Do Squirrels Eat Crab Apples?
Crab apples are a type of fruit that is often overlooked, but they are a staple in many gardens and backyards. While they may not be as sweet as regular apples, they are still a delicious and nutritious snack for many animals. One of the most common questions about crab apples is whether squirrels eat them. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some interesting facts about squirrels and their love for crab apples.
Do Squirrels Eat Crab Apples?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Squirrels are known to eat a wide variety of fruits, including crab apples. In fact, crab apples are one of their favorite snacks. Squirrels are attracted to the sweet and tangy taste of crab apples, and they will often go to great lengths to get their paws on them.
Why Do Squirrels Eat Crab Apples?
So, why do squirrels eat crab apples? There are several reasons for this:
- Nutrition: Crab apples are a good source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Squirrels need these nutrients to stay healthy and strong, and crab apples provide them with a convenient and tasty way to get them.
- Energy: Crab apples are also a good source of energy for squirrels. They are high in sugar and can provide a quick burst of energy for squirrels who are busy gathering nuts and seeds.
- Taste: Let’s face it, crab apples are delicious! Squirrels love the sweet and tangy taste of crab apples, and they will often go to great lengths to get their paws on them.
How Do Squirrels Eat Crab Apples?
Squirrels eat crab apples in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:
- Biting: Squirrels will often bite into crab apples and eat them whole. This is a quick and easy way for them to get their paws on the fruit.
- Peeling: Squirrels will also peel crab apples and eat the flesh inside. This is a good way for them to get to the sweet and juicy part of the fruit.
- Storing: Squirrels will often store crab apples in their nests or in hidden caches around their territory. This is a good way for them to have a steady supply of food throughout the year.
Interesting Facts About Squirrels and Crab Apples
Here are a few interesting facts about squirrels and crab apples:
- Crab Apple Preference: Squirrels have a strong preference for crab apples over other types of fruit. In fact, they will often go to great lengths to get their paws on crab apples, even if it means competing with other animals for them.
- Crab Apple Variety: There are many different varieties of crab apples, and squirrels will often eat them all. Some popular varieties include ‘Dolgo’, ‘Red Delicious’, and ‘Granny Smith’.
- Crab Apple Nutrition: Crab apples are a good source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also high in fiber and low in calories, making them a healthy snack for squirrels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, squirrels do eat crab apples, and they love them! Crab apples are a nutritious and delicious snack for squirrels, and they will often go to great lengths to get their paws on them. Whether they are biting into them, peeling them, or storing them for later, squirrels are big fans of crab apples. So, if you have crab apples growing in your garden or backyard, you can be sure that the squirrels will be happy to help themselves!