Do Squirrels Eat Pears?
It was late September, and the relentless Los Angeles summer heat was finally cooling down. I had been enjoying the quiet of my backyard in the San Fernando Valley when I noticed something strange. My pear tree, which had been heavy with ripening fruit, was losing pears—fast. At first, I thought maybe some had fallen due to the wind. But then I saw her: a little fox squirrel, perched on a branch, happily munching on a pear like it was a prized possession.

Do Squirrels Eat Pears?
I had seen plenty of squirrels in my yard before, but never had I caught one feasting so happily on my fruit. I wondered, Do squirrels eat pears regularly, or is this just a hungry squirrel with a sweet tooth? If you live in Los Angeles, especially in neighborhoods with lots of trees like the San Fernando Valley, you’ve likely seen fox squirrels digging around—a non-native species that thrives in urban environments. And yes, these squirrels do love pears!
🐿️ Squirrels & Pears – The Snack Showdown Podcast!
Why do squirrels go crazy for pears, and how does their fruit-filled diet affect their behavior and role in nature? Dive into this fun and informative episode exploring the reasons behind their love for this juicy snack and how it impacts their place in the ecosystem.
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Why Do Squirrels Eat Pears?

Squirrels are opportunistic eaters. This means they’ll eat whatever is available, whether it’s nuts, seeds, vegetables, or in my case—pears. Here’s why they love pears:
- Natural Sugars: Pears are sweet, and that sugar gives squirrels a quick burst of energy, which is especially useful as they prepare for winter.
- Hydration: Pears are juicy, helping squirrels stay hydrated, especially important during the lingering heat of Los Angeles’ autumn.
- Accessibility: In many areas, fruit trees are common in backyards, making pears an easy and tasty target.
It’s not just the sweetness that appeals to them. The fact that these fruits are easy to reach and packed with moisture makes them a perfect snack for these furry urban dwellers.
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Nutritional Benefits of Pears for Squirrels
While it might seem like squirrels are only after the sweetness, pears also provide other important nutrients. Here’s what pears offer to our local squirrels:
- Fiber: Keeps their digestion healthy.
- Vitamins A and C: Boost their immune system.
- Hydration: Especially important for animals in warm climates like Los Angeles.
Squirrels love variety, and fruits like pears fit nicely into their diet. Even though squirrels are famous for hoarding acorns, they won’t pass up a juicy pear when it’s ripe and ready to eat.
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Are Pears Safe for Squirrels?
Yes, pears are safe for squirrels to eat, but with some precautions. While pears provide good nutrients, too much of a good thing—especially sugar—can lead to problems. Here are a few things to consider:
- Moderation is Key: Like humans, squirrels shouldn’t eat too much fruit. The natural sugars can cause weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Pear Seeds: The seeds of pears contain a small amount of cyanide, similar to apple seeds. Although the amount is tiny, it’s still a good idea to limit their seed intake.
In short, feeding a few pears to squirrels is fine, but it’s better if they aren’t able to gorge themselves on an entire tree’s worth!

How to Protect Your Pear Trees from Squirrels
If you’re a gardener like me, you may not want to see all your hard-earned fruit disappear into the paws of the local squirrel population. Here are some simple ways to protect your pear trees:
- Netting: Cover your trees with bird netting to create a barrier between your fruit and hungry squirrels.
- Trim Tree Access: Squirrels are excellent climbers, but trimming back nearby branches or placing barriers can limit their access to the tree.
- Decoy Food: Place squirrel-friendly food, like nuts or corn, in a separate part of your yard to distract them from your fruit tree.
- Squirrel Repellents: Natural repellents, like pepper-based sprays, can make the fruit less appealing to squirrels without harming them.
Cynthia’s Special Sauce Squirrel Repellent Recipe
- 1 cup of water (237 ml’s)
- 1/4 cup of siracha sauce (59 ml’s)
Place mixture in a spray bottle and spray on areas to detour squirrels.
This information is provided by @CynthiaPeterson2015 on Instagram. Let us know if you have had success with this recipe or any of the other suggestions.
DIY Hot Sauce Squirrel Repellent Recipe
- 4 cups of water (946 ml’s)
- 1 ounce of cayenne hot pepper sauce (30 ml’s)
- 3 drops of dish soap
Place mixture in a spray bottle and spray on areas to ward off those furry squirrels eating from your fruit trees.
By trying a combination of these methods, you can reduce the number of pears lost to curious squirrels.
Feeding Squirrels on Purpose: Is It a Good Idea?
After watching my local fox squirrels enjoying my pears, I wondered if feeding them intentionally would be a fun idea. However, there are reasons to be cautious:
- Disruption of Natural Foraging: When squirrels rely on humans for food, it can disrupt their natural behaviors, which may not be healthy for them in the long run.
- Health Concerns: Feeding them too much fruit, or any human food, can lead to obesity or malnutrition.
So, while it’s fine to let squirrels enjoy the occasional pear, it’s important to be mindful of how much access they have to human-provided food.
The Balance Between Squirrels and Pears
So, do squirrels eat pears? Yes, they do! Squirrels are known to take advantage of fruit trees like pears, enjoying them as part of their diverse diet. While it can be entertaining to watch them nibble on your harvest, too many squirrels in your garden can become a problem if left unchecked.
By using a few protective measures like netting or repellents, you can protect your trees while still allowing some wildlife to enjoy nature’s bounty. After all, living in harmony with the local wildlife is one of the joys of gardening!