I wonder if this question ever crossed your mind! How do squirrels get water? Squirrels fulfill most of their water requirements from their diet like vegetables, fungi, fruits, etc. They also drink from fresh water, streams, puddles, rainwater, melting snow, etc, if required.
The drinking habits of these furry little critters are a bit different from the wildlife around. They can smell the water source from quite a distance when dehydrated. In this writing, we’ll explore the squirrel’s hydration habits in detail. Tag along to know interesting and unknown facts.
How Do Squirrels Get Water?
Where squirrels drink water from depends on their surroundings. In the wild, squirrels mostly drink pond water, and juicy fruits and vegetables to fulfill their thirst. But in urban areas, squirrels have to look for other hydration sources. Mostly, they are seen to drink from bird feeders.
Though squirrels are thought to naturally dislike water, they need it for survival. They drink just enough to survive, to quench their thirst. Squirrels get the water they need from both their diet and the environment. There are several ways in which squirrels get water.
From Diet:
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and fungi are commonly found in squirrel diets that are rich in water. According to Live Science, squirrels do not need much water to perform bodily functions. So their primary requirement for water is quenched through diet. They need comparatively more water in summer and extreme hot weather.
Another interesting thing to talk about is the food squirrels store under the ground and absorb water from the soil. In turn, when squirrels eat them, they get plenty of hydration from the food.
From Nature:
Freshwater sources are plenty in our wild areas. Squirrels tend to reside near the water sources for easy drinking. Whenever they feel thirsty, they drink the natural water from ponds, rivers, streams, and lakes. Some other sources of natural water are:
Rain Water:
Rainwater is one of the best natural water sources for squirrels. They come out from their holes and other hiding places, play in the rain, and drink rainwater. Also, they lick the stored rainwater droplets on the leaves, grass, and other surfaces.
Dew Drops:
As squirrels spend most of their time in the greenery, they can easily lick dew drops from the leaves and grass. This can be enough at times, as they have very little water requirements.
Melted Snow:
What about the extreme cold winters? All water sources are turned into snow. Water intake can be critical in such a situation.
Thanks to squirrels digging nature! They go under the snow by digging and get the water present under the snow. This melted water can help squirrels survive.
Tree Sap:
According to a publication found in Research Gate, some species of squirrels chew the tree bark for hydration. The chewing creates openings in the bark, where tree sap collects. Squirrels drink this sap to get hydrated.
From Man-made Sources:
In urban areas natural sources of water are scarce. So, squirrels like other wildlife have to depend on man-made water sources. Some examples can be:
Stored Water:
If you store water in your yard then squirrels can drink from the stored water. Water tanks, small tubs, bird baths, and water provided for your pet are good sources of water for the squirrels. Just the water has to remain uncovered.
Sprinklers and Fountains:
Have you ever found a squirrel chewing on your sprinkler head? They are smart enough to identify this water source. In urban areas, squirrels often drink water from sprinklers and fountains. It’s quite an activity for them to enjoy!
Swimming Pool:
Squirrels are also seen drinking from modern swimming pools and hot tubs. It’s a nice source of fresh water for them.
Squirrels Water Source Chart:
| Natural Sources | Artificial Sources |
| River Stream Pond Lake Rain Water Streams Snowfall | Birdbaths Fountain Sprinkler Pipe Air Conditioning Unit Swimming Pool Hot Tub |
How Long Can A Squirrel Live Without Water And Food?
Have you ever seen a squirrel drinking water? Squirrels can go for long periods without drinking water. The reason behind this is they get hydration from the foods they eat. Specifically from the fruits and vegetables they live on.
Without Water:
Squirrels do need direct water during drought or when food sources are unavailable. The amount of water a squirrel needs depends on some factors. Its size, the level of activity, and the condition of weather are some to mention. On average a squirrel needs about 2-3 tablespoons of water per day to stay well hydrated.
Squirrels can live only two days without water. Though they find natural water easily, sometimes they rely on artificial options. Birdbaths, sprinklers, and swimming pools are some to mention.
Without Food:
Squirrels are intelligent and resourceful rodents using unique food-storing techniques. They dig deep holes in the ground to bury collected food so they don’t have to starve at harder times. Acorns, nuts, and other dry foods plentiful in summer are on the list. In winter the weather gets colder and natural food gets scarce.
Squirrels live upon their stored food at that time. But sometimes stored food gets stolen or ruined. Then squirrels might have to survive even without food. Squirrels can survive about one week on average without food.
Studies show the longest survival is up to two weeks. Squirrels are adaptable to cope with harsh circumstances. Despite this, many of them die of starvation. So, it’s important to be kind to squirrels by arranging food and water for them.
How Do Squirrels Drink Water?
Now that you know squirrels need water and the sources where they get water from. The next question to pop up in your mind may be about the drinking techniques of these tiny, clever creatures. Squirrels are clever enough that they have mastered some smart ways to stay hydrated without even lips-to-water contact.
They literally scoop, lap, draw up, and access water from any available sources. Squirrels normally drink water using three different techniques:
Water Intake Using Tongue:
The tongue is the most important organ for squirrels’ direct water intake. Their tongue has a rougher texture and tends to retain water. Like dogs, squirrels put their tongue directly into the water and take water in their mouth using their tongue. Their tongue works like a ladle to scoop up water to the mouth.
Like this, squirrels meet their hydration needs in multiple laps. This lapping act is so fast that you won’t get it if you don’t look closely. According to a study, squirrels can lap up to 500 times per minute. Incredible, isn’t it?
Water Intake Using Paws:
Squirrels are usually very clever and cautious. If the water source is in sa place where they feel any danger of falling or slipping, they don’t dare to use their tongue. Alternatively, they use their paws to take water to their mouths.
They carefully bend down and put their front paws in water. Next, they pull them back and lick the paws to drink water. Interesting, isn’t it?
Water Intake Using Mouth:
If the water is placed in a shallow structure, squirrels reach the water source and dip their mouth to drink with their tongue. This is the most convenient way for them to get water.
Water Intake Using Front Teeth:
Squirrels’ front teeth are like built-in straws, having a specialty to draw water up into their mouths. Their teeth are curved and have a groove on the inner part. When a squirrel dips its teeth into water, the groove works like a straw to deliver the water up to their mouth.
Do Squirrels Drink Water From A Bowl?
Are you curious about whether a squirrel can drink from a bowl? Of course, they can. They’ll use either their tongue or directly dip their mouth to drink from a bowl.
When the weather is extreme, you can place bowls filled with fresh water in open spaces so that squirrels can get hydration if they are in need. Squirrels play a beneficial part in our garden ecosystem. So, support them with food and water as much as you can.
Final Thoughts:
Squirrels are cute little guests often playing hide and seek in our garden. Like any other life, squirrels need water to survive, be it from leafy vegetables, juicy fruits, or natural water sources. They drink water in the same way during both summer and winter. But the amount of hydration required may vary with the changing weather conditions.
If you’ve come this far with me, you already know how squirrels get water. They need artificial water sources when the weather is extremely hot, during pregnancy, or when ill. Providing a little water in the open space of your garden from where squirrels can drink, can be a very kind notion. Also, the next time you come by a squirrel, take a moment to appreciate their unique methods of water intake.
