Buzz
Have you ever attempted to hand-feed a squirrel in your yard, only to watch it dart away? Given that squirrels are wild creatures, they naturally harbor a fear of larger animals that could potentially pose a threat to them. However, with the right approach, you can gradually gain the trust of squirrels by offering them food, eventually training them to feed directly from your hand. Although this process demands considerable patience and may span several weeks or even months, it promises to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for individuals of all ages!
Steps
Attracting Squirrels with Food
Install outdoor mesh feeders to entice squirrels to your yard. If you're keen on attracting squirrels to your yard, especially if they're not already present, providing readily accessible food sources can expedite the process. Position the feeder near a tree or on a garden hook, ensuring it's both easily reachable for you and the visiting animals. Opt for squirrel-specific feeders or basic mesh feeders, facilitating the squirrels' ability to locate and retrieve the food.
- However, be mindful that this may also attract larger birds and other animals. Take measures to deter these animals, encouraging squirrel visitors to frequent your yard!
- It's advisable to attempt hand-feeding squirrels in your own yard, allowing them time to build trust in you. If you frequently visit a park or another area where squirrels congregate, they may be more receptive to hand-feeding in that setting.
Begin with natural squirrel delicacies like tree nuts, seeds, and flower buds. Create a blend of tree nuts in their shells, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns, to encourage gnawing. Incorporate birdseed for added nutrients, and position the mixture in an outdoor feeder. Ensure it's segregated from other feeders to allow easy access for squirrels, preferably amidst trees.
- If concerned about squirrels accessing other feeders, deploy squirrel baffles such as wind chimes or reflective surfaces to deter them.
Attract squirrels with delectable sweets like fruits and vegetables. Scatter a handful of grapes, apples, broccoli, or zucchini outdoors for squirrels to enjoy. These offerings provide ample nutrition and entice squirrels to return to your yard for a unique treat they won't find elsewhere!
- Observe which treats the squirrels prefer. If they favor grapes over apples, increase the quantity of grapes you provide.
Caution: Refrain from feeding squirrels bread, raw peanuts, or corn, as these foods lack nutritional value and may occasionally induce illness in squirrels.
Offer food daily to associate your scent with feeding time. Squirrels will learn to trust you as a dependable food source. Designate a secure outdoor spot, such as a corner of a porch or garden. Aim to feed them at consistent times daily to prevent them from seeking treats elsewhere.
- You may even notice squirrels approaching your windows if the feeder is empty!
Stand close to the feeder while squirrels are dining and emit clicking noises. When squirrels are present, go outside and position yourself as near to the feeder as possible without startling them. Initially remain still and silent. Then, initiate clicking noises with your mouth to mimic squirrel communication sounds. This aids in acclimating them to your presence during meals and fosters trust.
- If uncertain about the appropriate sounds, refer to squirrel noise videos for guidance.
- Strive to maintain utmost stillness to avoid alarming the squirrels. During initial encounters, sit or stand nearby and minimize interaction while they feed.
Approaching the Squirrel
Approach a squirrel that frequents your treats. While feeding, you'll notice some regular visitors. Wait for a familiar squirrel and then step outside near the feeder to observe and decide if you'd like to attempt feeding it.
- If the squirrel doesn't visit often, it may not be accustomed to your scent and will likely flee upon your approach.
Lower yourself and approach the squirrel cautiously. If the squirrel is on the ground, try to get down low and approach from an angle. Move slowly, pausing when the squirrel stops, and only resume walking when it continues. Eventually, it will acknowledge you, allowing you to halt.
- If the squirrel retreats, step back from the feeder and wait a day before trying again.
Kneel down and extend a handful of food. Once the squirrel notices you, kneel and offer a mix of nuts, seeds, and perhaps some fruit or vegetables if you've been providing treats. Extend your hand slowly, ensuring the squirrel sees and smells the food.
- While the squirrel may already be eating, it may be enticed by tastier treats not usually in its diet, such as fruits and vegetables.
Gradually toss food between you and the squirrel to lure it. Softly throw about a quarter of the food halfway between you, enticing the squirrel to approach. If it hesitates, toss a bit more to coax it nearer, indicating your intent to feed it.
- Exercise patience! It may take time for the squirrel to trust moving closer to you.
- Avoid startling the squirrel by gently tossing or rolling the food instead of throwing it directly at the squirrel.
Position the food closer to encourage the squirrel to approach your hand. Gradually toss more food between you and the squirrel as it gets nearer. When it's within reach, extend your hand slowly, offering the food. Keep your hand flat and allow the squirrel to eat at its own pace.
- Save sweeter and stronger-smelling treats, like apples and grapes, for when the squirrel is closer.
Caution: Avoid reaching out to touch a hesitant squirrel, as it may bite or scratch in self-defense. Instead, drop food on the ground until the squirrel approaches your outstretched hand.
Exercise patience and try new approaches as the squirrel gains trust. Building trust may take weeks or months, so don't lose heart! Once the squirrel approaches, it's likely to repeat the behavior. Experiment with enticing it onto your lap or arm while petting.
- Remember, squirrels are wild animals and not suitable as pets, but you can foster a bond with those in your yard.
Tips
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Remain still and quiet initially to avoid startling the squirrel.
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If the squirrel doesn't eat from your hand immediately, don't be discouraged. Trust-building takes time.
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Consider observing squirrels through a window to acclimate them to your presence while ensuring their safety.
Caution
- Avoid feeding squirrels bread, corn, or peanuts as these foods lack nutrition and may cause illness.
- Refrain from charging at or attempting to grab squirrels, as such actions can frighten them. Squirrels may bite or scratch in self-defense when they perceive a threat.
- If a squirrel appears disoriented, confused, or sick, do not approach it. These behaviors could indicate rabies or another illness. Instead, contact your local animal protection agency to prevent disease transmission.
