Have you ever noticed squirrels scampering around your apple tree or spotted one munching on fruit in your yard? These furry acrobats seem to be attracted to all kinds of food, but apples appear to be a particular favorite.
Whether you’re trying to protect your apple harvest or want to safely feed the squirrels in your backyard, understanding their relationship with apples is important. This guide covers everything you need to know about squirrels and apples, from what makes these fruits appealing to how to keep your trees safe from hungry critters.
Do Squirrels Eat Apples?
Yes, squirrels eat apples all the time! These bushy-tailed critters love the sweet taste and crunchy texture that apples provide. If you’ve ever seen a squirrel near an apple tree, you know they can’t resist this tasty fruit.
Squirrels will happily munch on apples whether they’re hanging from a tree, lying on the ground, or placed out by humans. They use their sharp front teeth to bite right through the tough skin and get to the juicy flesh inside. If squirrels eat apples in your yard, it’s because they find them irresistible.
What Types of Apples Do Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels aren’t picky eaters when it comes to apple varieties. They’ll gobble up sweet apples like Gala and Fuji, tart varieties like Granny Smith, and even small crab apples. Pretty much any apple you can think of is fair game for these little guys.
While some wild squirrels might prefer sweeter apples over really tart ones, they’ll generally eat whatever is available. Here’s an interesting fact: crab apples are actually better for squirrels than store-bought varieties because they have higher calcium compared to phosphorus, which is healthier for their bones.
Nutritional Benefits of Apples for Squirrels
Apples pack quite a few health benefits for squirrels. They’re loaded with vitamin C, which helps keep their immune systems strong. They also contain vitamin A, which is great for eye health and helps their respiratory systems work properly.
The natural sugars in apples give squirrels a quick burst of energy, which they need for all that running and climbing they do. Apples also have fiber that helps their digestion stay on track. Plus, since apples are about 84 to 86% water, they provide important hydration, especially during hot summer days when water sources might be hard to find.
Are Apple Seeds Dangerous for Squirrels?
Yes, apple seeds can be toxic to squirrels, and this is really important to know. The seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which turns into hydrogen cyanide when digested. While humans would need to eat tons of seeds to get sick, squirrels are much smaller animals.
Just a few crushed apple seeds could seriously harm or even kill a squirrel. The dangerous part is when the seeds get chewed or crushed, which releases the cyanide. Whole seeds that pass through undigested aren’t as dangerous.
The good news is that when squirrels eat apples from trees in the wild, they usually only take a few bites here and there. They rarely consume enough seeds to cause any real problems.
Can Squirrels Eat Apple Cores and Skin?
Squirrels will definitely eat apple cores if they get the chance, but it’s not a good idea to feed them cores on purpose because of those dangerous seeds. The core itself also contains cyanogenic glycoside, which is another compound related to cyanide.
As for the apple skin, squirrels can eat it without any issues. The skin actually has more nutrients than the flesh, including trace minerals and extra fiber. However, there’s a catch with store-bought apples. They often have wax coatings and pesticide residues on them, so organic apples are a safer choice if you’re feeding squirrels with the skin still on.
How to Safely Feed Apples to Squirrels
If you want to feed apples to squirrels, there are some simple safety steps to follow. First, wash the apple really well to get rid of any pesticides or chemicals. Then, remove the core and all the seeds using a knife. Cut the apple into small slices instead of giving them whole apples.
Remember that apples should be an occasional treat, not something squirrels eat every day. If you have a pet squirrel, limit fruit to 2 or 3 small slices per day. Wild squirrels are pretty good at regulating themselves since they take small bites and then move on to look for other foods.
Why Do Squirrels Raid Apple Trees?
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and incredible climbers, which makes apple trees an easy target. They’re drawn to apple trees because the fruit gives them quick energy and hydration. Squirrels often grab apples when they’re still small and green because they’re easier to carry away.
Their raiding behavior can be super frustrating for gardeners. Squirrels typically take one or two bites from an apple, then drop it on the ground and move to another one. This means they end up wasting a lot of fruit instead of finishing what they started.
How to Protect Your Apple Trees from Squirrels
There are several ways to keep squirrels away from your apple harvest. Physical barriers work the best. Try wrapping individual apples or clusters in plastic cloches or mesh bags. You can also install metal collars around tree trunks to stop them from climbing up. Just make sure the collars are positioned high enough that squirrels can’t jump over them.
Keep your tree branches trimmed away from other trees and structures so squirrels can’t just jump onto your apple tree from somewhere else. Some gardeners have success with cayenne pepper spray, though you’ll need to reapply it after it rains. Bird netting can help too, but be warned that clever squirrels often find ways to get through it.
Should You Feed Wild Squirrels Apples?
Many people wonder if squirrels eat apples safely when they’re wild animals. Feeding wild squirrels apples once in a while is generally okay, but there are some things to think about. Apples should never become their main food source. Squirrels need a diet that’s based mostly on nuts and seeds to stay healthy.
Too many apples can actually cause health problems because of the high sugar content. This can lead to blood pressure issues and make them overly excited. If squirrels eat apples that you give them, always remove the cores and seeds first to keep them safe.
Also, check your local laws before setting up feeding stations. Some areas have rules against feeding wildlife, so it’s worth looking into.
What Else Do Squirrels Eat Besides Apples?
Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their main diet includes nuts like acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts, along with different kinds of seeds. When people ask if squirrels eat apples as their only fruit, the answer is no. They also enjoy other fruits like berries, grapes, peaches, and melons.
Squirrels munch on vegetables, tree buds, bark, and fungi too. Sometimes they’ll even eat insects, bird eggs, and small amounts of other animal protein. This varied diet helps them get all the nutrients they need throughout the year as different foods become available with the changing seasons.
