What Parts of the Pine Cone Do Squirrels Eat?
A squirrel's favorite part of the pine cone is the seeds, which are sometimes also referred to as pine nuts. These are contained near the core of the pine cone, protected by hard scales on the outside. The front teeth of a squirrel are strong and sharp, so they are easily able to strip away the scales to get to the seeds. They may also eat the seeds as well.Which Species of Squirrels Eat Pine Cones?
The American red squirrel is one of the species that live in Wisconsin. It is one of a handful of species known as pine squirrels for their affinity for the cones for food and the trees themselves to make homes. However, any species of tree squirrel may eat pine cones, not just those identified as pine squirrels. Other common tree squirrel species in Wisconsin include the fox squirrel and the gray squirrel, both of which may eat pine cones.What Benefits Do Squirrels Get from Eating Pine Cones?
In the first place, pine cones are very nutritious for squirrels. From the nuts, they can receive the following vitamins, minerals, and nutrients:- Magnesium
- Vitamin K
- Manganese
- Protein
- Thiamin
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
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