What Fruit Do Squirrels Not Eat? Understanding Squirrel Diets and Food Aversions

Introduction: The Curious Case of Squirrel Eating Habits

Squirrels are a common sight in backyards, parks, and forests across North America and many other parts of the world. With their bushy tails, quick movements, and fondness for foraging, these agile rodents often seem to eat just about anything they come across — including fruits. However, despite their reputation as opportunistic omnivores, squirrels do not eat every fruit available to them. Understanding what fruit squirrels avoid—and why—can benefit gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, and even orchard owners aiming to protect their crops.

This article explores the dietary preferences of squirrels, delves into which fruits they tend to avoid, and examines the scientific and ecological reasons behind these aversions. With a focus on accuracy and reader engagement, we’ll help you better understand squirrel behavior while offering practical insights into managing fruit consumption by squirrels in residential and natural settings.

The Squirrel Diet: Omnivores With Selective Tastes

Squirrels are generalist feeders, meaning they eat a wide range of foods depending on availability and season. Their diet typically includes:

• Nuts (acorns, walnuts, hickory, almonds)
• Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin)
• Tree bark and buds
• Fungi and mushrooms
• Insects, bird eggs, and even small vertebrates (in rare cases)
• Fresh fruits and berries

While fruits are a valuable source of moisture, energy, and nutrients, not all fruits appeal to squirrels. Many people assume squirrels will devour any fruit within reach, but that’s an oversimplification.

Why Fruits Appeal to Squirrels

Frugivory—the consumption of fruit—is common among many squirrel species. Squirrels are drawn to fruits for several reasons:

• High in natural sugars: Fruits provide quick energy, which is especially important during cooler months when squirrels are less active.
• Easy to harvest and consume: Soft, ripe fruits require minimal effort to chew and digest compared to hard nuts.
• Abundant in seasonal flushes: In late summer and fall, fruit-bearing trees and vines produce large harvests, making them prime food targets.

Despite these advantages, some fruits are rarely or never found on a squirrel’s menu. The reasons can be chemical, physical, or related to evolutionary adaptations.

Fruits Squirrels Typically Avoid: A Closer Look

While squirrels consume apples, cherries, grapes, figs, and strawberries without hesitation, they tend to avoid several other types of fruit. The following fruits are generally unappealing or even potentially harmful to squirrels:

1. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits)

Squirrels almost universally avoid citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. This aversion is due to:

• Bitter taste and acidity: The high citric acid content makes these fruits extremely sour and potentially irritating to a squirrel’s sensitive palate.
• Essential oils in the peel: The rinds of citrus fruits contain limonene and other volatile compounds that deter many animals, including squirrels, due to their strong odor and taste.
• Digestive discomfort: The acidic nature of citrus can upset small mammal stomachs, especially in large quantities.

While a curious squirrel might nibble a small portion out of novelty, it will quickly lose interest. This is why citrus trees often remain relatively undisturbed in squirrel-populated areas.

2. Unripe or Overly Tannic Fruits (Unripe Persimmons, Green Bananas)

Squirrels are highly attuned to fruit ripeness. They avoid unripe fruits that are high in tannins, which impart an unpleasant astringent flavor. For example:

• Unripe persimmons: These are notoriously bitter and cause puckering sensations due to high tannin levels. Only once fully ripe—and soft—do they become palatable, even to squirrels.
• Green bananas: While not toxic, their starchy texture and lack of sweetness make them unattractive. Ripe, sweet bananas are sometimes eaten, but green ones are ignored.

This behavior reflects a natural adaptation: squirrels learn to wait for optimal ripeness when foraging, reducing the risk of ingesting harmful or indigestible compounds.

3. Fruits with Toxins or Defense Mechanisms

Some fruits contain natural chemical defenses that deter predators. Squirrels, with their keen sense of smell and taste, tend to avoid them. These include:

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Despite being nutritious and native to North America, pawpaws are rarely eaten by squirrels. The fruit has a strong, musky odor that many mammals, including squirrels, find unattractive. Additionally, some anecdotal evidence suggests that pawpaw seeds and skin may contain compounds that act as natural deterrents, though this is not fully proven.

