Have you ever encountered a squirrel in your garden and tried to offer it food? He probably ran away as soon as you tried to get close. Being wild animals, squirrels are instinctively afraid of larger creatures because they pose a potential threat to them. It is however possible to make friends with these cute climbers using food and, over time, train them to eat from your hands. A lot of patience and a lot of time (weeks, if not months) will be needed to achieve this result; but it is definitely a fun experience to try at any age!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Luring the Squirrel with Food
Step 1. Place a mesh feeder outside
If there aren't any squirrels nearby already, you can quickly lure them to your garden by providing them with food. Place the manger near a tree or hang it on a garden hook, making sure it is easily accessible for both you and the animals. Get specific squirrel feeders or even simple mesh feeders that allow squirrels to locate and grab food with ease.
- Keep in mind that some birds and other animals may also have access to food; try to keep them away as much as possible to encourage the squirrels to stop!
- Your best bet is to try to get your own hands to eat squirrels in your garden, as it will take some time to gain their trust. Alternatively, if you regularly visit a park or other area where squirrels go to feed, you can try making it there.
Step 2. Start with foods that squirrels naturally feed on, such as nuts, seeds and buds
Make a mix of walnuts, hazelnuts, and unshelled acorns to entice squirrels to gnaw on them. Make the mixture even more nutritious by adding some bird seeds, then place it in a feeding trough outside. Keep it separate from other feeders so squirrels can easily access it from the trees.
If you are concerned that they may access other feeders, you can keep them away by installing bollards, such as wind chimes or reflective surfaces
Step 3. Attract them with more interesting treats, such as fruits and vegetables
Leave a few handfuls of grapes, apples, broccoli, or zucchini outside. These foods provide them with more nourishment and are delights that squirrels do not easily find in nature; they will surely be enticed to visit your garden!
Notice which food is most successful. If squirrels seem to like grapes more than apples, increase the amount of grapes
Attention:
Do not feed squirrels raw bread, corn or peanuts - these are not nutritious foods for these animals and, in some cases, can make them sick.
Step 4. Offer the squirrels food every day
They will associate your smell with meal time and learn to trust you, because they will see you as a safe source of food. Create a safe outdoor space, such as a corner of the garden or porch. Try to feed them at the same time each day so they don't go looking for food elsewhere.
At some point, you may even happen to see them peeking into your house from the windows, in case the manger is empty
Step 5. Go to the feeding trough while the squirrel is eating and imitate it
As soon as you see a squirrel, go outside and position yourself as close to the manger as possible without scaring it. Remain motionless and silent for a while, then try to reproduce the pops squirrels make to communicate with your mouth. This will help him get used to your presence while he eats and let him know that he can trust you.
- If you're not sure what kind of sound you need to make, look for videos featuring squirrels to get a better idea.
- Try to stay still as much as possible to avoid frightening him. If this is your first time approaching, choose a place to sit or stand and try to ignore it while it is eating.
Part 2 of 2: Approaching the Squirrel
Step 1. Approach a squirrel you see coming to eat regularly
After some time you will find that you have "regulars". Wait until you see a specimen that often passes by, then go outside, near the manger, to observe it and decide whether to try to feed it from your own hands.
If it's not a squirrel that comes to feed your feeder on a regular basis, it's probably not used to your scent and will run away as soon as you try to get close
Step 2. Bend over and slowly walk towards the squirrel until it looks like it is about to run away
If the squirrel is level with the ground, try to get as low as possible and approach from the side. Move very slowly; if the squirrel stops what it is doing, stop too and stay still until it starts moving again. Stop permanently as soon as it looks towards you.
If it runs away, step away from the manger and wait a day before trying again
Step 3. Crouch on your knees and take out a handful of food
Once the squirrel has stopped to look at you, kneel down and offer him a mix of nuts, seeds, and even a few pieces of fruit or vegetables, if that's one of the things you gave the squirrels. Slowly extend your hand until your pet can see and smell the food.
He may already be eating, but he may be attracted to more appetizing treats that he doesn't find in his usual diet, such as fruits and vegetables
Step 4. Gently toss some food between you and the squirrel
Drop about a quarter of the food halfway between you and the squirrel, then wait for it to come towards you to eat it. If he doesn't, throw in more to try and get him closer so he knows you're trying to feed him.
- Be patient! It may take some time for him to trust you to get close to you.
- Do not throw the food too hard or you will scare the squirrel; drop it or roll it gently on the ground.
Step 5. Place the food at shorter and shorter distances so that the squirrel comes close to your hand
Keep throwing food into the space between you and the squirrel as the animal eats and gets closer and closer. When he is close enough, slowly reach out and offer him food. Keep your hand open and let him take his time.
A good idea is to leave the sweetest and strongest smelling treats, such as apples and grapes, for last when the squirrel is closest to you
Attention:
If the squirrel is hesitant to approach, avoid reaching out to touch it, as this may cause it to bite or scratch you to protect itself. Keep dropping the food on the ground in front of you until the squirrel gets to eat from your outstretched hand.
Step 6. Be patient and try new tricks as the squirrel learns to trust you
It can take a few weeks or even months for him to trust you completely. Don't be discouraged! If he has approached you once, he is likely to do it again. Try luring it onto your arm or legs to make it eat while you stroke it.
Keep in mind that squirrels are wild animals and are not meant to be pets; but you can make friends with those who live in your garden
Advice
Stay still and silent when you first approach a squirrel so you don't scare it
Warnings
- Don't move abruptly and don't try to grab it, otherwise you will scare it. He will try to bite or scratch you if he feels he has to defend himself from a predator.
- Don't go near the squirrel if he looks disoriented, confused, or sick. He may have rabies or other illnesses. If you see a squirrel in this state, contact animal protection to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Do not give the squirrels bread, corn or peanuts - these are not nutritious foods for these animals and can make them sick.
