TL;DR summary:

Squirrels are indeed rodents, primarily herbivores, and while they can carry rabies, it's exceedingly rare for them to transmit it to humans. They live 5-10 years in the wild, are mostly diurnal, and have specific dietary needs – avoid feeding them chocolate, almonds, or grapes. Keeping them as pets is generally illegal and ill-advised.

Decoding Squirrels: Beyond the Bushy Tail

Every rustle in the leaves, every acrobatic leap between branches, points to one of nature's most ubiquitous and often misunderstood creatures: the squirrel. From their frantic nut-burying rituals to their seemingly fearless interactions with humans, squirrels fascinate and, at times, frustrate us.

But how much do we really know about these common backyard residents? Are they just cute tree-climbers, or is there more beneath that bushy tail? The answers might surprise you, debunking myths and shedding light on their true nature, particularly as Squirrel Awareness Month often prompts a deeper look into their world.

Are Squirrels Really Rodents? The Taxonomic Truth

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is a resounding yes. Squirrels are unequivocally rodents. Specifically, they belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and flying squirrels. What makes a rodent a rodent? It's primarily their continuously growing incisors, which they must constantly gnaw to keep at a manageable length. Think of it: those front teeth never stop growing, which is why squirrels are always nibbling, whether it's on a nut or, unfortunately, your bird feeder. This dental characteristic is a defining feature shared with rats, mice, and beavers, solidifying their place in the rodent order.

Can Squirrels Get Rabies? Separating Fact from Fear

The image of a foaming-mouthed animal is terrifying, and naturally, people worry about rabies. Here's a crucial distinction: while squirrels can technically contract rabies, it is extremely rare for them to do so, and even rarer for them to transmit it to humans. Why? Small rodents like squirrels, rabbits, and opossums are generally not significant carriers of rabies.

Their small body mass means they often do not survive attacks from rabid animals long enough for the virus to develop and be transmitted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently reports that these animals are almost never found to be rabid. If a squirrel acts aggressively or appears sick, it's far more likely suffering from distemper, poisoning, or injury rather than rabies. However, as with any wild animal, caution is always warranted; avoid direct contact with sick or injured wildlife.

What Do Squirrels Eat? A Mostly Herbivorous Diet

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, but their diet is predominantly herbivorous. Their primary food sources include a wide array of plant matter:

• Nuts and Seeds: Acorns, walnuts, pecans, hickory nuts, and sunflower seeds are staples. They are expert at cracking shells and burying caches for winter.

• Fruits and Berries: Apples, cherries, mulberries, and wild berries are eagerly consumed when in season.

• Fungi: Mushrooms and other fungi provide essential nutrients.

• Plant Material: Buds, flowers, tree bark (especially in winter), and roots.

• Insects: While not their primary food, they will occasionally eat insects, grubs, and even bird eggs, especially when other food sources are scarce.

Their diet varies significantly based on season and availability. In urban environments, they've also adapted to foraging for discarded human food, which brings us to some critical 'don'ts'.

Can Squirrels Eat Chocolate? A Definitive No

Absolutely not. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to many animals, including squirrels, dogs, and cats. Even small amounts can lead to severe health issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death. Despite their apparent eagerness to snatch any treat offered, chocolate is a dangerous substance for them and should never be given to squirrels.

Can Squirrels Eat Almonds? A Hidden Danger

While almonds are often seen as a healthy snack for humans, they pose a specific risk to squirrels. Raw almonds contain cyanide compounds, which can be toxic. While the concentration is low, feeding them regularly can lead to health problems. It's best to stick to their natural diet of acorns, walnuts, and other nuts that are part of their evolutionary food chain. Here's what most people miss: just because an animal can eat something doesn't mean it's good for them.

Can Squirrels Eat Grapes? Proceed with Caution

Grapes are another food item that should be avoided or offered with extreme caution. While not immediately toxic like chocolate, grapes (and raisins) have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, and while direct evidence for squirrels is limited, why take the risk? Given their natural diet, grapes offer little nutritional value that they can't get from safer, more natural sources. If you must offer fruit, stick to small pieces of apple or berries.

Are Squirrels Nocturnal?