Green Tomatoes and Eggplants (Technically Fruits)

Botanically, tomatoes and eggplants are fruits, but squirrels avoid them—especially when unripe. The reason?

While not lethal in small amounts, these fruits are unpleasant and potentially harmful, so squirrels instinctively steer clear.

Avocados

Despite being a fruit rich in fats and nutrients, avocados are rarely consumed by squirrels in the wild. The large pit, thick skin, and presence of persin—a fungicidal toxin found in the leaves, skin, and pit—make avocados unappealing. While persin is more dangerous to birds and some livestock, squirrels may detect its bitterness and avoid the fruit as a precaution.

Physical and Textural Barriers

Some fruits aren’t avoided due to taste or toxicity, but because of their physical structure, which makes eating them difficult or inefficient for squirrels.

1. Coconuts

The coconut—while technically a drupe—is largely inaccessible to squirrels due to its thick, fibrous husk and extremely hard shell. Even if the nut were cracked open, the meat is tough and not sweet like other fruits squirrels favor. Squirrels in tropical regions (such as the Indian palm squirrel) may nibble on young coconuts with softer interiors, but mature ones are avoided.

2. Durian

The durian, known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, is infamous for its strong odor and spiky exterior. While some primates consume durian, squirrels typically avoid it entirely. The sharp thorns make access difficult, and the pungent smell, while attractive to certain animals, can deter others. Additionally, durian’s rich, custard-like texture doesn’t align with the crisp, juicy fruits squirrels prefer.

Regional and Species-Based Variations

It’s important to note that not all squirrels behave the same way. The fruit-eating habits of a gray squirrel in New England may differ from those of a red squirrel in Scotland or a palm squirrel in India. Here are a few examples:

Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)

Common in the eastern United States and parts of Canada, gray squirrels are highly adaptable. They enjoy:

• Apples
• Pears
• Cherries
• Plums

But avoid: citrus, green tomatoes, and unripe figs.

Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys spp.)

Nocturnal and more reclusive, flying squirrels exhibit a less fruit-centric diet. They prefer fungi, lichens, and high-protein foods, consuming far fewer fruits than their diurnal relatives. When they do eat fruit, it’s usually soft berries or tree fruits with easy access.

Indian Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum)

Found in India and Sri Lanka, this species is known to eat a wider variety of tropical fruits. However, even they avoid durian and overly sour citrus, opting instead for mangoes, papayas, and bananas—but only when ripe.

Why Understanding Squirrel Fruit Avoidance Matters

Knowing which fruits squirrels don’t eat has practical applications for gardeners, conservationists, and homeowners.

1. Protecting Fruit Gardens and Orchards

If your orchard is plagued by squirrels feasting on cherries or peaches, planting or placing citrus trees nearby may act as a natural deterrent. The strong scent of lemon or orange peels can mask the aroma of preferred fruits, reducing squirrel interest.

2. Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping

For those aiming to coexist peacefully with wildlife, choosing squirrel-resistant fruits can help reduce unwanted foraging. Using avocados, persimmons (unripe), or citrus in garden design may protect other vulnerable plants by diverting squirrel attention.

3. Feeding Backyard Squirrels Responsibly

If you enjoy feeding backyard squirrels, it’s important to offer safe, nutritious foods. While fruits like apples and grapes are appropriate, avoiding citrus or toxic plant matter is crucial. A diet too high in acidic or processed fruits can lead to health issues in urban squirrel populations.

Factors That Influence Squirrel Food Choices

Squirrel eating behaviors are shaped by several key factors beyond simple taste preferences.

1. Seasonal Availability

Squirrels rely heavily on what’s seasonally accessible. In late summer, berries and early fruits dominate; in fall, nuts and seeds take precedence. A fruit avoided in one season might be sampled in another due to food scarcity.

2. Nutritional Needs

Squirrels seek a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Fruits high in sugar provide quick energy but lack protein. Squirrels often eat fruits in combination with protein-rich foods like nuts or fungi.

3. learned behavior and social influence

Young squirrels learn food preferences from their mothers and through observation. If a mother avoids citrus, her offspring are likely to do the same. This cultural transmission reinforces fruit avoidance across generations.

4. Competition and Predation Risks

Squirrels may avoid certain fruits if accessing them involves high risk—such as climbing into open spaces where predators can spot them. For example, a fruit hanging in the open on a thin branch may be bypassed in favor of safer foraging options.

