Do Squirrels Eat Watermelon

If you’ve ever enjoyed a slice of watermelon in your garden, you might have wondered if the local wildlife shares your taste. Do squirrels eat watermelon? The answer is a resounding yes. These curious backyard visitors are often happy to nibble on this sweet, hydrating fruit. Offering it can be a fun way to observe them, but it’s good to know the right and wrong ways to do it.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeding watermelon to squirrels. We’ll cover the nutritional benefits, potential risks, and the best methods to offer this treat safely. You’ll learn how to keep both the squirrels and your garden happy.

Seeing a squirrel tackle a piece of watermelon is a sure sign they enjoy it. They will eat both the juicy red flesh and the softer white rind closer to the skin. The hard green outer skin is usually too tough and is typically left behind. Watching them hold a piece with their tiny paws is a charming sight for any nature lover.

Why Watermelon is a Good Occasional Treat

In moderation, watermelon offers squirrels some nice benefits, especially on a hot day.

Hydration: Watermelon is over 90% water. It helps squirrels stay hydrated during dry summer months.
Vitamins: It contains Vitamin A, which is important for vision, and Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system.
Lycopene: This antioxidant gives the fruit its red color and can contribute to overall health.
Easy to Eat: The soft texture is easy for squirrels of all ages to chew and digest.

The Important Downsides and Risks

Watermelon should only be a treat, not a staple food. There are several reasons for this.

High Sugar Content: Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and digestive upset in squirrels, just like in humans.
Nutritional Imbalance: Squirrels need a diet high in proteins, fats, and calcium, which watermelon does not provide. Relying on it can cause malnutrition.
Pesticide Danger: The rind can harbor pesticides or chemicals from conventional farming. Always wash thoroughly or use organic.
Choking Hazard: Large seeds from seeded varieties can pose a risk. It’s best to use seedless or remove the seeds.

How to Safely Prepare Watermelon for Squirrels

Following a few simple steps ensures the treat is safe and enjoyable for them.

Choose Ripe, Fresh Fruit: Avoid watermelon that is fermented, moldy, or overly mushy.
Wash Thoroughly: Scrub the outer skin with water and a bit of vinegar to remove surface residues before cutting.
Cut into Manageable Pieces: Slice off a piece of the flesh with some of the softer white rind attached. Cube it into pieces roughly 1-inch in size.
Remove Seeds: If you’re using a seeded variety, take a moment to pick out the large black seeds.
Serve Fresh: Place the pieces in a clean dish or on a platform feeder. Remove any uneaten portions after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

Where and When to Place the Treat

Location is key to avoid attracting unwanted pests or creating dependency.

Place pieces on a squirrel feeder or a flat rock away from your home’s foundation.
Offer treats in the morning or early afternoon, so they have time to digest.
Never feed from your hand, as squirrels can bite if startled.
Only offer a few small pieces per squirrel, once or twice a week at most.

Protecting Your Watermelon Harvest

If you grow watermelon, you might find squirrels getting to them before you do. Here’s how to protect your crop.

Use Physical Barriers: Cover developing melons with mesh bags or cloches. This allows sun and rain in but keeps teeth out.
Install Fencing: A simple chicken wire cage around your garden bed can be a strong deterrent.
Provide Distractions: Sometimes, offering a few pieces of watermelon in a designated feeding spot away from the garden can keep them busy.
Harvest Promptly: Pick your watermelons as soon as they are ripe to reduce the window of opportunity.

What Other Garden Foods Do Squirrels Like?

Squirrels have a varied diet. Along with watermelon, they might sample other items in your garden.

Vegetables: Tomatoes, corn, squash, and leafy greens are sometimes eaten.
Fruits: Berries, apples, pears, and peaches are common targets.
Nuts and Seeds: This is their preferred food source, including acorns, sunflower seeds, and peanuts (unsalted).
Bulbs: They are notorious for digging up and eating flower bulbs like tulips and crocuses.

A Balanced Squirrel Diet in the Wild

Understanding what squirrels naturally eat helps us see why treats should be limited. Their primary diet includes:

Nuts (walnuts, hickory nuts, acorns)
Seeds from pine cones and other trees
Tree buds, bark, and fungi
Insects and occasionally small bird eggs for protein
Native fruits and berries in season

This diverse diet provides the high fat, protein, and mineral content they need to thrive. Our treats, like watermelon, are just a sugary bonus for them.

Signs of a Healthy Squirrel vs. One in Trouble

When you feed wildlife, it’s responsible to observe their health. A healthy squirrel is alert, active, and has a full, glossy coat. Their eyes should be bright and clear.

Be concerned if you see a squirrel that appears lethargic, has a patchy or rough coat, or shows signs of injury. In these cases, it’s best to contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice. Never try to care for a sick or injured wild animal yourself without expert guidance.

Creating a Squirrel-Friendly Garden

If you enjoy watching squirrels, you can design your garden to support them naturally without relying on handouts.

Plant native oak, hickory, or walnut trees for long-term food.
Provide a fresh water source, like a birdbath with a shallow end.
Leave some areas of your garden a little wild with leaf litter, where they can forage for insects.
Install a sturdy squirrel nesting box high in a tree to provide shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can squirrels eat watermelon rind?

Yes, they can eat the softer white and light green part of the rind. The tough, dark green outer skin is usually to hard for them and is left uneaten.

Is watermelon seed safe for squirrels?

The small white seeds in seedless watermelons are generally safe. However, the larger black seeds in traditional varieties can be a choking hazard and are best removed before offering the fruit.

How often can I give squirrels watermelon?

Watermelon should be an occasional treat. Offering a few small pieces once a week, or even less often, is sufficient. Their main diet should come from natural sources.

Do squirrels like other melons?

Yes, squirrels will often eat cantaloupe and honeydew as well. The same feeding rules apply: offer small amounts of ripe, fresh fruit occasionally, with seeds removed.

Will feeding watermelon attract rats?

If you leave large amounts of fruit out overnight, it can attract rodents like rats. Always offer small amounts in the daytime and remove any uneaten portions before dusk.

Sharing a bit of watermelon with your backyard squirrels can be a pleasant summer activity. The key is to do it thoughtfully and sparingly. By following these simple guidelines, you ensure that you’re not harming their health or disrupting their natural foraging habits. A healthy squirrel is a joy to watch, and a well-managed garden is a joy to tend. With a little care, you can enjoy both.