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In response to my last squirrel column, I was asked for some clarification about what they eat. More specifically, whether or not they are omnivores. Nature News: What exactly do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are foragers, which means that they collect food — things like nuts and berries. A squirrel may build up a cache of extra food for when they don’t have time to go out and find a meal.
Squirrels, being primarily herbivores, eat a wide variety of plants, as well as nuts, seeds, conifer cones, fruits, fungi, and green vegetation. Some squirrels, however, also consume meat, especially when faced with hunger. [21] [32] Squirrels have been known to eat small birds, young snakes, and smaller rodents, as well as bird eggs and insects.
For the rest of us, we need to accept that squirrels aren't particularly interested in befriending us. They sort of want to keep their distance. That doesn't mean they won't get up close, however.
Mount Graham red squirrels behave in a manner similar to most other subspecies of American red squirrel. They are diurnal and do not hibernate during the winter months, but instead carry out activities in the mid-day sun. [7] Mount Graham squirrels usually eat a diet of mixed seeds, conifer cones and air-dried fungi. [8]
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), also known as the eastern fox squirrel or Bryant's fox squirrel, [3] is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America.It is sometimes mistaken for the American red squirrel or eastern gray squirrel in areas where the species co-exist, though they differ in size and coloration.
Unlike most squirrels, African pygmy squirrels don't cache food, meaning they don't hide and store their food. Myosciurus pumilio species are omnivorous. These squirrels eat scrapings from bark, insects, and fruit. It is theorized that oily spores from microscopic fungus may be the primary substance these squirrels obtain from the bark.
Instead of viewing squirrels as nuisances, consider their virtues. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us