Fri, 01 May 2026 15:37:53 +0000

Do Squirrels Eat Meat? The Surprising Carnivorous Side of These Popular Garden Visitors When you think of squirrels hopping through your backyard, leafy trees, and backyard feeders, you probably picture them nibbling on nuts, seeds, or berries. But surprisingly, despite being plant-eating rodents, squirrels aren’t strictly herbivores—many do eat meat, challenging common assumptions about these beloved creatures. ### The Omnivorous Nature of Squirrels Contrary to popular belief, squirrels are omnivores, meaning their diets include both plant and animal matter. While they consume the bulk of their nutrition from nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation, studies and observations show that squirrels regularly eat small amounts of meat and even insects to supplement their diet.