Are buckeyes edible for humans or squirrels? - Ask Extension
I've always heard that buckeyes are poisonous to humans and don't know if that is a myth. The squirrels continue to pull the soon-to-be ripe buckeyes ...
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Are buckeyes edible for humans or squirrels? #275790
Asked September 04, 2015, 10:26 PM EDT
I've always heard that buckeyes are poisonous to humans and don't know if that is a myth. The squirrels continue to pull the soon-to-be ripe buckeyes from my tree, chew through half of the nut or barely at all, then leave the mess in my lawn. I haven't noticed any vomiting or dead squirrels yet.
Williams County Ohio
Expert Response
You are correct - Buckeyes are not edible to humans (they are poisonous). They are however, edible to squirrels. Squirrels will feed on buckeyes but they much prefer acorns, hickory nuts, and black walnuts. The feeding you mention is typically what I've seen - a few bites, then the discarded buckeye.
