Myth: Squirrels Only Eat Nuts
Fact: Squirrel diets are quite varied
While squirrels do consume nuts, their diet is far more diverse. Squirrels are omnivores and feed on a wide range of foods, including fruits, seeds, buds, insects, and even fungi. Their adaptable diet allows them to thrive in various habitats.
Myth: Squirrels Hibernate All Winter
Fact: Some squirrels stay active
Not all squirrel species hibernate during the winter. Ground squirrels hibernate, but tree squirrels, such as gray squirrels, do not. Instead, they remain active throughout the year and rely on stored food to survive the winter months.
Myth: Squirrels Always Remember Where They Bury Their Nuts
Fact: A squirrel's memory is not perfect
While it's commonly believed that squirrels have an impeccable memory for where they bury their nuts, the truth is more complex. Squirrels do cache food, but they rely on their sense of smell and spatial memory rather than precise recollection of each location. They are skilled at finding their stored food, but it's not an infallible memory system.
Myth: Squirrels Are Harmful Pests
Fact: Squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem
While squirrels can occasionally be considered pests, they also play an essential ecological role. They disperse seeds by burying and forgetting about them, inadvertently aiding in the growth of new plants and trees. Their presence benefits the ecosystem by influencing forest regeneration.
Myth: Squirrels Are Nuts About Acorns
Fact: Not all squirrels love acorns equally
Contrary to the belief that all squirrels are obsessed with acorns, different squirrel species have varying preferences. Some may prefer other nuts or food sources over acorns. The specific dietary choices of squirrels can depend on their geographic location and habitat.