As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had my fair share of encounters with squirrels and their eating habits. When it comes to hazelnuts, the question arises – do squirrels eat unripe hazelnuts? The answer is a resounding yes.
Grey squirrels, in particular, have a voracious appetite and are known to eat hazelnuts even before they ripen. Unlike some other animals that wait for fruits and nuts to fully mature and become ripe, grey squirrels have no qualms about munching on green hazelnuts.
I have observed this behavior firsthand in my own garden. Hazelnut trees are a common sight in my area, and every year, as the nuts start to form, the squirrels waste no time in raiding the branches. Even when the hazelnuts are still green and hard, they seem to be a delicacy for these furry creatures.
One reason behind this behavior could be the scarcity of food during certain times of the year. Squirrels are known for their ability to store food for the winter months when natural food sources may become scarce. By eating unripe hazelnuts, they are able to stock up on food early, ensuring they have a sufficient supply for the colder months.
Another possible explanation is that green hazelnuts provide a good source of nutrients for squirrels. While ripe hazelnuts are undoubtedly more flavorful and easier to crack open, unripe nuts still contain valuable nutrients that can sustain the squirrels’ energy needs.
It’s important to note that grey squirrels are not native to many parts of the world, including North America, where they were introduced. In their native habitat in Europe, they have coevolved with hazelnut trees and other plant species. Their ability to eat unripe hazelnuts may be a result of this long-standing relationship.
To protect your hazelnut crop from being devoured by squirrels, there are a few strategies you can employ:
1. Netting: Place netting over the branches of the hazelnut tree to create a physical barrier that prevents squirrels from accessing the nuts. Make sure the netting is securely fastened to avoid any gaps that squirrels can squeeze through.
2. Traps: Live traps can be set up to catch the squirrels and relocate them away from your garden. However, it’s important to check local regulations and laws regarding trapping and relocating wildlife before attempting this method.
3. Distract with alternative food sources: Provide alternative food sources, such as bird feeders or squirrel feeders, stocked with nuts and seeds. This may help divert their attention away from your hazelnuts.
4. Harvest early: If you notice that the squirrels are consistently targeting your hazelnuts before they ripen, consider harvesting them a bit earlier than usual. This way, you can enjoy at least some of the nuts before the squirrels get to them.
Grey squirrels have a penchant for eating unripe hazelnuts. This behavior can be attributed to their adaptability, nutritional needs, and the scarcity of food during certain times of the year. By employing strategies such as netting, traps, offering alternative food sources, or harvesting early, you can minimize the impact of squirrels on your hazelnut crop.
