Eurasian Red Squirrel diet

The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a small, tree-dwelling mammal known for its reddish fur and bushy tail. This species is primarily found in forests across Europe and northern Asia. The diet of the Eurasian red squirrel is diverse and changes with the seasons, reflecting the availability of different food sources. In general, these squirrels are omnivorous, although their diet is heavily plant-based.

During the spring and summer, red squirrels primarily consume a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits, with a particular preference for conifer seeds and acorns. They also eat berries, fungi, and occasionally bird eggs and insects. As autumn approaches, they begin to store food for the winter, burying nuts and seeds in the ground to retrieve later. In winter, their diet shifts more towards the food they have stored, along with the consumption of tree bark, lichen, and sometimes mushrooms that they can find under the snow.

To support the Eurasian red squirrel population, consider providing a mixture of unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds, and fresh fruit in squirrel feeders, particularly during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce. Avoid feeding them processed foods, as these can harm their health. Creating a squirrel-friendly garden with native trees and shrubs can also help sustain these charming creatures throughout the year.