When we think about squirrels, the first image that comes to mind is often a little gray or red creature nibbling on an acorn. But many people wonder, do squirrels eat apples, too? The answer is yes, they absolutely do! Apples are a sweet treat for squirrels, and if you’ve ever left one under a tree or had an apple orchard nearby, chances are a squirrel has enjoyed a bite or two.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything about squirrels and apples, do squirrels eat apple why they eat them, how they eat them, and even whether it’s good for their health. For US readers, especially those living near parks, orchards, or suburban neighborhoods, this is a fun and relatable topic. Let’s explore the fascinating relationship between squirrels and apples.
Do Squirrels Eat Apples in the Winter?
Yes, do squirrels eat apples in the winter? They surely do. While squirrels are known for hoarding nuts, they also store fruits like apples when available. During cold months, apples can provide hydration and natural sugars to help them maintain energy.
In regions of the USA where apple orchards exist, squirrels often sneak into storage barns or fallen fruit piles. These juicy snacks give them an extra boost when food sources are otherwise scarce. So, if you spot half-eaten apples near your yard in winter, squirrels are likely the culprits.
Do Squirrels Eat Apple Skins?
A common question is, do squirrels eat apple skins? So, is apple cider vinegar suitable for cleaning purposes? Apple skins are packed with fiber and nutrients, making them a nutritious part of the fruit.
However, just like humans, squirrels may show preferences. Some nibble around the skin to get to the softer flesh, while others chew right through it. Either way, apple skins offer roughage that supports their digestion.
Do Squirrels Eat Apple Cores?
You might wonder, do squirrels eat apple cores? The answer is yes, but with some caution. While squirrels often chew through the entire apple, including the core, apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide. Eating a few seeds is usually harmless, but too many could be harmful.
Most squirrels instinctively avoid eating large quantities of seeds. They may gnaw around the core instead. Still, it’s not recommended for humans to intentionally feed squirrels apple cores, just to keep them safe.
Do Squirrels Eat Apples off Trees?
Yes, do squirrels eat apples off trees in orchards or backyards? Absolutely. Squirrels are skilled climbers, and they frequently jump between branches to snatch apples directly from the tree.”
In fact, this is one reason many orchard owners in the US consider squirrels pests. They can bite into multiple apples, leaving behind half-eaten fruit. While it’s adorable to watch, it can also be frustrating for gardeners.
Why Do Squirrels Eat Apples?
So, why do squirrels eat apples when they already have nuts and seeds? The answer lies in nutrition and taste. Apples provide natural sugar, hydration, and essential vitamins.
The sweetness of apples is also appealing. Just like humans crave fruit for its flavor, squirrels enjoy apples for their juicy and refreshing taste. Apples are basically nature’s energy bar for squirrels.
How Do Squirrels Eat Apples?
Curious about how squirrels eat apples? Squirrels usually hold the fruit with their tiny paws and nibble around the edges. They may bite into the skin first or start from a softer part of the apple.
Often, squirrels will leave behind partially eaten apples. This isn’t wasteful; other animals like birds or insects benefit from these leftovers, making apples an important part of the local ecosystem.
Are Apples Good for Squirrels?
Now the big question: are apples good for squirrels? Yes, in moderation. Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and hydration, all of which are beneficial.
However, too many apples aren’t ideal for squirrels because of the high sugar content. Just like people, squirrels need a balanced diet, so apples should be a treat rather than a main food source.
What Do Squirrels Eat?
Beyond apples, you might wonder, what do squirrels eat in general? These curious little creatures have a surprisingly diverse diet that changes with the seasons and the availability of food. In the wild, they are opportunistic eaters, meaning they will nibble on whatever is within reach to survive. Their meals commonly include nuts, seeds, fungi, flowers, and fruits, but squirrels are not limited to just these. They also enjoy a wide range of fresh produce, much like humans.
Here are some of the fruits and vegetables that often make it into a squirrel’s diet:
- Apples
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- Grapes
- Peaches and plums
- Pears
- Carrots
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Leafy greens like spinach or lettuce
- Pumpkins and squash
Squirrels thrive by adapting to their surroundings, and they often raid gardens, orchards, and even bird feeders to find food. While apples are a seasonal favorite in American orchards, squirrels enjoy a mix of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, giving them the energy they need to stay active, climb trees, and prepare for winter.
Do the Squirrels Eat Crab Apples (Small Steep Apples)?
Yes, do squirrels eat crab apples? They do, “Although crab apples are tinier and more sour than standard apples, squirrels still enjoy eating them.”
They may not devour crab apples as quickly as sweet varieties, but during fall, when crab apples are plentiful in US gardens, squirrels happily munch on them for variety and nourishment.
Do Grey Squirrels Eat Apples?
Specifically, do grey squirrels eat apples? The answer is yes, grey squirrels, which are widely found across the USA, have a real taste for apples. These playful foragers will happily munch on apples they find on the ground, nibble them straight from the tree, or even sneak bites from a bird feeder if the opportunity arises. Their strong teeth allow them to crack through the skin easily, making apples an effortless snack.
Grey squirrels are incredibly adaptable and resourceful, adjusting their diet based on what’s available in their environment. While apples are a seasonal treat they enjoy, these squirrels also store bits of fruit to prepare for colder months. Because apples are sweet, juicy, and packed with energy, they serve as a perfect food source that fuels their active lifestyle. In fact, apples are just one of many fruits that fit perfectly into their flexible and ever-changing diet.
Feeding Apples to Squirrels: Do’s and Don’ts
If you enjoy feeding wildlife, here are the do’s and don’ts of feeding apples to squirrels. Do offer small apple slices without seeds. Avoid providing processed apple products, such as pies or juices, as they often contain added sugar and preservatives that can be harmful.
Also, never make apples the sole food source. A healthy squirrel’s diet should remain diverse, with apples as an occasional treat. This ensures they stay healthy and maintain natural foraging habits.
Baby Squirrels and Apples
Lastly, baby squirrels and apples raise special considerations. Baby squirrels primarily rely on their mother’s milk until they are weaned. Once they transition to solid foods, small, soft apple pieces can be introduced.
However, these should be given sparingly and under natural circumstances. Feeding baby squirrels
Conclusion
So, do squirrels eat apples? Yes, they love them! From munching on apple skins to sneaking bites off trees, squirrels see apples as a tasty, hydrating, and nutritious snack. While apples can be good for them, it’s important to remember that balance is key.
For US readers, spotting a squirrel with an apple is a charming reminder of how wildlife adapts to seasonal foods around us. Apples aren’t just a human favorite, they’re a squirrel’s little delight, too.
should be left to wildlife rehabilitators to avoid disrupting their development.
FAQs About Squirrels and Apples
1. Can squirrels eat too many apples?
Yes. Too many apples may cause digestive upset due to sugar content. Moderation is key.
2. Are apple seeds dangerous for squirrels?
A few seeds won’t harm them, but too many could be toxic. It’s better to avoid giving them cores.
3. Do wild squirrels in the USA eat apples often?
Yes. In areas with apple orchards or backyard trees, squirrels commonly snack on apples.
4. Should I feed squirrels apples in my yard?
Yes, but responsibly. Offer small, seedless slices as treats, not full apples.
5. Do all types of squirrels eat apples?
Most species, including grey, red, and fox squirrels, enjoy apples when available.
