Squirrels can eat yew berries. I actually had a personal experience with this when I saw a red squirrel munching on some yew berries in my backyard. It was quite a surprise to me, as I had always thought squirrels primarily fed on nuts and seeds. But it turns out, they have a varied diet and will eat berries as well.
Yew berries come from the yew tree, scientifically known as Taxus baccata. While the red squirrels in my area are known to primarily feed on nuts, I discovered that they also have a taste for yew berries. It was interesting to observe the squirrel carefully plucking the berries off the tree and enjoying them.
It’s worth noting that yew berries are not a common food source for squirrels. They are more commonly found eating nuts, seeds, and fruits such as acorns, pine cones, and berries from trees like oak, beech, and hazel. However, in certain situations where other food sources may be scarce, squirrels may resort to eating yew berries.
Yew berries are not typically considered a part of a squirrel’s natural diet, but they are not harmful or toxic to them either. In fact, yew berries contain a fleshy outer coating, which is actually the only part of the plant that is not poisonous. The seeds within the berries, however, are highly toxic to humans and many other animals.
While squirrels may occasionally eat yew berries, it’s important to note that the majority of their diet should consist of their more natural food sources. Providing them with a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, and fruits from trees like oak and beech will ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Yes, squirrels can eat yew berries, but it is not a common or preferred food source for them. They are more likely to feed on nuts, seeds, and fruits from other trees. It’s always fascinating to observe the varied diet and adaptability of these agile little creatures.