December 23, 2025, 5:48 am | Read time: 4 minutes
It is not only local birds that appreciate support in winter. Squirrels also enjoy the treats provided in gardens. myHOMEBOOK explains what to consider and what to watch out for when feeding squirrels in winter.
In the fall, you can see many reddish-brown squirrels scurrying around. During this time, the animals are busy hiding their winter supplies. Nuts are hidden and buried in various places so that the rodents have enough to eat during the harsh season. Although squirrels have a good memory to find their food caches, it occasionally happens that a nut is forgotten. The main task of these agile forest animals is the spread of shrubs and trees. Despite their diligent stockpiling, squirrels also take advantage of food offerings provided in gardens.
Is It Sensible to Feed Squirrels in Winter?
Generally, squirrels are adapted to local winters. They do not hibernate but rather enter a state of winter rest. This means they slow down their metabolism, heartbeat, and breathing to conserve energy. Occasionally, they leave their drey, or nest, to search for food. However, very long frost periods or few natural food sources, such as poor nut years, can create difficulties for the animals. Supplemental feeding can be quite helpful—especially in urban areas with few nut trees and shrubs.
By the way: By planting native plants in your garden that bear nuts and beechnuts, you support squirrels in a particularly sustainable way. Shrubs like hazel, walnut trees, beeches, or oaks not only provide the animals with energy-rich food but also long-term, reliable resources they can use independently. A naturally designed garden creates a stable, diverse environment that benefits both squirrels and other native animal species for many years.
What Should You Consider When Feeding?
Offering food to squirrels in the garden, on the terrace, or on the balcony does not generally harm the animals, as the WWF informs. The animals do not remain permanently dependent on a single food source. When feeding squirrels in winter, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Set up the feeding station in a weather-protected area
- Regularly clean the feeding station to prevent diseases
- Provide fresh water
- Do not place the feeding station at ground level, as cats and other predators can pose a threat
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What Do Squirrels Eat?
When feeding squirrels in winter, you should also be mindful of what you offer them. Suitable foods include:
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chestnuts
- Acorns
- Fir and pine cones
- Dried corn kernels
- Fresh fruit, such as apple pieces (in small amounts)
Salted or roasted nut mixes, bread, almonds, or sweets are not suitable for feeding squirrels. Additionally, it is advisable to offer nuts without shells for young animals, as they cannot crack the nuts on their own yet.
How to Recognize a Squirrel in Distress?
Sometimes, just offering food or shelter is not enough for the animals. A squirrel in distress is usually easy to catch. As the WWF informs, young animals in need of help sometimes follow people. There is no need to fear rabies, as squirrels do not contract this disease, according to the WWF.
If you find an animal that needs help and is even injured, you should contact a wildlife station or squirrel care center. For questions and uncertainties, you can call the association Eichhörnchen Schutz e. V., which operates an emergency phone line.
When handling the animal, it is best to wear gloves, as adult squirrels can bite hard. Additionally, it is important to keep the animal warm. You can use a towel with a hot water bottle for this purpose.