[The Lone Ranger]

Squirrels aren't vegetarians, though a lot of people seem to be under the mistaken impression that they are. In fact, true vegetarianism in the animal kingdom is surprisingly rare. Lots of animals that most people think of as vegetarians have been documented to kill and eat smaller animals -- including squirrels, goats, and cows.

Animal flesh is a much better source of protein and fats than is virtually any plant matter, and so many "vegetarian" animals will happily eat meat if its available. Bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosporous, and where these minerals are in short supply, even cows and deer have been seen to kill and eat small birds and mammals, apparently for the calcium and phosphorous. (Antlers shed by deer don't last long for the same reason -- they're quickly set upon by porcupines, squirrels, and other nibblers for their calcium.)


Squirrels regularly raid birds' nests and eat the eggs, or carry off the young birds if they can. A study in Canada a few years ago found that the major predator of young snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) wasn't hawks or owls or coyotes or lynx or any of the other expected predators -- it was red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).

Best keep an eye on the fuzzy little buggers.

Cheers,

Michael