What to Feed Squirrels in the Wild

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is widely distributed and inhabits various habitats, including those altered by humans, such as city parks. Their diet includes a variety of foods, including plants, fungi, and animal matter (such as insects and bird eggs). Although they can be considered generalists, conifer and deciduous seeds make up a dominant part of their diet.

The diet of red squirrels varies depending on the season and the availability of food in their natural habitat or urban environment. Here are some key details on what red squirrels eat in the wild and how to properly feed them, whether in the wild or in urban areas:

Conifer Seeds: Conifer seeds, such as those from pine cones (especially green ones), often form the main part of the red squirrel's diet. These seeds provide essential nutrients and energy.

Deciduous Seeds: In habitats with deciduous trees, squirrels will eat seeds from trees like beech, oak, and maple.

Nuts: Red squirrels love to eat hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds because they are rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals (such as vitamin E, folates, magnesium, phosphorus, and other nutrients), as well as antioxidants (like polyphenols and flavonoids). Red squirrels avoid eating acorns as they are not good for their digestive system—they will eat them in small quantities if no other nuts are available, unlike grey squirrels, which love acorns and have a different digestive system.

Natural Vegetation: In spring, when seed availability is limited, squirrels will feed on various parts of plants: leaves, buds, shoots, or flowers. The leaves and buds of different trees provide essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium.

Tree Sap and Resin: During the winter months, when other foods may be scarce, squirrels eat tree bark and resin as a source of nourishment. These substances help them survive when there are not enough fruits, seeds, or leaves available. Tree bark and resin contain important nutrients, including fiber, some vitamins, and minerals.

Tree sap also contains water, which is crucial for the squirrels' hydration, especially during dry periods. It is important to note that squirrels usually eat tree bark and resin in small quantities and only when necessary.

Fungi: Although not always a primary food source, some types of fungi can provide vitamins and minerals. Squirrels may consume fungi, especially in winter when seeds and fruits are less available. However, squirrels are cautious with fungi consumption as many species can be toxic.

Insects and Bird Eggs: Red squirrels occasionally eat insects, but they are not their main food source. Insects are usually not their primary source of protein; they consume them sporadically. This can happen when squirrels accidentally catch insects while foraging for food or when other food sources are scarce. Eating bird eggs may occur very rarely, usually if they are extremely hungry and have no other options, or when pregnant females have an additional need for calcium. Otherwise, bird eggs are not a common part of their diet.

Wild squirrels generally should not be fed or brought into close contact, as it is important for them to retain their wild nature and fear, which helps them survive in the wild.

If you live near a forest or frequently walk in the woods, you can set up a feeder in one spot and leave a few nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds in the shell, only in winter. You can also leave a few pieces of apple, carrot, or celery. It is crucial to provide water during both summer and winter.

Squirrels in urban areas have much more limited food sources than those living in the wild. They feed on whatever they can find and often depend on humans. Therefore, it is important to feed urban squirrels properly to avoid disrupting their natural diet.

While red squirrels may be skittish in the wild, in city parks and other urban areas, they often become accustomed to human presence and become tame. However, it is not advisable to feed them by hand if they do not wish to approach or attempt to catch them, as this can cause stress and disrupt their natural diet and behavior. Squirrels in cities and parks often depend on food provided by people, which can affect their diet and health. Therefore, it is best to observe them from a safe distance and allow them to live their natural lives.

Squirrels are wild animals and should not be treated as pets. Additionally, humans can be dangerous to squirrels as they can transmit diseases, destroy their habitats, and even injure animals if they get too close or try to catch them.

Wise and compassionate treatment of squirrels in urban environments can help them survive and adapt to city life, which is often very challenging for wild animals. Here are some tips:

Feeding: Proper feeding can help squirrels when natural food is not sufficiently available. You can offer nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, and seeds like pine nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds (but not commercially prepared bird seeds), but be moderate with the quantity. Avoid roasted or salted nuts, as these can harm squirrels. Peanuts can be given in very small amounts, as they are "junk food" for squirrels. Do not give them dog, cat, or human food. You can also offer fresh fruits and vegetables such as celery root, beets, carrots, broccoli, spinach or chard, apples, persimmons, pears, peaches, bananas, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Fresh Water: Provide fresh water in shallow bowls or dishes in your yard or on your balcony. Squirrels will appreciate access to water, especially during dry periods.

Nest Boxes: If you have a tree in your yard, consider installing nest boxes high in the trees. Squirrels will use these boxes for shelter from the weather and for nesting. Read HERE to see what they should look like.

Safe Space: Keep your pets, such as cats and dogs, from threatening squirrels. Squirrels are vulnerable to attacks from these animals, which can injure or kill them.

Preserving Natural Habitats: Support local efforts to preserve natural habitats if you have the opportunity. This will help squirrels and other wildlife have safe places to live.

Maintaining Green Spaces: Keeping green areas in your environment and planting trees and shrubs can provide additional habitats and food for squirrels. Reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden to protect squirrels from harmful chemicals.

In conclusion, red squirrels are adaptable animals that will eat various types of food depending on their environment. Proper feeding includes offering a variety of foods and limiting high-calorie treats to ensure their well-being and health.

It is essential to practice moderation when feeding red squirrels, whether in the wild or in urban areas. Excessive consumption of peanuts or other high-calorie foods can lead to issues such as obesity or metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Peanuts are a good source of protein and fat but should be given in moderation to avoid becoming a dominant part of their diet. Provide enough food to encourage them to continue foraging for natural food and avoid leaving or scattering large amounts of food. Overfeeding squirrels can cause dietary problems and excessive dependence on humans, affecting their ability to survive in the wild.

It is also important not to destroy their habitats or leave litter in nature, as this can endanger animals and their living spaces. Overall, interacting with squirrels in nature and parks is a wonderful experience, but we must remember that they are wild animals to be respected and protected.