If you’ve ever wondered what squirrels eat and whether they consume grass, then you’re in luck! The answer is yes, squirrels do eat grass, but it’s not their preferred choice. Squirrels have a diverse diet that includes plants, seeds, nuts, berries, insects, bird eggs, small snakes, and even other rodents. While they may nibble on grass occasionally, they primarily go after grass seeds rather than the actual grass stems. Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant matter and other animals or insects, but they tend to lean more towards a plant-based diet. However, they are opportunistic eaters and will take advantage of any available food sources, including the food found in your yard. So, while they may be seen digging around in the grass, they are more likely collecting small seeds, twigs, nuts, bark, or insects to eat or stash.
Types of Squirrels Found in the United States
Squirrels are abundant and diverse creatures found throughout the United States. There are several species of squirrels, each with its own unique characteristics and habitats. Here are some of the most common types of squirrels found in the United States:
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of the most widespread squirrel species in the United States. Known for its gray fur and bushy tail, this squirrel can be found in forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
Fox Squirrel
The Fox Squirrel is a larger squirrel species known for its reddish-brown fur. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas. Fox Squirrels are known for their agility and ability to climb trees.
Red Squirrel
The Red Squirrel is a small squirrel species with reddish-brown fur. It is typically found in coniferous forests and woodlands. Red Squirrels are known for their energetic behavior and distinctive vocalizations.
American Red Squirrel
Similar in appearance to the Red Squirrel, the American Red Squirrel is slightly larger and has a more extensive range. It can be found in both coniferous and deciduous forests.
Douglas Squirrel
The Douglas Squirrel, also known as the Chickaree, is a small squirrel species found in the western United States. It has a reddish-brown coat and can be found in coniferous forests.
California Ground Squirrel
The California Ground Squirrel is a medium-sized squirrel species found in California and surrounding areas. It is known for its burrowing behavior and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and scrublands.
Eastern Chipmunk
The Eastern Chipmunk is a small squirrel species known for its striped fur. It can be found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. Eastern Chipmunks are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food.
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel
The Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel is a small squirrel species with distinctive striping on its back. It is primarily found in grasslands and prairies in the central United States.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The Northern Flying Squirrel is a small squirrel species that is capable of gliding through the air. It can be found in forests and woodlands throughout the northern United States.
Southern Flying Squirrel
Similar to the Northern Flying Squirrel, the Southern Flying Squirrel is a small squirrel species known for its gliding abilities. It can be found in forests and woodlands in the southern United States.
Do Squirrels Eat Grass?
Squirrels have a diverse diet that includes a variety of plant matter and other foods. While they may eat grass, they generally prefer other food sources over grass. Let’s explore squirrels’ diet and their appetite for grass.
Squirrels’ Diverse Diet
Squirrels are known to have a diverse diet that includes plants, seeds, nuts, berries, and insects. They are also capable of eating bird eggs, small snakes, or even other rodents. Squirrels adapt their diet based on the availability of food sources in their environment.
Preference for Grass Seed Over Stems
While squirrels may eat grass, they tend to prefer grass seed over the actual grass stems. This preference may be due to the nutritional value or taste of grass seed compared to the stems. Squirrels are opportunistic eaters and will consume a variety of food sources depending on what is readily available.
Are Squirrels Herbivores or Omnivores?
To understand squirrels’ eating habits, it’s important to define the terms “herbivores” and “omnivores” and determine which category squirrels fall into.
Defining Herbivores and Omnivores
Herbivores are animals that primarily feed on plants, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They rely on these plant-based foods for their nutritional needs. Omnivores, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes both plant matter and other animals or insects.
Squirrels as Omnivores
Squirrels are considered omnivores because they consume both plant matter and other food sources. While their diet consists mostly of plant matter, such as seeds, nuts, and berries, squirrels will also consume insects, bird eggs, or other small animals. This ability to adapt their diet to the available food sources helps squirrels survive in various environments.
