Do squirrels eat grasshoppers? The answer to this question, surprisingly, is yes. Squirrels are omnivores and will eat both plants and animals. Grasshoppers are part of the arthropod class which includes insects like ants, spiders, scorpions, mites...the list goes on. Grasshoppers can be found in yards across America during springtime when they emerge from their winter hibernation. They feed on leaves and other vegetation until late summer when they head back underground for another long winter's nap.
This makes grasshoppers a perfect food for squirrels to eat as they play in yards and fields everywhere.
Why do squirrels eat grasshoppers
Squirrels enjoy diversity in their diets. Just like us, squirrels like to change up what they eat. They like to get a little different flavor on the palate. Eating grasshoppers gives squirrels that experience while providing good nutrients.
Eating grasshoppers also allows squirrels to have a little fun. Fruits and vegetables are easy to collect and eat. Grasshoppers jump all over the place. Squirrels get to enjoy a little hunt and are rewarded with a delicious meal when they eat grasshoppers.
What nutrients do grasshopper provide to squirrels
Grasshoppers provide some good nutrients to squirrels. First, grasshoppers are almost all protein. This protein gives squirrels energy and is a building block for muscle.
When squirrels eat grasshoppers they also get vitamin A, B, and C. Grasshoppers are also rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. These are all vital nutrients that squirrels need to stay health and strong.
What type of grasshoppers do squirrels eat
Squirrels eat all kinds of grasshoppers. Some of them include the spur-throated, lubber, locust, migratory, slant-faced, band-winged, and many more.
There are more than 10,000 different species of grasshoppers that squirrels eat.
Do squirrels like one type of grasshopper more than other grasshoppers
Obviously squirrels eat more of the common grasshoppers then the rare ones. The larger grasshoppers are likely easier for squirrels to catch then smaller ones.
From a taste perspective, squirrels don't prefer any particular grasshoppers. They all taste about the same. All grasshoppers provide the same nutrients, so I don't think squirrels care which ones they eat. Also, squirrels probable don't think about nutrition anyways. They only respond to the natural instinct to eat and feed their hunger.
If you're wondering how I know about the taste of grasshoppers...no I haven't eaten any grasshoppers. But I have eaten a chocolate covered cricket and it was delicious.
Best way to feed grasshoppers to squirrels
In the wild, squirrels will find grasshoppers on their own. Squirrels forage through the grass in search of grasshoppers. Many times, as squirrels make their way through the grass, grasshoppers will fly up. Squirrels will catch them in the air.
If you have a pet squirrel, you can put grasshoppers in your squirrel's cage. Don't put too many at one time. Your squirrel only needs to eat one or two at a time. You can purchase grasshoppers or catch them in your yard to feed to your pet squirrels.
You may also like to feed your squirrels some fruit and vegetables with the grasshoppers. Fruit and vegetables will help to balance all of the protein they are getting when eating grasshoppers.
Fruits and vegetables to feed squirrels with grasshoppers
Do squirrels eat grasshoppers off of the ground or in the air
Squirrels eat grass hoppers when they are on the ground or in the air. Grasshoppers like to move around in vegetation to eat. Squirrels will pick them up off of what ever they are sitting on.
Grasshoppers also fly. Squirrels can catch grasshoppers as they fly and then eat them.
When do squirrels eat grasshoppers
Squirrels eat grasshoppers in the spring and summer. They make a good snack anytime of day. Grasshoppers aren't as active in the fall and winter, so squirrels don't eat many during these times of year.
What part of the world do squirrels eat grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are found all over the world. The only continent you won't find grasshoppers is Antarctica. Squirrels are also found in all of the same places as grasshoppers. There are thousands of different grasshopper species. Squirrels love to eat all of them all over the world.
How to keep squirrels from eating grasshoppers
You really can't stop squirrels from eating grasshoppers in your yard. My guess would be that you really don't want or need to stop squirrels from eating grasshoppers unless the squirrel is your pet.
If you have a pet squirrel, you can easily stop it from eating grasshoppers by not feeding any to it.
Are eating grasshoppers dangerous for squirrels
Squirrels usually know what they can and can't eat. This doesn't mean there aren't any squirrels that haven't munched on something that is harmful. But when it comes to natural elements, squirrels have a keen sense of what is good for them.
Grasshoppers are good for squirrels. There isn't any danger posed to a squirrel when it eats a grasshopper.
What other foods do squirrels like besides grasshoppers
In addition to grasshoppers, squirrels definitely love to eat nuts. I have seen squirrels eating acorns under oak trees. They also like to eat bird seed. They also like to eat strawberries when they are in season.
Conclusion
Squirrels love to eat grasshoppers. There are so many different types of grasshoppers that a squirrel can never run out of options when eating them. Squirrels will eat grasshoppers along with fruits and vegetables, like grapes. Squirrels will also eat other insects with grasshoppers.
Grasshoppers provide much needed nutrients to squirrels. They are high in protein and essential vitamins. Feed grasshoppers to your pet squirrel a few times a week and it will thank you.
