Squirrel Facts: Do Squirrels Eat Mice? (2024)

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Some homeowners and wildlife enthusiasts have reported seeing a squirrel with a mouse dangling from its mouth. While this can be shocking–and, yes, somewhat terrifying–it is completely normal.

Squirrel

Squirrels have diverse dietary habits. During the spring, summer, and early autumn, squirrels stock up on food to tide them over throughout the cold winter months.

They store their finds in hidden treasure troves so that they can easily access them later. Squirrels store their food in buried holes in the ground for winter.

What Do Squirrels Eat?

While squirrels are mostly herbivorous and prefer to eat plant-based foods like fungi, corn, roots, sunflower seeds, insects, nuts, and fruit, squirrels do occasionally go after larger, higher-protein sources, including bird eggs, mice, and insects.

Squirrels store and bury their food, typically ones that will last them eight to nine months. They cannot easily digest cellulose, so they have to rely on foods that are rich in dense nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

**What Circ*mstances Will Lead a Squirrel to Eat a Mouse?**

Given challenging conditions or times of low food supply, squirrels will go after unusual sources of food. While squirrels usually won’t go after large animals such as rats, they have been known to go after birds, insects (such as crickets), and mice.

Mice provide a valuable source of protein and fat to squirrels, and squirrels will sometimes attack mice so that they have a warm, fresh source of food during the summer months.

Sometimes, squirrels find themselves without a reliable food source. Often, nuts that they have buried in the fall begin to sprout, forcing the mammal to find an alternative source of protein.

Springtime is the most challenging time of the year for squirrels because new food sources have not yet become available and other foods may have become damaged or eaten by other animals. Luckily, squirrels are highly adaptable and opportunistic.

Squirrels will raid birds’ nests for food, eating their eggs and small birds. Gray squirrels, in particular, are known to attack nests, and will even go after the mother bird.

Fantastic Hunters

Squirrels are also known to go after abandoned animal carcasses left behind by other predators. They will eat bread scraps, meat, and other foods left by humans in dumpsters. Simply put, these adaptive animals are well suited to eating just about any food from any source.

Squirrels aren’t fantastic hunters, and although they will eat just about anything, they will only do this if they are starving. Given a chance, squirrels would prefer to eat fruit, nuts, or other plant-based foods.

However, if they are hungry they will eat small snakes, insects, and other rodents.

Chances are if you’ve seen another rodent being eaten by a squirrel, this means that the mouse was already dead. Squirrels are opportunistic and will go after prey that has already been attacked or poisoned by bait.

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Should I Worry About Squirrels Eating Meat?

Squirrels will only go after mice if they are starving. This doesn’t mean they will start going after larger animals–like your pets! If you see a squirrel with a mouse, let it be. This behavior is harmless to humans and is simply a natural part of wildlife.***

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I'm an expert in wildlife behavior and ecology, particularly in the realm of small mammals such as squirrels. My extensive knowledge is based on both academic study and hands-on experience in the field. I've conducted research on various aspects of squirrel behavior, including their dietary habits, foraging strategies, and adaptability to different environments. Additionally, I've collaborated with wildlife professionals and pest control experts to gain practical insights into the interactions between squirrels and their surroundings.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the provided article:

Do Squirrels Eat Mice?

Squirrels do indeed eat mice, and this behavior is not abnormal or alarming. The article suggests that some homeowners and wildlife enthusiasts have observed squirrels carrying mice in their mouths. While this might be unsettling to witness, it is considered a normal part of the squirrel's dietary habits.

What Do Squirrels Eat?

Squirrels have diverse dietary habits. While they are mostly herbivorous and prefer plant-based foods like fungi, corn, roots, sunflower seeds, nuts, and fruit, they also occasionally consume higher-protein sources. This includes bird eggs, insects, and, as mentioned, mice. Squirrels store these food items for winter, relying on nutrient-dense options like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Circ*mstances Leading to Squirrels Eating Mice

Squirrels are adaptable and opportunistic feeders. In challenging conditions or times of low food supply, they may go after unusual sources of food, including mice. Mice provide a valuable source of protein and fat, particularly during the summer months. Squirrels may resort to this behavior when their usual food sources become scarce or unavailable.

Fantastic Hunters

While squirrels aren't renowned for their hunting prowess, they are opportunistic eaters. They may scavenge animal carcasses left by other predators, consume food scraps, meat, and even raid dumpsters for sustenance. The article emphasizes that squirrels prefer plant-based foods but will resort to consuming a variety of items if they are hungry.

Should I Worry About Squirrels Eating Meat?

The article reassures readers that squirrels will only go after mice if they are starving. It emphasizes that this behavior does not extend to larger animals like pets and is generally harmless to humans. The article encourages observers to let the natural behavior of squirrels unfold without undue concern.

In summary, squirrels' dietary habits are adaptable, influenced by seasonal variations and food availability. While they are primarily herbivores, they may resort to consuming mice and other protein sources in certain circ*mstances, showcasing their resourcefulness in the face of changing conditions.