I had no idea that Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) liked mushrooms, but this squirrel certainly seemed to be nibbling on one when I spotted him on Wednesday at Green Spring Gardens. I love the way that he was holding the mushroom in his “hands” as he gently chewed on the stem—I think he may have already consumed the mushroom cap.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Not only do they enjoy mushrooms, they’ll dry them and tuck them away in little ‘pantries’ for later use when other food supplies are short. Here’s one article about the practice. Clever creatures!
Wow. That’s amazing. There is so much about nature that I don’t know, but it seems like I am constantly learning new things. 🙂
That’s true for us all, Mike!
As former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz is reported to have said, “In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying so get in motion and grow.”
Squirrels seem to eat anything that won’t eat them first. At least everything at out place…
That’s a gourmet squirrel!!
Thank you for the squirrel photo. I know many regard them as pests but I LOVE squirrels! They are so cute and entertaining. Real acrobats. And, actually, they are omnivorous and will even eat baby birds in the nest.
Thanks, Ann. A number of insects, birds, and animals that I photograph are considered pests or invasive species, but I tend to put those kinds of judgments to the side when photographing them. Squirrels are definitely fun to watch and photograph.
He’s a cutie! Currently, I have a groundhog named Chuck living in my little bluff. I wish you could capture him with your camera! My iPhone is just ok…😬
Thanks. The iPhone is wonderful for lots of different kinds of photography, but wildlife photography generally requires the kind of reach that you get from a telephoto lens. I have only had a few interactions with groundhogs and would probably have fun photographing Chuck. 🙂
I’ll tell him you said hello!!
This image is delightful. In my imagination, that mushroom is a clay pipe and the squirrel is having a puff while he contemplates going on a visit to see Badger and Mole.
I can definitely see the pipe, Laura, and love your creative interpretation.
Cute squirrel image Mike! Enjoyed seeing it!