Common Misconceptions About Squirrel Diets

Several myths persist about squirrel eating habits. Let’s clarify them with facts:

Myth 1: “Squirrels will eat any fruit they find.”

False. While squirrels are opportunistic, they exhibit strong preferences and aversions. Citrus, for example, is almost never consumed in quantity.

Myth 2: “Squirrels eating your tomatoes means they love all garden fruits.”

Misleading. Squirrels eat ripe tomatoes (which are sweet and juicy) but avoid green, unripe ones. They also rarely touch peppers or eggplants, even when available.

Myth 3: “All fruits are safe for squirrels to eat.”

Incorrect. While small amounts of most fruits aren’t toxic, excessive consumption of acidic fruits like citrus can lead to stomach upset or nutrient imbalances.

How to Deter Squirrels From Eating Your Fruits (Without Harm)

If you’re looking to protect your fruit trees and bushes, consider humane, eco-friendly solutions that work with squirrel behavior rather than against it.

1. Use Natural Repellents

The smell of citrus peels is a natural squirrel deterrent. Placing orange or lemon peels around the base of fruit trees may discourage squirrels from approaching.

2. Install Physical Barriers

• Use netting to cover fruit trees during harvest season.
• Install baffles on tree trunks to prevent climbing.

3. Provide Alternative Food Sources

Strategically placing squirrel feeders with corn, nuts, or acceptable fruits (like apples) away from your garden can redirect their foraging behavior.

4. Plant Squirrel-Resistant Fruits

Incorporate more citrus, unripe persimmons, or ornamental fruit varieties that squirrels don’t favor. These can add beauty without attracting unwanted attention.

Conclusion: Respecting Nature’s Preferences

Understanding what fruit squirrels do not eat isn’t just a fun fact—it’s a window into animal behavior, ecology, and coexistence. Squirrels, despite their adaptability, have clear food preferences shaped by taste, texture, nutrition, and safety. Citrus fruits, unripe or tannic fruits, and those with toxic compounds are typically off the menu, not because squirrels lack access, but because evolution has taught them to avoid them.

By recognizing these natural aversions, we can better design our gardens, protect our harvests, and appreciate the nuanced dietary habits of one of nature’s most charismatic small mammals. Whether you’re a gardener, a wildlife observer, or just curious about squirrels, knowing what they won’t eat is just as important as knowing what they will.

Next time you see a squirrel darting through your yard, remember: it’s not just a tiny rodent with a hunger for fruit—it’s a selective forager, guided by instinct, experience, and the subtle chemistry of the foods around it.

What types of fruits do squirrels typically avoid?

Squirrels are generally opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide variety of fruits, but they tend to avoid certain types due to taste, texture, or chemical composition. Fruits with strong acidity, bitter flavors, or tough skins are commonly unappealing to squirrels. Examples include citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits, which their sharp acidity can deter squirrels. Additionally, fruits high in certain compounds like tannins—such as unripe persimmons—can taste unpleasant and may be bypassed in favor of sweeter options.

Another group of fruits squirrels often ignore includes those with strong aromatic oils or unusual textures, like durian or certain exotic tropical fruits. These characteristics can be off-putting to squirrels, whose palates are tuned to energy-rich, sugary foods that provide quick fuel. Furthermore, some fruits simply aren’t native to regions where squirrels commonly live, so there may be no learned behavior to eat them. Overall, avoidance isn’t always a strict dietary rule but rather a preference based on availability, palatability, and nutritional value.

Why don’t squirrels eat citrus fruits?

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are rarely consumed by squirrels, primarily due to their high acidity and strong aromatic oils. The citric acid present in these fruits can irritate a squirrel’s sensitive mouth and digestive system, making them unpalatable. Additionally, the bitter compounds found in the peels and pith—like limonene and flavonoids—contribute to an unpleasant taste that squirrels instinctively avoid in favor of milder, sweeter alternatives.

