a small part of a nut to make sure it's good, then bury the rest.
* Preference: Sometimes, squirrels might prefer the kernel (the meat inside) and leave the shell behind. This is especially true if the shell is hard or difficult to crack open.
* Not enough time: If a squirrel is in a hurry or feels threatened, it might quickly grab a nut and only eat a portion before moving on.
So, there's no single reason. It depends on the squirrel, the nut, and the situation! 🐿️