Most common squirrel species, like the gray squirrel and fox squirrel, are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. You'll see them foraging, playing, and burying nuts from dawn to dusk. They spend their nights sleeping in their nests (dreys) or tree cavities, safe from nocturnal predators.

There are exceptions, however. Flying squirrels, for instance, are primarily nocturnal, using their gliding membranes to navigate the forest canopy under the cover of darkness. So, if you spot a squirrel at night, it's most likely a flying squirrel, a less commonly seen but equally fascinating species.

How Long Do Squirrels Live? Factors Influencing Lifespan

The lifespan of a squirrel varies significantly between species and whether they live in the wild or captivity.

• In the Wild: The average lifespan for a gray squirrel in the wild is typically 5-6 years. However, some can live up to 10-12 years if they manage to avoid predators, disease, and harsh environmental conditions. The first year of life is the most challenging, with high mortality rates for young squirrels.

• In Captivity: With consistent food, protection from predators, and veterinary care, squirrels in captivity can live much longer, often 10-15 years, with some individuals reaching 20 years.

Predation by hawks, owls, snakes, and domestic cats, along with traffic accidents and harsh winters, are the primary factors limiting their wild lifespan.

Can Squirrels Be Pets? The Legal and Ethical Dilemma

While a baby squirrel might seem adorable and helpless, keeping squirrels as pets is generally a bad idea and, in many places, illegal. Here's why:

1. Legality: Most states and countries have strict laws against keeping native wildlife as pets without specific permits, which are usually only granted to licensed rehabilitators.

2. Wild Nature: Squirrels are wild animals. Even if raised from a young age, they retain their wild instincts. They can be unpredictable, aggressive, and bite when frightened or territorial. Their sharp claws and teeth can inflict painful injuries.

3. Specialized Care: They require a very specific diet and environment that is difficult to replicate in a home setting. A domestic diet often leads to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. They also need ample space to climb and forage, which a typical cage cannot provide.

4. Disease Risk: While rabies is rare, squirrels can carry other parasites (fleas, ticks) and diseases (leptospirosis, tularemia) that can be transmitted to humans or other pets.

If you encounter an injured or orphaned squirrel, the best course of action is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They are equipped to provide the necessary care and, ideally, release the animal back into its natural habitat.

The World of Squirrels: More Than Meets the Eye

From their vital role in forest ecosystems (think about all those buried nuts that sprout into trees!) to their complex social structures, squirrels are far more than just furry backyard freeloaders. Understanding their biology, dietary needs, and behaviors not only satisfies our curiosity but also helps us coexist more harmoniously with these intelligent and adaptable creatures. Next time you see a squirrel, you'll know it's not just a cute face, but a fascinating rodent with a crucial ecological footprint. The more we learn, the better we can appreciate and protect the wild world around us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels

Are squirrels good for anything?

Yes, squirrels play a crucial ecological role, especially in forests. Their habit of burying nuts and seeds helps with tree propagation, as many of their forgotten caches sprout into new trees. They also serve as a food source for various predators, contributing to the food web.

What is the best thing to feed a squirrel?

The best thing to feed a squirrel is their natural diet: unsalted nuts in the shell (like acorns, walnuts, pecans, or hickory nuts), sunflower seeds, small pieces of apple, or corn on the cob. Avoid processed foods, sugary items, chocolate, or anything that isn't part of their natural diet.

Do squirrels carry diseases other than rabies?

Yes, while rabies is very rare, squirrels can carry other diseases and parasites. These include leptospirosis, tularemia, and ringworm, which can be transmitted to humans. They also commonly carry fleas, ticks, and mites that can spread to pets or people. This is another reason to avoid direct contact with wild squirrels.

How do squirrels find their buried nuts?

Squirrels primarily rely on their excellent sense of smell to locate their buried caches. They also use spatial memory, remembering general locations where they've hidden food. Studies show they have an impressive ability to recall thousands of individual hiding spots, though they do forget some, which benefits tree growth.

What is the average litter size for squirrels?

The average litter size for common tree squirrels like the gray squirrel is typically 2-4 young, though it can range from 1 to 6. They usually have one or two litters per year, with breeding seasons in late winter/early spring and sometimes late summer.