Originally Posted by
TheSquirrel
Thank you for your reply, Lighten Up. Appreciated!
I've actually found out more information on mold from a squirrel rehabber since I posted this (also sent him a close up photo of the moldy nut), which may interest you, and have learnt that there are different types of mold (I've had very little knowledge on mold!).
The type found on the hazelnut in the packet is one of the more common types of mold like the mold that grows on bread, and is not harmful to squirrels. Squirrels encounter this type of mold all the time - this mold is actually also found in the ground! (Not that I'd give them a moldy nut anyway, even if it was this type)
The mold that is deadly to squirrels is invisible and grows on things like wet field corn and wet peanut shells.