Do squirrels drink water? It’s a simple question, but the answer is not so straightforward.
Squirrels do drink water but they also get moisture from other sources such as plants, dew, and even underground streams.
In this article, we’ll look at the drinking habits of squirrels and how they get water in different environments. We will also discuss whether squirrels will drink from a water source if provided.
So if you’ve ever wondered how these cute and curious creatures stay hydrated, read on!
Do Squirrels Drink Water?
Squirrels need a constant supply of water to survive. Water is essential for digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.
In the wild, squirrels can get water from a variety of sources including:
- Small puddles or streams
- Licking dew or frost from plants and surfaces
- Eating fruits and vegetables that contain a high amount of moisture.
Access to water can be a challenge for squirrels in dry or cold seasons. In these cases, squirrels must rely on other sources of water to meet their hydration needs.
Squirrels will use a man made water source if provided. If you have a birdbath in your backyard, squirrels may visit it to drink. Squirrels drink from the fountain in our yard on scorching hot days.
Some people use a shallow dish filled with water as a way to attract squirrels to their yard.
Providing a water source for squirrels can be a fun activity, but it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t put them at risk. If you put out a water dish for squirrels make sure it is near a form of shelter to protect them from predators.
How Squirrels Stay Hydrated in Dry or Cold Climates
So how do squirrels stay hydrated in dry or cold environments? Squirrels are resourceful and have developed many strategies to meet their hydration needs.
High Moisture Foods
One strategy is to store food with high moisture content. Squirrels collect and bury nuts that contain a high amount of water in addition to nutritious proteins. These high moisture foods can be retrieved later in the winter when water is scarce.
Squirrels will also seek out high moisture foods to consume such as cattails and grass if needed.
Dew, Frost and Snow
Squirrels will seek out dew and frost as a source of moisture. In winter, squirrels may lick the ice and snow off tree branches or other surfaces.
In general squirrels minimize the eating of snow for moisture as it does require energy that the squirrels need to survive in cold weather.
Digging
Squirrels will drink from streams or puddles that are covered up by vegetation. They will access the water by digging in moist soil to access underground water sources.
Squirrels are adept at finding a variety of water sources to meet their hydration needs. Their ability to adapt to different environments makes them such successful animals.
Conclusion
Squirrels do drink water, but they also get moisture from other sources such as plants, dew, and rain.
Squirrels are clever animals that have developed strategies for getting water in different environments.
Providing a water source in your backyard is a great way of attarcting squirrels. If you do install a water source make sure it is in a location safe from predators like hawks.
Remember to approach wildlife observation with respect and caution.
By learning more about squirrels and their drinking habits, we can better understand and appreciate these fascinating creatures.
Further Reading
Here are some great sources that cover the topic of squirrels and their hydration habits:
“The Secret Life of Squirrels” by Richard W. Thorington Jr. and Katie Ferrell
“Squirrels: The Animal Answer Guide” by Richard W. Thorington Jr. and Katie Ferrell
“The Squirrels of North America” by Richard W. Thorington Jr. and Katie Ferrell
“Squirrels: A Wildlife Handbook” by Kim Long
