What Do Squirrels Eat In The Winter? 6 Common Foods

Squirrels are pesky yet clever creatures that are typically seen all year round. Since squirrels are seen all year round, they do not hibernate. Instead, squirrels will collect and store their food to prepare for winter. During winter, squirrels will still scavenge for food; however, it is more challenging to try to stay warm. Let’s check out the common foods that squirrels eat during winter.

Food Choices of the Season

Before seasons change, squirrels will search for food for the specific season. During the early part of the year, squirrels feed on sugar and protein-rich foods. These types of food are readily available and needed to get through the next upcoming season. These foods include fruits, garden vegetables, dried fruits, insects, and sometimes bird eggs. In late Summer and Fall, squirrels will search for non-perishable foods like nuts and seeds.

Common Winter Foods Squirrels Consume

Squirrels have a litter of three or four in early January and early August. Because of this, most babies do not survive the first year of life. Squirrels must stock up on as many perishables as possible because they can lose twenty-five percent of body weight during winter. Imagine a momma squirrel trying to feed her young baby without providing enough nutrients for their survival. Below is a list of non-perishable foods squirrels will store and eat during winter.

• 1. Seeds
• 2. Acorns: They have the protein and calories these creatures would need to survive winter. Acorns are usually plentiful, and squirrels will bury or store in their homes. Similar to humans, squirrels have their favorite foods. Squirrels will eat White Oak acorns immediately; red oak acorns are bitter and stored for winter.
• 3. Walnuts: Walnuts are high in protein, fats, fiber, and iron.
• 4. Pecans: Protein, omega three fatty acids, has 19 vitamins.
• 5. Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are found in woods or gardens.
• 6. Hickory nuts

In Conclusion

Squirrels are opportunistic foragers, meaning they eat any food they can find. You may notice in the park squirrels digging in the trash or stealing food from someone sitting on a park bench. If you are someone who does not mind having squirrels around, you can fill up your bird feeder with seeds to feed them!