A Closer Look at Squirrel Behavior
General Squirrel Diet
Understanding the habits of squirrels is crucial to understanding their relationship with deer corn. These are not creatures who simply sit and wait for an opportunity. Squirrels, especially the various species that frequent North America, are driven by an innate need to survive. They are incredibly adaptable and opportunistic, meaning they’ll take advantage of any available food source.
Their diets, in the wild, consist of a variety of natural resources. This often includes nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and fungi. The specific components of their diet can change based on seasonal availability and the location of the squirrels’ habitat. Some species may favor certain types of nuts, while others might find certain types of seeds more appealing. Regardless, their diets are generally balanced, drawing nutrients from various natural sources.
Squirrels and Food Storage
Another core aspect of squirrel behavior is their food-storage strategy. Squirrels are famous for burying nuts and seeds for later consumption. This behavior, also known as caching, is a critical survival mechanism, especially during the leaner months of winter. They have incredible memories, allowing them to remember the location of their buried stashes. It’s a remarkable display of their innate resourcefulness and an illustration of the relentless drive for survival.
How Deer Corn Fits into the Squirrel’s World
Nutritional Value of Deer Corn
Deer corn, typically consisting of dried corn kernels, represents a readily available and calorie-dense food source. For a squirrel, the abundance offered by a deer feeder can be incredibly attractive. While not a complete and perfectly balanced diet for a squirrel, the carbohydrates in deer corn provide a good energy source, making it a tempting option, particularly during periods of scarcity or when they need to build up fat reserves.
Squirrels’ Preferences for Deer Corn
The preference for deer corn can also be influenced by its accessibility. A pile of spilled corn on the ground, a feeder that’s easy to access, or corn readily available inside a feeder all significantly increase the odds that a squirrel will consume it.
The type of squirrel can influence the level of interest in deer corn. Gray squirrels and fox squirrels, being common species in many areas, are often the most visible around deer feeders, and their interest in the corn can be especially noticeable. The smaller chipmunks and ground squirrels will also feed on deer corn. The size difference in these creatures can make a difference in how easily they access feed, the greater their opportunity to get into the feed.
What About the Value of Deer Corn?
Deer corn offers a good source of carbohydrates and energy. It’s inexpensive and relatively easy to distribute. The corn alone does not provide a balanced diet, as it lacks other important nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals that squirrels and deer need to thrive. Relying on deer corn exclusively can lead to nutritional deficiencies, a factor that might affect overall health.
Issues and Worries
When squirrels start eating deer corn regularly, it can bring up a number of issues.
Feed Depletion
One of the main issues with the presence of squirrels at a feeder is the potential for feed depletion. A large squirrel population can consume significant amounts of corn. This directly reduces the amount of feed available for the deer, the primary target of your feeding efforts.
Spread of Disease
Another area for concern is the potential for the spread of disease. Squirrels are known to visit feeding areas to defecate. This can contaminate the corn, especially if the feeder isn’t maintained well.
Property Damage
Squirrels might also cause property damage. This is especially common if they are trying to get to the feed.
How to Approach This Responsibly
Feeding wildlife is a complex topic, and there are ethical considerations to keep in mind. What might initially seem to be a harmless gesture can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Here are some things to consider:
Ethical Considerations
The primary goal of deer feeding is to support the local deer population. If squirrels are consistently taking the feed meant for deer, it undermines this objective.
Another aspect that requires consideration is the potential for increasing the local squirrel population. Large groups of squirrels can lead to increased competition for resources, and the squirrels will also impact the existing ecosystem.
It’s essential to be aware of local regulations regarding wildlife feeding. Some areas may have restrictions in place designed to protect both the wildlife and the public.
Taking Action
If you’re looking to minimize squirrel access to your deer corn, there are a few options.
Prevention Techniques
One way to do this is to invest in squirrel-resistant feeders. These are designed to make it difficult for squirrels to access the feed. Often, this takes the form of feeders that have cages around them, which are designed to allow deer to reach the feed but not squirrels.
Another way to help manage this is to consider feeder placement. Try putting your feeders in areas that are less accessible to squirrels.
Fencing can sometimes be an effective deterrent. By creating a physical barrier around the feeding area, you can limit squirrel access. The fencing can be placed around the feeders themselves or around the area where feed is scattered.
Alternatives
Sometimes, the type of feed can be a factor. Consider feeding deer feeds that are less attractive to squirrels. These might contain ingredients that are less appealing to squirrels.
Final Thoughts
So, do squirrels eat deer corn? The short answer is a resounding yes. Squirrels are opportunists, and deer corn provides a readily available, energy-rich food source. Their constant presence at deer feeders is a testament to their adaptability and their instinctual drive to find food.
However, the interaction between squirrels and deer corn is not without its challenges. Concerns about feed depletion, property damage, and disease transmission make it important to approach the practice with awareness and forethought.
By understanding squirrel behavior, considering the available management techniques, and being aware of the larger implications, you can make an informed choice. This will ultimately help you strike a balance between supporting deer and dealing with the inevitable presence of these resourceful, and often cheeky, little critters. Responsible feeding is key, and knowing what to feed the animals in your backyard is key to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do squirrels eat other types of corn? Yes, squirrels will consume any type of corn they can access, including field corn, sweet corn, and corn on the cob.
Is deer corn harmful to squirrels? Deer corn is not directly harmful to squirrels, but it does not provide a complete diet.
Will attracting squirrels deter deer from feeding? It’s possible that a large number of squirrels at the feeder can scare away deer or create increased competition for feed.
Are there any benefits to having squirrels around deer feeders? Squirrels might help disperse seeds, or indirectly aid in controlling insect populations, but the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits in the context of a deer feeding program.
