Squirrels are big fans of a variety of nuts, but they especially enjoy peanuts (both in-shell and shelled), walnuts, pecans, and almonds. If you're looking to attract squirrels to your yard, offering unsalted, raw nuts is a popular choice.

• Peanuts: Easy for squirrels to handle and store.
• Walnuts and Pecans: Provide a fun challenge for them to crack open.
• Almonds: Another tasty option, just make sure they're unsalted.

Mixing up the types of nuts can keep things interesting for your backyard visitors and support their natural foraging instincts.

The "5 7 9 rule" is a fun way some wildlife enthusiasts describe squirrel feeding habits. It refers to the idea that squirrels tend to eat or store nuts at different times of day—around 5 a.m., 7 a.m., and 9 a.m. While not a strict scientific rule, it highlights how squirrels are most active in the early morning hours.

• Squirrels often forage for nuts and seeds right after sunrise.
• They may return to their favorite food spots several times before midday.

If you're putting out nuts for squirrels, early morning is a great time to do it!

Squirrels usually have more than one nest, called "dreys," and may switch between them for safety and comfort.

• They build nests in trees using leaves and twigs.
• Having multiple nests helps them avoid predators and adapt to weather changes.

It's common for a squirrel to sleep in one nest for a while, then move to another nearby. If you're providing nuts, you'll likely see the same squirrels visiting your yard, but they might not always be coming from the same home base.

Squirrels are known for burying nuts to save for later, but they don't always remember every hiding spot.

• They rely on memory and scent to locate their buried food.
• Some nuts are forgotten, which can actually help new trees grow.

Forgetting a portion of their stash is a natural part of their behavior and plays a role in forest regeneration. So, when you see a squirrel digging around, it's often searching for one of its hidden treasures!

Feeding nuts to squirrels can be a fun way to watch wildlife, but it's important to do it safely:

• Offer unsalted, raw nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or pecans.
• Place nuts in a feeder or on the ground away from busy roads.
• Avoid hand-feeding to prevent squirrels from becoming too tame.

Always clean up uneaten food to discourage pests and keep your yard tidy. Providing fresh water nearby is also a thoughtful touch for your furry visitors.