Have you ever tried hand-feeding squirrels in your yard, but they just ran away? Since squirrels are wild animals, they are naturally afraid of large, dangerous-looking animals. Luckily, you can make friends with squirrels through food and train them to eat right out of your hands. The process does require a lot of patience and can take weeks or even months. However, it is a fun experience for people of all ages!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Fishing Squirrels with Food
Step 1. Install a feeder outside the house so the squirrels will come
If there are no squirrels around the house, you can catch them quickly with food. Install the feeder near a tree or on a garden fence. Make sure the feeder is easily accessible to you and the animal. Look for special squirrel feeders or regular feeders so they can easily find and retrieve food there.
- However, this often gives large birds and other animals access to the squirrel's food. Try to chase the animals away so the squirrels will stop by!
- It's a good idea to try feeding the squirrels in your own yard, as it will take you a long time to convince them. If you frequent parks or other areas where squirrels forage, they may want to eat right off your hands there.
Step 2. Start with natural squirrel foods, such as tree nuts, seeds, and flower buds
Make a food mix of shelled tree nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns so that they are free to gnaw at them. Add a little bird food for added nutrition, then add this mixture to the outside feeder. Keep it away from other feeders so the squirrels can easily access it from the trees.
If you're worried that the squirrels will get into other feeders, install a device to confuse them, such as wind chimes or reflective objects, to keep them out
Step 3. Attract squirrels with sweet foods, such as fruit and vegetables
Put some grapes, apples, broccoli, or zucchini outside for the squirrels. This will provide more nutrition and make the squirrels happy to come to the yard for a meal they can't find anywhere else!
Pay attention to what food squirrels like the most. If they seem to like grapes more than apples, increase the amount of grapes you give them
Warning:
Do not feed the squirrels bread, raw nuts, or corn, as these do not contain the nutrients they need and can make the squirrels sick.
Step 4. Give food every day to associate your body odor with mealtime
The squirrels will learn to trust you because you are a reliable source of food. Create a safe area outside the house, such as in the corner of the veranda or in the garden. Try to feed them at the same time each day so the squirrels don't look elsewhere for food.
You may feel the squirrels start coming to the window to peek if there is no food in the feeder
Step 5. Stand near the feeder while the squirrel is eating and making a squeaking sound
When you see a squirrel, go outside and stand as close to the feeder as possible without frightening them. Don't move and make noise at first. Then, make a squeaking sound with your mouth to imitate the sound the squirrel uses to communicate. This can help them get used to your presence at meals, as well as teach them to trust you.
- If you're not sure what sound you want to emulate, look up videos of squirrel sounds to find out what they sound like.
- Try not to move so the squirrels don't get scared. When you first approach them, sit or stand near the squirrels and try not to ignore them while eating.
Part 2 of 2: Approaching the Squirrel
Step 1. Approach a squirrel that is regularly eating your bait
As you feed the squirrels, you will notice that you have a few “regulars”. Wait until you see a regular squirrel, then go near the feeder to observe and decide if you can try direct feeding.
If the squirrels don't come to your regular feeder, they may not be used to your scent and will run away when you get close
Step 2. Walk slowly looking down at the squirrel until it looks like it's about to run away
If the squirrels are on the ground, try to duck as low as possible and approach them from the side. Walk slowly. If the squirrels stop eating, stop in place and start walking again as they continue to eat. In time, the squirrel will turn towards you and you should stop moving at that point.
If the squirrel runs away, stay away from the feeder and wait a day before starting to approach them again
Step 3. Get on your knees and scoop out a handful of squirrel food
Once the squirrels see you, get down on your knees holding a mixture of nuts, seeds, and a few pieces of fruit or vegetables if you've ever given them to squirrels. Extend your hand as best you can so the squirrel can see and smell the food.
At this point, the squirrel may be eating, but they may be tempted to taste unusual foods, such as fruits and vegetables
Step 4. Gently toss some food between you and the squirrel to lure it
Gently toss a quarter of the food you're holding near the squirrel, then wait for them to come to you to eat it. If not, throw in a little more food to draw it closer and let the squirrel know you're trying to feed it.
- Be patient! The squirrel may take a while to trust and approach you.
- Don't throw food directly at the squirrels, but roll them over or throw them gently so they don't scare them.
Step 5. Place the food at a shorter distance so the squirrel will approach your hand
When the squirrel has approached and eaten the given food, toss a little extra food between you and them. When you're within reach, slowly reach out to offer food. Keep hands flat and let them eat slowly.
You may need to stock up on some sweet-tasting and strong-smelling foods, such as apples and grapes, until the squirrels get really close
Warning:
If a squirrel is hesitant to approach you, don't force yourself to touch it, as they can bite or scratch to protect themselves. Keep spreading the food on the ground in front of you until the squirrel comes and eats right out of your outstretched palm.
Step 6. Be patient and try new tricks when the squirrel starts to trust you
It may take weeks or months for the squirrel to trust you completely. Do not give up! When the squirrels dare to approach, they will most likely do it again. Try to lure the squirrel into your lap or into your hand to pet it while eating.
Keep in mind that squirrels are wild animals and are not suitable as pets, but you can make friends with those who live around your yard
Tips
Don't move and make noise when you approach the squirrels for the first time so as not to scare them
Warning
- Do not lunge or try to hold the squirrel as this will scare them away. Squirrels will try to bite or scratch when they feel the need to defend themselves against predators.
- Do not approach a squirrel that is acting strangely, confused, or sick. This could be a symptom of rabies or another disease. If you see a squirrel like this, contact the animal protection agency immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Do not feed the squirrels bread, corn, or peanuts, as these are not nutritious and can make the squirrels sick.
