Just curious, but I put out food and water for the squirrels on my apartment balcony. I live on the 3rd floor and they jump over from a hanging tree branch and munch away from sun up to sun down, but I never see one stop by when it's dark.
Where do they go at night? and they don't eat at night?
The reason I'm confused is because I know that other similar animals like apossums, racoons, skunks and such are always seen more after dark than in the daytime, so I figure that is when they come out in search of food.
So, are my squirrels just so well fed that they don't have to bother?? LOL
Also, am I hurting the squirrels by feeding them? They aren't tame and they would never come up to me, but I do sit in my living room and watch them throughout the day stop by and have their fill of peanuts, corn, sunflower seeds, and bird seeds.....and water too. It's so cute to see them drinking out of the water dish....lol.
Thanks for any info you have.
Robin
2007-06-12 15:08:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Squirrels are diurnal. They are active during the day and sleep in nests in trees at night. The other species you mention are nocturnal--active at night. No, I don't think you aren't hurting them by giving them a little food. I'm sure they appreciate a little extra snacking!
2007-06-12 15:23:42 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Squirrels need to sleep too!
I live in the mountains and at night there are more predators about, like owls and foxes and coyotes. They would like nothing more than a tasty little squirrel for dinner, so a squirrel has a better chance of getting around during the day when things are more visible than at night.
As far as are you hurting them-well, they can be quite destructive. They've been known to break into houses looking for more food, and also chewing wires and plastic insulation, which I don't think your landlord would appreciate and it couldn't be good for the squirrels either.
2007-06-12 15:14:10 · answer #2 · answered by mrpeachycat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's great that you feed the squirrels. I talk to them. They are all over the place where I live. I observe them digging into the ground. I think the reason you don't see them at night is because they're chillin out from all that scavenging, digging and scampering about during the day.
2007-06-12 15:37:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
birds knock seeds out of the bid feeders in the day time and the squirrels eat them. the nocturnal animals eat the squire ls food at night while the squirrels are asleep.
2007-06-12 16:04:28 · answer #4 · answered by arikashikari 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're asleep. In trees. Sometimes in holes in trees. Sometimes in bird-like nests made of leaves and such. You're other friends are nocturnal. Kinda like me. You're feeding and watering of them is ok. Just remember, they're wild animals and possible carriers of rabies. Look but don't touch.
2007-06-12 15:18:13 · answer #5 · answered by cobalt279 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
squirrels aren't nocturnal so they aren't going to roam arouund at nite. they mite get eaten by an owl. you're only hurting them in that they won't forrage for their own food if you didn't feed them anymore or they are getting too fat. but no prob never seen a fat squirrel have you?
2007-06-12 15:18:44 · answer #6 · answered by dimi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Squirrels ate my gas-line... 268.00 to replace and repair the damage ... I'm trying to trap them (only 2 or 3 here) ... Can't afford another repair bill! :(
2015-06-26 10:53:10 · answer #7 · answered by steve 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Raccoons ,opossums,and skunks are all nocturnal. Squirrels are not. They sleep at night.
2007-06-12 15:12:49 · answer #8 · answered by Soapbox 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a guess but maybe they cant see as well at night. Maybe they have to many predators out at night. I don't think they are considered nocturnal animals are they? LOL now I have to go and read up on squirrels... Thanks lol
2007-06-12 15:15:24 · answer #9 · answered by mrs.mom 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they sleep at night. opossums and raccoons are nocturnal and sleep during the day. you wont hurt them by feeding them enjoy!
2007-06-12 15:17:35 · answer #10 · answered by aw 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