Squirrels have evolved to seek out foods that provide high caloric value with minimal digestive effort. Citrus fruits, despite having natural sugars, do not offer the energy payoff that nuts, seeds, or sweet fruits like apples and berries do. The effort required to break through the rind and process the sour flesh outweighs the nutritional benefit. Moreover, because citrus trees are often cultivated in regions not native to many squirrel species, there has been little evolutionary pressure for squirrels to adapt to eating them.

Can squirrels eat unripe fruit, and do they avoid it?

Squirrels may sample unripe fruit, but they generally avoid consuming large quantities due to texture and taste. Unripe fruits are often hard, sour, and rich in tannins, which create an astringent bitterness that deters many animals, including squirrels. For example, green apples or unripe peaches lack the succulent sweetness that attracts squirrels to their ripe counterparts, making them less desirable as a food source.

However, in times of scarcity, squirrels might resort to eating unripe fruits if no better options are available. Their flexible diet allows them to adapt to changing food supplies, but preference always leans toward nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods. When given a choice, squirrels will wait until fruits soften and sweeten to consume them. This natural selectivity helps them maximize energy intake while minimizing digestive strain.

Are there fruits that are toxic to squirrels?

While most common fruits are not outright toxic to squirrels, some can pose health risks when consumed in large amounts. The seeds or pits of certain fruits, such as apples, cherries, plums, and peaches, contain trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. However, the risk is generally low because squirrels typically eat the flesh and discard or only incidentally ingest small amounts of the seeds.

That said, providing squirrels with fruit in moderation and removing pits when possible is a safer approach. Squirrels in urban or residential areas may encounter fruit waste and eat more than they would in the wild, increasing the potential for exposure. Overall, healthy adult squirrels can tolerate small quantities of these compounds, but spoiled, moldy, or fermented fruits should be avoided entirely, as they can cause gastrointestinal distress or more serious health issues.

Do squirrels eat tropical fruits like mango or pineapple?

Squirrels can and sometimes do eat tropical fruits such as mangoes and pineapples, especially in regions where these fruits are readily available. These fruits are sweet, juicy, and high in carbohydrates, making them appealing energy sources. In areas like South America, parts of Asia, or even backyard gardens in warm climates, squirrels may readily consume fallen mangoes or pineapple scraps left by humans.

However, such consumption is more opportunistic than instinctive, as these fruits are not part of a squirrel’s natural ancestral diet in most habitats. Some squirrels may initially hesitate due to unfamiliar texture or strong aroma—especially in pineapples, which contain bromelain, an enzyme that can cause mild oral irritation. Once acclimated, though, many squirrels enjoy tropical fruits just as they do other sweet produce. Availability and exposure play major roles in determining whether a squirrel will eat them.

How do a squirrel’s natural habitat and species affect fruit preferences?

A squirrel’s species and geographic location significantly influence its diet, including which fruits it will eat or avoid. For example, gray squirrels in North America commonly consume apples, grapes, and berries found in their native woodlands, while tropical species like the Prevost’s squirrel in Southeast Asia may eat figs, papayas, and other local fruits. These dietary habits are shaped by the availability of food sources in their ecosystems and evolutionary adaptations to local flora.

Additionally, urban squirrels often exhibit broader dietary ranges due to exposure to human food waste and ornamental plants. They may sample fruits they wouldn’t encounter in the wild, sometimes rejecting them based on taste or texture. In contrast, forest-dwelling squirrels rely on seasonal fruiting patterns and are more selective, prioritizing energy-rich options that support survival through winter. Thus, habitat and species determine both access and preference when it comes to fruit consumption.

What can I do to keep squirrels from eating fruit in my garden?

To deter squirrels from eating fruit in your garden, consider using physical barriers such as netting, cages, or tree collars around fruit-bearing plants. Netting draped over fruit trees or bushes can be highly effective in preventing squirrels from reaching apples, grapes, or berries. Additionally, placing smooth metal guards around tree trunks can stop squirrels from climbing up to access fruit, as they struggle to gain traction on slick surfaces.

Natural deterrents can also help. Certain strong-smelling substances like cayenne pepper, garlic spray, or predator urine may discourage squirrels, though these need frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Planting fruits that squirrels tend to avoid—like citrus—on the perimeter of your garden may also create a buffer zone. Ultimately, a combination of methods works best, as squirrels are intelligent and adaptable, quickly learning to bypass single deterrent strategies.