Scientists urge Britons to STOP feeding red squirrels - as they warn it may be altering the development of their jaws
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Despite the joy of seeing a rare red squirrel up close, you must resist the temptation to give them a snack, experts have warned. Researchers have discovered that giving the species titbits that are softer than their natural diet may be changing their jaw shape and weakening their bite.
![[Researchers have discovered that giving the species titbits that are softer than their natural diet may be changing their jaw shape and weakening their bite]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/15/94083595-0-image-a-16_1736868910413.jpg)
Normally, red squirrels chomp on hard food such as hazelnuts, pine seeds, acorns and even tree bark. But during the 1990s conservationists provided a local population of red squirrels in Formby, Merseyside, with a steady supply of peanuts. These softer nuts were given in such abundance that they made up more than 50 per cent of the squirrels' diet, on average, in the area.
![[Comparison with historic skeletons reveals a change in skull and jaw shape – suggesting that squirrels have a lower bite force after having their natural diet supplemented]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/15/94083601-0-Comparison_with_historic_skeletons_reveals_a_change_in_skull_and-a-18_1736869002331.jpg)
It is also thought that over the last few decades, visitors to the area have regularly provided the species with biscuits and chips to nibble on. These treats require much less chewing and comparison with historic skeletons reveals a change in skull and jaw shape – suggesting that squirrels have a lower bite force after having their natural diet supplemented.
The researchers, from University College London (UCL), warned that care should be taken when providing food for wild – and captive – animals, so as not to influence their ability to consume their natural diet. In recent years the National Trust has been communicating with visitors to the area that giving the squirrels extra food is unnecessary.
Despite the joy of seeing a rare red squirrel up close, you must resist the temptation to give them a snack, experts have warned. Researchers have discovered that giving the species titbits that are softer than their natural diet may be changing their jaw shape and weakening their bite.
