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Are peanuts harmful for squirrels?
Name: Ann
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
Are peanuts harmful for squirrels? In the winter I put
out field corn. Presently have one friendly female who
looks for a treat to be tossed her way.
Replies:
Peanuts will not hurt squirrels, they love them. However, feeding wild
mammals is usually not a very good idea, though lots of people do it. They
can become dependent on you and possibly starve if you are not around in
severe weather, and they may appear to become tame, will be used to
approaching people, and will be vulnerable to people who aren't as
"friendly" as you are. Also people-dependent squirrels sometimes bite
people, particularly children, who think they look like pets, and then have
to be destroyed. So my advice is to enjoy watching your squirrels but don't
"tame" them. Let wildlife be wild.
John Elliott
Most experts agree that squirrels who are fed peanuts regularly, do not
seek other foods that provide them with their total nutritional needs.
There are articles on this topic that can be found within a library.
Steve Sample
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Update: June 2012
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