Do People Eat Squirrels? (The Simple Answer!)

Many people around the world have different food preferences that may seem odd or even shocking to others.

One of the questions that arise is whether,

Do People Eat Squirrels?

Generally Speaking, Yes, people do eat squirrels. Squirrels are consumed as a source of food in many parts of the world, including the United States. However, it is not a common practice and is often limited to certain regions or cultural traditions.

In the United States, squirrel meat has been a part of the traditional diet for centuries, particularly in the southern states.

Squirrel meat is considered a delicacy in some regions, and it is often prepared in stews, soups, or roasted.

In other parts of the world, such as Asia and Europe, squirrel meat is also consumed, although it is not as popular as in the United States.

Despite the cultural differences in food preferences, eating squirrels has raised some ethical concerns, particularly among animal rights activists.

However, for many people, squirrel meat is a sustainable source of protein and a way to connect with their cultural heritage.

This article will explore the different aspects of eating squirrels, including its nutritional value, cultural significance, and ethical implications.

Squirrel Consumption Around the World:

Squirrels are small, agile, and abundant creatures that can be found in many parts of the world.

While some people may think of squirrels as cute and innocent creatures, others view them as a source of food.

In this section, we will explore the consumption of squirrels around the world.

North America:

In North America, squirrels have been a part of the diet of many indigenous cultures for centuries.

Native Americans used to hunt squirrels for their meat and fur, and they considered them a valuable source of protein.

Today, squirrel hunting is still a popular activity in some parts of the United States, especially in the southern states.

Squirrel meat is often used in stews, soups, and casseroles, and it is sometimes served as a delicacy in high-end restaurants.

Europe:

In Europe, squirrel consumption is less common than in North America. However, there are some countries where squirrels are considered a delicacy.

For example, in the United Kingdom, squirrel meat is sometimes served in rural areas, and it is often used in traditional dishes such as the Welsh stew.

In Italy, squirrel meat is used in a dish called “polenta e osei,” which is a type of polenta served with small game birds, including squirrels.

Asia:

In Asia, squirrels are consumed in some countries, especially in rural areas.

In China, for example, squirrel meat is used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and stir-fries.

In some parts of India, squirrels are considered a delicacy, and they are often roasted or grilled.

In Japan, squirrels are not commonly consumed, but they are sometimes used in traditional medicine.

Africa:

In Africa, squirrels are not commonly consumed by humans.

However, they are sometimes hunted by indigenous people for their meat and fur.

In some parts of Africa, squirrels are also considered a pest, and they are hunted for sport or to protect crops.

South America:

In South America, squirrels are not commonly consumed by humans.

However, they are hunted by some indigenous cultures for their meat and fur.

In some parts of Brazil, squirrels are considered a pest, and they are hunted to protect crops.

Where in the US do people eat squirrels?

In the United States, squirrel meat is most commonly consumed in the southern states, particularly in rural areas.

States like Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia have a tradition of squirrel hunting and eating.

In these areas, squirrel meat is often prepared by frying, stewing, or baking. Some people also use it to make squirrel gravy or squirrel dumplings.

Squirrel meat is considered a delicacy by some, and it is often served at hunting camps or outdoor gatherings.

However, it is not a widely consumed meat in the United States, and many people may find the idea of eating squirrel unusual or unappetizing.

Is squirrel a red meat?

Squirrel meat is considered a type of game meat, similar to venison or wild boar.

It is a lean meat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to reduce the amount of red meat in their diet.

However, whether squirrel meat is considered a red meat or not depends on the definition of “red meat”.

Traditionally, red meat refers to meat that comes from mammals such as cows, pigs, and sheep, which have a higher content of myoglobin, a protein that gives meat its red color.

In this sense, squirrel meat would not be considered red meat.

However, some definitions of red meat include all meat from mammals, regardless of myoglobin content.

In this case, squirrel meat would be classified as red meat.

In any case, squirrel meat has a unique flavor that is often described as nutty or gamey.

It can be used in a variety of recipes, including stews, soups, and casseroles.

Is it safe to eat squirrel meat?

Yes, it is safe to eat squirrel meat when it is properly handled, prepared, and cooked.

However, as with any wild game meat, there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure its safety.

• First, it is important to ensure that the squirrel is handled and stored properly after it is hunted. This means that it should be field dressed as soon as possible to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, and it should be kept cool until it can be properly processed.
• Second, squirrel meat should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential pathogens. It is also recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat has reached a safe temperature throughout.
• Finally, it is important to be aware of any potential health risks associated with consuming wild game meat. Squirrels, like many wild animals, can carry diseases such as tularemia or Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with the animal or consumption of its meat. It is important to take appropriate precautions, such as wearing gloves when handling the animal, and to properly cook the meat to reduce the risk of illness.

Which type of Squirrels you eat?

In the United States, the most commonly hunted and consumed types of squirrels are the gray squirrel and the fox squirrel.

Gray squirrels are found throughout the eastern and central parts of the country, while fox squirrels are more common in the southern states. Both types of squirrels are known for their lean, flavorful meat.

In Europe, the most commonly consumed type of squirrel is the red squirrel.

Red squirrels are found throughout much of Europe and Asia, and their meat is considered a delicacy in many countries.

In the UK, the red squirrel is a protected species, and it is illegal to hunt or consume them.

However, in some other European countries, such as Italy and France, red squirrels are still hunted and consumed.

It is important to note that hunting and consumption of squirrels is regulated by local laws and regulations, and it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the sustainability of the species and the safety of the meat.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, people do eat squirrels, although it is not a common practice and is often limited to certain regions or cultural traditions.

Squirrels are consumed as a source of food in many parts of the world, including the United States and Europe.

In the US, squirrel meat is most commonly consumed in the southern states, particularly in rural areas.

Squirrel meat is considered a type of game meat, similar to venison or wild boar, and it is a lean meat that is high in protein and low in fat.

While it is safe to eat squirrel meat when it is properly handled, prepared, and cooked, it is important to follow local laws and regulations to ensure the sustainability of the species and the safety of the meat.