Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: How to lure a squirrel with food
• Part 2 of 2: How to Get Close to a Squirrel
• Tips
• Warnings

Have you ever tried hand-feeding a squirrel on the street? Most likely, she just ran away. Since squirrels are wild animals, they naturally fear people and large animals that might harm them. Fortunately, squirrels can be befriended by feeding them, and they will eventually get used to you and won't be afraid to eat out of your hands. You need to be patient - it may take weeks or even months before you learn how to hand feed squirrels, but it's worth it because it's fun and exciting!

Steps

Part 1 of 2: How to lure a squirrel with food

1. 1 Set up mesh feeders in your yard to lure out squirrels. If squirrels are not found in your yard, they can be lured with food that is easy for them to get. Hang the feeder from a tree or hook it onto a garden hook for easy use by both you and the squirrel. Look for special squirrel feeders or simple mesh feeders so that squirrels can easily find and use food.
   • It is worth noting that larger birds and other animals will also be able to access this feeder. If possible, try to keep other animals and birds away so as not to scare off the squirrels!
   • It is best to feed the squirrels in your area as it takes time for them to trust you. If you often visit a park or other places where squirrels are found, then you can hand feed them there too.
2. 2 Start with foods that are common to proteins, such as nuts, seeds, and flower buds. Mix tree nuts with shells, and use walnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns for the squirrels to gnaw on. You can add some poultry food to get them additional nutrients. Place the feeder in a location where the squirrels can easily get to it from the trees, and keep it separate from other feeders.
   • If you are worried about squirrels eating up from your other feeders, then install protective baffles, such as wind chimes or some kind of reflective surface, to scare them away.
3. 3 Lure the protein with some sweet treats like fruits and vegetables. Place a handful of grapes, some apples, broccoli or zucchini in the feeder.They are packed with nutrients and will be a tempting protein treat that they can only find in your backyard and nowhere else!
   • Note that squirrels love to eat the most. If they like grapes more than apples, then increase the portion of grapes.

   A warning: Do not feed protein with bread, raw peanuts, or corn, as these foods are not good for these animals and may even make them sick.

   
   
4. 4 Substitute food at the same time every day. This will help the squirrels get used to your smell and learn to trust you, because you will be a reliable food source for them. Try to create a safe environment somewhere in your backyard, such as on the corner of your porch or in your garden. Feed the squirrels at the same time every day so they don't go off looking elsewhere for a treat.
   • Squirrels may even start peeking in your windows if there is no food in the feeder!
5. 5 Stand near the trough when the squirrel is eating and make clicking sounds. When you see squirrels, go outside and approach the feeder as close as possible, being careful not to scare them away. At first, do not make any sounds and try not to make noise. Then try to simulate clicking sounds like squirrels make to communicate with each other. This will help them get used to the fact that you are around while eating, and so they will learn to trust you over time.
   • If you don't know what sounds squirrels make, look for videos on the topic on the Internet.
   • Try not to make any noise at all so as not to frighten off the squirrels. If this is your first time approaching them, sit or stand next to them and try not to pay attention to them while they eat.

Part 2 of 2: How to Get Close to a Squirrel

1. 1 Approach the squirrel whenever you see it eating your treats. If you feed them regularly, you will inevitably have "regular customers". Noticing a squirrel that often comes to you, go outside and go to the feeder to observe it and try to feed it from your hand, if you want.
   • If the squirrel is not fed regularly from your feeder, it will not be able to get used to your smell, and you will probably frighten it off by getting close to it.
2. 2 Bend over and walk slowly towards the squirrel while it is in motion. If the squirrel is at ground level, try to bend as low as possible and approach it at an angle. Walk slowly and when the squirrel stops, stop yourself and wait until it continues moving again. Finally, when the squirrel sees you, stop where you will be standing.
   • If the squirrel starts to run away, just move away from the feeder and return to it the next day.
3. 3 Take the squirrel food, sit on your knees and reach out to her. As soon as the squirrel spots you, kneel down and treat her with a mixture of nuts, seeds, and a few wedges of fruit or vegetables, if you usually give her such treats. If possible, extend your hand slowly so that the squirrel can see and smell the food.
   • When she starts eating squirrel, her attention may shift to more delicious treats, fruits and vegetables that are not in her regular diet.
4. 4 Carefully toss some food in front of the squirrel to interest it. Gently toss about ¼ handfuls in front of the squirrel and wait until it comes up to it. If she doesn't fit, toss a little more to try to lure her closer to you so that she sees that you want to feed her.
   • Be patient! It may take some time before the squirrel stops being afraid of you and can safely approach you.
   • Do not throw food directly at the squirrel, but toss or roll it up carefully so as not to frighten the animal
5. 5 Throw food close to you. As the squirrel finds your food, toss more and more to close the distance from your hand to the squirrel. When she is within arm's reach, slowly reach out to her and offer to eat from her hand.Keep food in plain sight and wait for her to finish eating.
   • It's a good idea to hold on to some sweet and strong-smelling treats like apples and grapes until the protein comes close to you.

   A warning: if the squirrel does not dare to approach you, do not touch it with your hands, otherwise it may bite or scratch you in self-defense. Continue tossing food on the ground in front of you until the squirrel is close enough to eat from outstretched hand.

   
   
6. 6 Be patient, and when the squirrel begins to trust you, try new tricks. It may take several weeks or even a month before the protein completely trusts you. Do not give up! Once she has approached, she will most likely do it again. Try luring the squirrel into your lap or stroking it while eating from your hand.
   • Keep in mind that squirrels are wild animals and you won't be able to tame them, but you will certainly be able to make friends with those who live in your yard.

Tips

• In order not to frighten off the squirrel, try not to move or make noise when it approaches you.

Warnings

• Do not try to catch a squirrel - it may scare it. Sensing danger, they will bite and scratch with their claws.
• Stay away from a squirrel if it behaves strangely, looks lost or sick. These could be symptoms of rabies or another medical condition. If you encounter such a squirrel, call your local animal welfare organization to try and prevent the spread of the disease.
• Do not feed protein with bread, corn, or peanuts, as these foods are bad for proteins and can make them sick.