what do squirrels eat

Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of a combination of various plants and meats. However, they primarily feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, buds, and even green vegetables. They sometimes supplement this with meat from eggs, insects, young birds, small rodents, amphibians, and even snakes. Squirrels are also known to eat a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, radishes, corn, squash, beans, peas, root vegetables, greens, okra, eggplant, brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, celery, cauliflower, and leeks. They eat nuts and will eat most types of nuts, however, they commonly favor acorns, walnuts, and pecans. Squirrels also eat fruits such as pears, grapes, apples, kiwi, avocados, peaches, nectarines, figs, plums, mangoes, and citrus. They may also feed on wild tree fruits, nuts, and tree buds when food is scarce later in winter. Insects and other animal matter are also part of their diet, especially during times when plant-based foods are scarce. However, sugary cereals are not the healthiest option for them.