Will Squirrels Eat Black Walnuts

Squirrels will eat black walnuts, and if you’ve got a black walnut tree in your yard, you’ve probably already witnessed this firsthand.

 

These bushy-tailed foragers absolutely love black walnuts, and they’ll happily munch on them whenever they get the chance.

 

In fact, squirrels eat black walnuts so often that the two have developed a pretty interesting relationship over time.

 

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why squirrels eat black walnuts, how they crack through those tough shells, and what it means for your yard.

 

Let’s dig in.

Why Squirrels Eat Black Walnuts

Squirrels eat black walnuts for plenty of good reasons, and once you understand them, it all makes perfect sense.

1. Black Walnuts Are Packed With Nutrition

Black walnuts are a nutritional goldmine for squirrels.

 

They’re loaded with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients that squirrels need to stay energized and healthy.

 

During the colder months, these dense calories become a lifeline for squirrels trying to survive when other food sources dry up.

 

That’s a big reason squirrels eat black walnuts so eagerly whenever they’re available.

2. They’re a Reliable Food Source

Black walnut trees produce a lot of nuts, and that abundance makes them a dependable food source for squirrels.

 

When a tree drops its nuts in autumn, squirrels know they’ve hit the jackpot.

 

They’ll gather as many as they can, sometimes working from dawn until dusk to stockpile enough for winter.

 

So if you’ve ever wondered whether squirrels eat black walnuts, the answer is a resounding yes, and they do it with serious enthusiasm.

3. Squirrels Are Built to Crack Them Open

Squirrels eat black walnuts partly because they’re actually equipped to handle those notoriously hard shells.

 

Their sharp, ever-growing incisors can gnaw through the tough outer husk and the rock-hard shell underneath.

 

It takes time and effort, but squirrels are patient and persistent when there’s a tasty reward waiting inside.

 

They’ll often carry black walnuts to a favorite feeding spot, like a stump or a fallen log, to crack them open in peace.

How Squirrels Eat Black Walnuts

Watching a squirrel eat black walnuts is honestly kind of impressive.

1. Removing the Husky Outer Layer

First, squirrels eat black walnuts by peeling away the green or brownish-black husk that surrounds the shell.

 

This outer layer can stain their paws and fur, but that doesn’t stop them one bit.

 

They’ll gnaw and scrape until the husk is gone and the hard shell is exposed.

2. Cracking the Hard Shell

Next comes the real challenge, which is getting through that thick, woody shell.

 

Squirrels eat black walnuts by patiently chipping away at the shell with their teeth until they break through.

 

It’s not a quick snack, but squirrels don’t seem to mind the effort one bit.

3. Eating and Storing the Nut Inside

Once they’ve cracked it open, squirrels eat black walnuts by pulling out the rich, oily nutmeat inside.

 

Sometimes they’ll eat it right away, and other times they’ll bury it for later.

 

This caching behavior is why you’ll sometimes find little black walnut trees sprouting in unexpected places around your yard.

 

Squirrels eat black walnuts and accidentally plant new trees in the process, which is a pretty neat side effect.

Do Squirrels Eat Black Walnuts More Than Other Nuts?

Squirrels eat black walnuts regularly, but they’re not picky eaters by any means.

1. Black Walnuts Are a Favorite

Given the choice, many squirrels eat black walnuts with real gusto.

 

Their strong flavor and high fat content make them a prized find in the eyes of a hungry squirrel.

 

If there are black walnuts around, squirrels will usually go for them.

2. They’ll Eat Other Nuts Too

That said, squirrels eat black walnuts alongside acorns, hickory nuts, pecans, and just about any other nut they can find.

 

Variety keeps them well-fed and helps them build up fat reserves for winter.

 

So while squirrels eat black walnuts often, they’re happy to mix things up when needed.

So, Will Squirrels Eat Black Walnuts?

Squirrels will eat black walnuts, and they do so happily and often.

 

These nuts provide the nutrition, calories, and challenge that squirrels seem to genuinely enjoy.

 

Whether they’re cracking them open on a stump or burying them for later, squirrels eat black walnuts as part of their natural routine.

 

So if you’ve got black walnuts dropping in your yard, don’t be surprised when the neighborhood squirrels come running.