Are squirrels rodents?
Rodents are an incredibly diverse bunch, and they make up around 40% of the mammal species. Over 2,000 animals are classed as rodents, including porcupines, rats, mice, gerbils, voles, chinchillas, and chipmunks. The term ‘rodent’ stems from the Latin word ‘rodere’, meaning ‘to gnaw’, which directly relates to their defining characteristic of having a set of incisors in both the upper and lower jaw that never stop growing, these particular feature places the squirrel family in the Rodentia order of mammals.
What do Squirrels eat?
Squirrels attempt to secure enough food to get them through the winter, but they’re not satisfied with any food. They visit healthy trees with the best nuts and seeds, and sometimes they shake the nuts to determine if they’re rotten or edible. When they bury the food, they find an area of soil that isn’t too moist or dry. Moisture can cause their cache to spoil, and a hole that’s too dry is easier for other animals to smell and dig up. Squirrels are also omnivores and will sometimes gather up dead animals, and insects as a source of protein. They understand that food theft is expected in the rodent world, and they often re-bury their food several times a year. They notice when their cache has been disturbed by another squirrel or other animal. Some squirrels go as far as covering an empty cache with grass and debris to make it appear like an actual food cache. Squirrels are omnivores that eat plants and meats. Depending on the season and availability, squirrels eat fruits, vegetables, plants, fungi, trees, nuts, seeds, animals, eggs, and bones. Squirrels will also eat junk food, cereals, bread, and pet food, even though these aren’t good for them. Click here to read Do Squirrels Hibernate ?
What Eats a Squirrel ?
Squirrels' natural predators are Parasites, Coyotes, Snakes, Raccoons, Weasels, Foxes, Bobcats, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Hawks, Owls and more are considered predators. Squirrels are very susceptible to predation. Click here to read about The Lifespan of A Squirrel