These adorable squirrels belong to the squirrel family (Sciuridae), are rodents, and feel particularly at home in towns and villages with a natural environment. Parks, gardens, and green courtyards provide them with food, shelter, and climbing opportunities. These agile climbers are diurnal, curious, and primarily herbivorous, but they also eat animal matter at certain times of the year.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels create numerous food caches in autumn and often don't find every nut again – thus unintentionally "planting" trees. Their diet ranges from nuts, seeds, cones, fruits, buds, and fungi to young shoots; occasionally they consume moss or – especially in spring when their protein needs are higher – insects, bird eggs, and, rarely, nestlings. A particular habit is their gnawing on thin layers of bark on birch, maple, and oak trees to access the sweet sap. Repeated gnawing can cause bark stripping. If you notice such damage early on, protect vulnerable sections with a tightly fitting, breathable trunk protector, such as tree sleeves or tree guards. If necessary, apply scent barriers like peppermint oil sparingly to the protector , but not directly to the bark. Aggressive chemicals or large-scale applications are strictly prohibited – the tree and other animals could be harmed.
Squirrels in the garden – good or bad?
In most gardens, the positive aspects far outweigh the negative: squirrels are fascinating wild animals, they spread seeds, and they bring natural gardens to life. While occasional damage from bark stripping or raided feeding stations does occur, it is usually manageable. If you wish to supplement their diet, do so seasonally, cleanly, and appropriately. Opt for hazelnuts and walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, and small pieces of unsweetened dried fruit. Avoid heavily salted or spiced nuts, and offer peanuts only in moderation. A well-designed squirrel feeder helps keep the food dry, clean, and better protected from nest predators.
How can we support squirrels?
In summer, water is often more valuable than food. Place a shallow water dish in partial shade, ideally elevated and cat-proof, and change the water daily. From autumn onwards, cats will readily accept additional food; a sturdy feeder with a lid is suitable for larger pieces like nuts, while open feeders with a roof are ideal for seeds and small dried fruits. Flakes such as oats or corn should only be offered in completely dry, rain-protected feeding areas.
The first breeding season begins as early as January. Lightweight kapok or cleaned sheep's wool is readily used as nesting material. Artificial squirrel nests are only accepted if they are hung very high, in a quiet location, and protected from the elements. For support on a balcony , a squirrel feeder and water dish are often the better choice. In the long run, a natural garden – with hedges, mature trees, shrubs such as hazel, rowan, beech, or oak, and without pesticides – creates the best conditions for squirrels and many other species.
Squirrels in the garden in winter
Squirrels don't hibernate, but rather enter a state of torpor with periods of activity. In severe cold, they remain in their dreys, living off fat reserves and stored food; on milder days, they forage for food. Help them by providing small, regular portions of energy-rich nuts and seeds to prevent spoilage. Keep feeding stations dry, difficult for cats to access, and with a safe escape route to trees. Fresh, preferably ice-free, water remains essential. Avoid disturbing dreys and postpone any major pruning of trees with visible nests.
Observing squirrels
Behind windows or glass doors, squirrels easily lose their shyness and often come very close. Outdoors, good observations are possible if you sit quietly, move steadily, and avoid using flash photography. Don't place feeding stations directly next to dense bushes so that cats don't have a concealed perch, and secure dangerous glass surfaces – this will create safe conditions for both the animals and the observer.
Conclusion
With water, moderate and clean feeding, a suitable squirrel feeder , and a natural garden, squirrels enrich your green surroundings without displacing other wildlife. Less is often more: seasonal, safe, and with consideration for hygiene and predator protection.
Frequently asked questions about squirrels
How do you attract squirrels to a feeding station?
Provide small amounts of species-appropriate food and fresh water daily, and place both in a quiet, elevated, and cat-proof location.
Where is the best place for a squirrel feeding station?
The best spot is elevated, protected from rain, clearly visible and with an escape route to the tree – ideally in a sturdy squirrel feeding station.
Who are the enemies of squirrels?
The main enemies are hawks, martens, eagle owls, and in populated areas, primarily domestic cats and road traffic.
How long do squirrels live?
In the wild, squirrels usually live to be three to six years old.
