Will Squirrels Eat Walnuts

Squirrels will eat walnuts, and they absolutely love them.
 
In fact, walnuts are one of their favorite foods because they’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and energy.
 
If you’ve ever wondered will squirrels eat walnuts, the answer is a resounding yes.
 
These bushy-tailed creatures will happily munch on walnuts whether they find them on the ground, in a bird feeder, or buried in your garden.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why squirrels eat walnuts, how they crack them open, and what it means for your backyard.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Squirrels Will Eat Walnuts

Squirrels will eat walnuts for a few very good reasons.
 
Here’s why these nuts are such a big part of their diet.
 

1. Walnuts Are Packed With Nutrition

Walnuts are like little power pellets for squirrels.
 
They contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which give squirrels the energy they need to scamper, climb, and store food for winter.
 
A single walnut can provide a squirrel with a significant chunk of its daily calorie needs.
 
That’s why squirrels will eat walnuts whenever they get the chance.
 

2. Walnuts Have a Hard Shell Squirrels Can Crack

Squirrels have strong incisors that never stop growing, and those teeth are perfect for gnawing through walnut shells.
 
A squirrel will rotate the walnut in its paws, find the seam, and chew until it breaks through.
 
This is one reason squirrels eat walnuts so efficiently.
 
They’ve evolved to handle tough nuts, and walnuts are no match for their determination.
 

3. Walnuts Are Easy to Store for Later

Squirrels are famous for burying nuts, and walnuts are ideal for caching.
 
They’ll dig small holes in lawns, gardens, and flower beds, drop a walnut in, and cover it up.
 
This behavior is why squirrels will eat walnuts months after they’ve buried them.
 
They rely on their memory and smell to find these hidden stashes when food is scarce.
 

How Squirrels Eat Walnuts

Watching a squirrel eat a walnut is quite a show.
 
Here’s how the process usually goes.
 

1. They Carry the Walnut to a Safe Spot

Squirrels rarely eat walnuts right where they find them.
 
Instead, they’ll grab the nut and run to a branch, a fence post, or a quiet corner of the yard.
 
This keeps them safe from predators while they work on cracking the shell.
 

2. They Gnaw Through the Shell

Once in a safe spot, the squirrel will hold the walnut with its front paws and start gnawing.
 
You’ll hear a scraping sound as those sharp teeth wear down the shell.
 
Within a minute or two, the shell splits open, and the squirrel gets to the meat inside.
 

3. They Eat the Nut and Leave the Shell

After cracking it open, the squirrel will eat the walnut meat quickly.
 
Sometimes they’ll nibble it down to nothing, and other times they’ll leave bits of shell behind.
 
If you find broken walnut shells on your patio or driveway, you know a squirrel has been snacking.
 

Will Squirrels Eat Walnuts From Bird Feeders?

Yes, squirrels will eat walnuts from bird feeders if they can get to them.
 
Squirrels are notorious for raiding feeders, and walnuts are a prized catch.
 
If you put walnuts in a feeder, expect squirrels to show up.
 
They’ll climb poles, jump from branches, and even hang upside down to reach the goods.
 
That’s why many people use squirrel-proof feeders or offer walnuts in a separate area.
 

1. Squirrels Are Persistent Problem Solvers

Squirrels will eat walnuts no matter how tricky you make it.
 
They can figure out baffles, chew through plastic, and leap surprising distances.
 
If there’s a walnut within reach, a squirrel will find a way.
 

2. Walnuts Are a High-Value Reward

For a squirrel, a walnut is worth the effort.
 
It’s dense in calories and fat, which makes it perfect for bulking up before winter.
 
So when squirrels eat walnuts, they’re not just snacking, they’re preparing for survival.
 

Are Walnuts Safe for Squirrels?

Walnuts are safe for squirrels in their natural form.
 
But there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re feeding them.
 

1. Raw Walnuts Are Best

Squirrels will eat walnuts that are raw and unsalted.
 
Roasted or salted walnuts can be harmful because of added oils and sodium.
 
Stick with plain walnuts if you want to treat your backyard visitors.
 

2. Avoid Moldy or Rancid Walnuts

Old walnuts can grow mold, which is toxic to squirrels.
 
If a walnut smells off or looks discolored, don’t put it out.
 
Fresh walnuts are always the safer choice.
 

3. Moderation Matters

Even though squirrels will eat walnuts, they shouldn’t eat too many at once.
 
A handful here and there is fine, but too many walnuts can upset their stomach.
 
Nature provides a balanced diet, so treats should stay as treats.
 

So, Will Squirrels Eat Walnuts?

Squirrels will eat walnuts, and they’ll do it with enthusiasm.
 
These nuts are nutritious, easy for them to crack, and perfect for storing away for later.
 
Whether you’re watching them in your yard or trying to keep them out of your bird feeder, now you know exactly why squirrels eat walnuts.
 
So the next time you see a squirrel with a walnut in its mouth, you’ll know it’s just doing what comes naturally.