Eating habits of tree squirrels

Squirrels are omnivores, at times, though rarely, young squirrels playfully chase low-flying butterflies. They like to eat small insects on the grass as well as caterpillars on plants.

Squirrels have been seen hunting small animals including baby snakes and baby birds.

However, squirrels mainly eat nuts, fungi, seeds, grains, fruits and eggs.

At times due to shortage of natural food, the tree squirrels tend to become household pests and steal food from homes and stores.

During winter famine, squirrels can cause considerable damage to electrical and telephone cables due to deposits of fungi on them which they nibble to survive.