What Do Squirrels Find to Eat in the Grass?
When squirrels dig around in the grass, they may be searching for food sources. While they may eat grass at times, it is more likely that they are collecting small seeds, twigs, nuts, bark, or insects to eat or store for later. Grass can provide valuable resources for squirrels, such as seeds or insects that may be present in the grass.
What Do Squirrels Do with Grass?
Squirrels may eat grass in some cases, but they can also use grass for other purposes. One of the main uses of grass for squirrels is to create nests. Squirrels construct nests using a variety of materials, including leaves, twigs, grasses, and any soft material they can find. Grass helps provide insulation and comfort within these nests, which can be quite large and impressive.
Reasons Squirrels Might Be Eating Your Grass
If you notice squirrels eating your grass, there might be a few reasons behind their behavior. Here are some possible explanations:
Foraging for Food
Squirrels are foragers by nature, meaning they actively search for food sources. They will cover a lot of ground, sniffing, digging, and rooting around in your yard in their quest for small seeds, nuts, and plant stalks. While they may nibble on grass in the process, their primary goal is to find other food sources.
Searching for Seeds, Nuts, and Plant Stalks
Grass can serve as a habitat for various plants, seeds, nuts, and plant stalks. Squirrels are known to have excellent foraging skills, and they can locate these valuable food sources within the grass. Their digging and rooting behavior may be an indication that they are searching for these resources rather than solely eating the grass itself.
Can Squirrels Damage Lawns?
While squirrels may occasionally eat grass and dig around in lawns, their impact on the overall health of a lawn is generally minimal. Squirrels’ digging behavior may cause some minor damage, but it is unlikely to cause significant harm to the grass. Squirrels primarily focus on collecting and caching food rather than intentionally damaging lawns.
Minor Damage from Food Caching Behavior
To prepare for winter, squirrels will collect and stash food in hiding spots. They will gather items high in fat, such as acorns and other nuts, and spread them out in different hiding spots. This behavior, known as caching, involves burying food underground. While squirrels may dig shallow holes to bury their food, the damage caused to lawns is usually minimal and easily overlooked.
Methods to Stop Squirrels from Eating Grass
If you are concerned about squirrels eating your grass or causing damage to your lawn, there are several methods you can try to deter them. Here are some effective strategies:
Raking Your Lawn
Before laying down grass seed, ensure that your lawn is free from nuts, acorns, or other food sources that may attract squirrels. Raking your lawn can help remove these food items and discourage squirrels from foraging in your yard.
Using Chicken Wire
If squirrels are particularly persistent in eating grass seed, you can consider using chicken wire to protect the newly laid seed. Lay the chicken wire over the seeded area, ensuring it is securely anchored, to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed.
Using Squirrel Repellents
Squirrel repellents can be effective in deterring squirrels from your yard. There are various commercial repellents available that can be sprayed on the grass or applied to specific areas to create an unpleasant scent or taste for squirrels.
Using Sprinklers
Squirrels dislike water, so using sprinklers in your yard can deter them from foraging or eating grass. Set up sprinklers to activate when squirrels are active, such as during the early morning or late evening.
Using Reflective Pinwheels
Placing reflective pinwheels in your yard can create movement and noise that may scare away squirrels. The reflective surfaces and spinning motion of the pinwheels can make squirrels uncomfortable and discourage them from approaching your grass.
Conclusion
Squirrels have an omnivorous diet that includes a variety of food sources. While they may eat grass on occasion, it is not their preferred food. Squirrels are more likely to consume seeds, nuts, berries, and other plant matter. Although their digging behavior may cause minor damage to lawns, it is usually not significant enough to be a cause for concern. If you want to prevent squirrels from eating grass seed or causing any damage, there are various methods you can try, such as raking your lawn, using chicken wire, or using squirrel repellents. Ultimately, squirrels are more interested in other food sources in your yard, and with proper prevention methods in place, you can coexist with these furry visitors without major issues.