Squirrels do eat bark, but it is not a primary food source for them. Bark consumption typically occurs when other preferred foods are scarce, especially during winter or early spring when nuts, seeds, and fruits are limited.
Background on Squirrel Diets
Squirrels are primarily herbivorous rodents known for their varied diet that changes with the seasons and availability of food. Their main diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and sometimes insects or bird eggs. Tree bark is not a staple but can become a fallback food source, especially for certain species like the red squirrel.
Understanding why squirrels might eat bark requires looking at their natural environment and seasonal food availability. In temperate regions, winters can be harsh, and food sources like nuts and fruits become scarce. During these times, squirrels may gnaw on bark to access the nutrient-rich inner layers of trees or to maintain their ever-growing teeth.
How and Why Squirrels Eat Bark
Squirrels don’t just eat the outer bark, which is tough and fibrous. Instead, they target the cambium layer, the softer, nutrient-rich tissue beneath the bark. This layer contains sugars and nutrients that can sustain squirrels when other foods are unavailable.
They use their sharp incisors to strip away the outer bark to reach this inner layer. This behavior is more common among tree squirrels, such as the red squirrel and some gray squirrels, especially during late winter or early spring.
Additionally, gnawing on bark helps squirrels keep their teeth sharp and worn down. Like all rodents, squirrels’ teeth continuously grow, so they must chew on hard materials to prevent overgrowth.
Species Differences in Bark Consumption
Not all squirrels consume bark equally. Some species have a higher tendency to eat bark or strip it from trees:
- Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are known to chew on bark more frequently, especially in boreal forests where food scarcity can be more pronounced.
- Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) may eat bark but prefer nuts, fruits, and fungi.
- Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) rarely rely on bark and are more opportunistic feeders.
These differences relate to habitat, food availability, and behavioral adaptations.
Impact of Bark Eating on Trees and Gardens
When squirrels eat bark, it can cause damage to trees and garden plants. Stripping bark can girdle a tree, disrupting nutrient flow and potentially killing the tree if the damage is severe. This is a concern for homeowners and orchard managers.
Common signs of bark damage from squirrels include:
- Stripped sections of bark, especially on young or thin-barked trees
- Gnaw marks and wood chips at the base or on branches
- Tree stress symptoms such as wilting leaves or dieback
Preventing bark damage often involves physical barriers or repellents, as squirrels are persistent and agile climbers.
How to Protect Trees from Squirrel Bark Damage
If squirrels are damaging your trees by eating bark, there are several strategies to reduce or prevent this behavior:
- Tree Wrapping: Use tree guards or wraps made of metal mesh or plastic around the trunk to prevent squirrels from accessing the bark.
- Repellents: Commercial squirrel repellents or homemade sprays containing hot pepper or garlic can discourage chewing.
- Alternative Food Sources: Providing squirrels with alternative foods such as nuts or corn away from valuable trees can reduce bark damage.
- Habitat Modification: Clearing brush or trimming nearby branches can limit squirrel access to trees.
Combining methods tends to be most effective for protecting trees over the long term.
Squirrels and Seasonal Bark Eating Patterns
Bark eating by squirrels is most common during late winter and early spring. During these times, food scarcity drives squirrels to seek alternative nutrition sources. The cambium layer of bark provides sugars and moisture that can sustain squirrels until other foods become more available.
In contrast, during summer and fall, squirrels focus on high-energy foods like acorns, walnuts, seeds, and fruits, rarely needing to resort to bark.
Comparisons: Bark Eating vs. Other Rodent Feeding Habits
While squirrels do eat bark occasionally, other rodents have different relationships with bark:
- Beavers famously consume large amounts of bark and cambium, often felling entire trees to reach it.
- Porcupines also eat bark regularly as a major part of their diet.
- Chipmunks primarily eat seeds and fruits, rarely bark.
Compared to these rodents, squirrels’ bark eating is more opportunistic and seasonal rather than a main dietary habit.
Alternatives to Bark in a Squirrel’s Diet
Squirrels prefer foods that are higher in calories and easier to digest than bark. Some of the most favored foods include:
- Nuts such as acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts
- Seeds from pine cones and other conifers
- Fruits like berries and apples
- Fungi and mushrooms
- Occasionally bird eggs or insects for protein
These foods provide the energy squirrels need for their active lifestyles, and bark generally serves as a last resort or supplementary source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do squirrels eat bark all year round?
No, squirrels primarily eat bark during late winter and early spring when other food sources are scarce. During other seasons, they focus on nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Why do squirrels strip bark from trees?
Squirrels strip bark to access the nutrient-rich cambium layer beneath, which provides sugars and moisture. They also gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing.
Can bark eating kill trees?
Yes, if squirrels strip bark all around the trunk (girdling), it can disrupt nutrient flow and potentially kill the tree. Damage severity depends on the extent of bark removal.
How can I stop squirrels from eating my tree bark?
Use tree guards, repellents, provide alternative food sources, and reduce access by trimming branches. Combining these methods is usually most effective.
Do all squirrels eat bark?
No, bark eating varies by species and environment. Red squirrels are more likely to eat bark, while gray and fox squirrels do so less frequently and primarily when food is scarce.
Is bark nutritious for squirrels?
Bark’s cambium layer contains sugars and nutrients but is less energy-rich than nuts or seeds. It serves as a supplemental food source during lean times rather than a primary nutrition source.
Do squirrels eat bark from all types of trees?
Squirrels tend to prefer softer-barked trees where the cambium is easier to access, such as young or thin-barked trees. Hard, thick bark is less commonly eaten.
Conclusion
Squirrels do eat bark, but it is generally a fallback behavior linked to seasonal food shortages or dental maintenance. While bark provides some nutrition, squirrels prefer high-energy foods like nuts and seeds. Bark eating can cause damage to trees, especially if persistent, but understanding this behavior helps in managing and protecting trees effectively. Knowing when and why squirrels eat bark offers insight into their adaptability and survival strategies in changing environments.
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