As a passionate nature and squirrel lover, I know that when it comes to fox squirrels, the first question that arises is: What do they eat? Well, the answer is surprisingly delicious. In this blog post, I’ll share the details of their diet, so you can understand more about these fascinating animals. From nuts to fruits and seeds, you’ll get a clear picture of what fox squirrels eat!

Fox squirrels are omnivorous and eat a variety of plants and animals. They feed on acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, walnuts, insects, fruits, mushrooms, bird eggs, small mammals and carrion. Fox squirrels also enjoy sunflower seeds and various types of corn.

Acorns
Hickory Nuts
Beechnuts
Walnuts
Insects
Fruits
Mushrooms
Bird Eggs
Small Mammals
Carrion
Sunflower Seeds
Corn

What Do Fox Squirrel Eat?

Fox squirrels are members of the Sciuridae family, which includes over 265 species of rodents. These squirrels are diurnal and active during the day, foraging for their favorite food items to eat. As omnivores, fox squirrels have an eclectic diet that consists of a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and fungi. Knowing what do fox squirrels eat can help us to better understand the nutritional benefits of their diet, as well as the types of victuals consumed by this species.

Nutritional Benefits Of The Fox Squirrel Diet

The fox squirrel diet is highly nutritious and balanced with a range of different food items that each provide unique benefits. Nuts and seeds are rich in proteins, fats and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Fruits offer vitamins and antioxidants while insects provide essential amino acids. Fungi offers many important nutrients including vitamin D and B-vitamins.

A healthy diet composed of all these components ensures that fox squirrels receive sufficient amounts of nutrients they need to survive in the wild.

The Delicious Food Items Consumed By Fox Squirrels

Fox squirrels consume a wide array of food items and vary their diets seasonally depending on what is available around them. Some staple ingredients found in their diets include acorns, hickory nuts and beechnuts. Additionally, walnuts, insects and organic matter such as mushrooms can also form part of a fox squirrel’s daily meals.

Acorns, Hickory Nuts And Beechnuts

Acorns are high in carbohydrates and fats. They provide fox squirrels with an energy-rich snack.
Hickory nuts are nutty in flavor with a sweet aftertaste, which makes them one of the most popular selections among fox squirrels.
Beechnuts are smaller than other nuts but still contain essential nutrients like protein and fat.

Walnuts, Insects And Fruits

Walnuts are packed with omega 3 fatty acids which help keep fox squirrel’s coat glossy.
Insects such as grasshoppers or caterpillars are eaten either live or dead by fox squirrels when they come across them
Fruits like apples or berries may be eaten alone or mixed into other dishes like salads for added flavor.

FAQ

Do fox squirrels consume nuts as a source of nourishment?

Yes, fox squirrels are known to eat a variety of nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts and hickory. They also consume seeds, fruits and buds of maple trees, mulberry, hack berry, elm, buckeyes, horse chestnuts and dogwoods amongst others.

They usually stock up on their favorite snacks throughout the year in reserves between 3000 and 10,000 nuts!

What type of food should I give a fox squirrel?

Fox squirrels enjoy a range of nutritious and delicious food items. You can offer them walnuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts as their favorites. As well as fruits, seeds, buds, and flowers from oak, hickory, pecan, maple, mulberry, hack berry, elm, buckeye, horse chestnut, wild cherry, dogwood, hawthorn, ginkgo and pine trees.

What entices fox squirrels to come near?

Fox Squirrels are drawn to trees that produce a cornucopia of delicious treats. These include trees such as oaks, walnuts, hickories, pecans and maples among others. The most beloved food is undoubtedly the walnut, followed by peanuts and hazelnuts. Around 80% of their diet comprises these nutty goodies! Other foods like fruits, seeds, buds and pine seeds provide variety to their daily meals.

What food can be safely given to wild squirrels?

Wild squirrels can safely be fed a variety of nut-based snacks to supplement their diet. Nuts such as walnuts, hickory, pecans and hazelnuts are the most sought-after items. Fruits like apples, pears and plums are also appreciated. Seeds from maple, mulberry, dogwood, horse chestnut and wild cherry trees make a nutritious snack. For something extra special, try peanuts.

Conclusion

Fox squirrels are omnivores, meaning their diet consists of both plants and animals. They forage for a variety of nutritious snacks such as acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, walnuts, insects, fruits, mushrooms, bird eggs, small mammals and carrion. In addition to traditional fare, fox squirrels also enjoy sunflower seeds and various types of corn. So when it comes to the question ‘what do fox squirrels eat‘ the answer is plenty!

Through careful observation of fox squirrel behavior we can gain insight into their dietary habits and further our understanding of wildlife activity in general. Fox squirrels are just one of many species that rely on a balanced diet with a variety of food sources for survival. Their ability to deftly adapt to their environment ensures that this species will be around for many years to come.