How To Befriend Your Furry Neighbors: Getting Squirrels Used To You
Getting squirrels used to you requires patience, consistency, and understanding their natural behaviors. Start with offering food consistently, gradually reducing your distance, and avoiding sudden movements to build trust. This will allow you to eventually gain the confidence of these playful critters.
Introduction: More Than Just Nut Thieves
Squirrels, those acrobatic little creatures darting through our parks and gardens, often evoke a mix of amusement and annoyance. Whether they’re raiding bird feeders or burying nuts with frantic energy, they are a ubiquitous part of many environments. But how do you get squirrels used to you? It’s a question that speaks to a deeper desire: a connection with the natural world, a fascination with wildlife, and the satisfaction of fostering a sense of trust with these often-skittish animals. This article delves into the art and science of befriending squirrels, providing a comprehensive guide to building a positive relationship based on respect and understanding.
Benefits of Squirrel Familiarity
While feeding wildlife is a complex issue, understanding squirrel behavior and building a level of familiarity can offer several benefits:
- Enhanced Appreciation for Nature: Observing squirrels up close fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world.
- Stress Relief: Interacting with animals, even at a distance, can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
- Educational Opportunities: Studying squirrel behavior provides valuable insights into animal behavior, adaptation, and survival strategies.
- Pest Control (Indirectly): By providing consistent food sources, you may indirectly reduce their reliance on gardens and bird feeders. This, of course, depends on the individual squirrel and the availability of other food sources.
The Process: Building Trust Step-by-Step
How do you get squirrels used to you? It’s a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Observation: Begin by observing squirrels in your area. Note their behaviors, preferred food sources, and routines. This will help you tailor your approach.
- Establishing a Food Source: Choose a consistent location to offer food. Shelled or unshelled nuts (especially walnuts, pecans, and almonds) are a good starting point. Avoid salted nuts, processed foods, and large quantities of sugary treats.
- Distance and Patience: Initially, place the food at a distance from you. Allow the squirrels to approach and take the food without feeling threatened. Gradually reduce the distance over time.
- Voice Association: Speak in a calm, gentle voice when you put out the food. This will help the squirrels associate your voice with positive experiences.
- Hand-Feeding (Optional and Cautious): Only attempt hand-feeding if you are comfortable and the squirrels show no signs of aggression. Extend your hand with a nut, remaining still and patient. This may take considerable time and is not guaranteed.
- Respecting Boundaries: If a squirrel appears nervous or agitated, back off and give it space. Never chase or corner a squirrel.
What To Feed Squirrels
Choosing the right foods is crucial for their health. The following is a recommended list:
| Food | Notes |
|---|---|
| ————— | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Nuts (shelled or unshelled) | Walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts are excellent choices. Avoid salted nuts. |
| Seeds | Sunflower seeds (unsalted), pumpkin seeds. |
| Fruits | Small amounts of fresh fruits like apples, berries, and grapes. |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens. |
| Occasional Treats | Small pieces of popcorn (unsalted and unbuttered) or whole-grain crackers. Limit these. |
Important Note: Always provide access to fresh water.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Sudden Movements: Squirrels are easily startled. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises around them.
- Direct Staring: Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a threat.
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to dependency and health problems. Provide a reasonable amount of food.
- Unsafe Foods: Avoid feeding squirrels junk food, chocolate, or anything that is toxic to animals.
- Ignoring Signs of Aggression: If a squirrel hisses, chatters loudly, or bites, back away and avoid further attempts at interaction.
Ethical Considerations and Potential Risks
While befriending squirrels can be rewarding, it’s essential to consider the ethical implications and potential risks:
- Wildlife Dependence: Consistent feeding can make squirrels dependent on humans for food, affecting their natural foraging behaviors.
- Disease Transmission: Squirrels can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as rabies (rare), tularemia, and leptospirosis. Wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with squirrels or their droppings.
- Damage to Property: Squirrels can cause damage to property by chewing on wires, digging holes, and nesting in attics.
- Aggression: While rare, squirrels can become aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or are competing for food.
Always prioritize the well-being of the animals and respect their natural instincts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to hand-feed squirrels?
Hand-feeding squirrels is generally not recommended due to the risk of bites and potential disease transmission. If you choose to do so, exercise extreme caution and wear gloves. Start by placing food nearby and gradually decreasing the distance until they are comfortable taking it from your hand. However, understand that every squirrel is different, and some may never be comfortable with hand-feeding.
What is the best time of day to feed squirrels?
Squirrels are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. These are generally the best times to offer food, as they are more likely to be foraging. Consistency is key, so try to feed them at roughly the same time each day.
What should I do if a squirrel bites me?
If you are bitten by a squirrel, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention, especially if the bite is deep or if you are concerned about rabies. It’s essential to report the incident to your local animal control agency.
How can I tell if a squirrel is sick?
Signs of illness in squirrels include lethargy, difficulty moving, disorientation, scabs or lesions on the skin, and unusual behavior. If you observe a squirrel exhibiting these symptoms, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center.
Can squirrels recognize me?
While it’s difficult to say definitively, squirrels may be able to recognize you based on your appearance, voice, and scent. They are intelligent animals and can learn to associate certain individuals with positive experiences, such as the provision of food.
How do I keep squirrels out of my bird feeders?
There are several squirrel-resistant bird feeders available. You can also try using a baffle or placing the feeder in a location that is difficult for squirrels to reach. Another option is to offer squirrels their own separate food source away from the bird feeder.
Is it legal to feed squirrels in my area?
Check your local ordinances regarding feeding wildlife. Some areas have restrictions or bans on feeding squirrels to prevent overpopulation and other issues.
Do squirrels hibernate?
Eastern gray squirrels do not hibernate, although they may become less active during the winter months. They rely on food caches they have stored during the fall to survive. Some other species of squirrels hibernate.
How long do squirrels live?
The average lifespan of a wild squirrel is 5-10 years, although some can live longer in captivity.
Can I relocate a squirrel if it’s causing problems on my property?
Relocating squirrels is generally not recommended and may even be illegal in some areas. Squirrels are territorial animals, and relocating them can disrupt their social structure and survival. Furthermore, relocation can also spread diseases. Instead, focus on preventative measures to deter them from your property.
How can I help a baby squirrel that appears to be orphaned?
If you find a baby squirrel that appears to be orphaned, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide the proper care for the squirrel and increase its chances of survival.
Is it possible for squirrels to become too reliant on humans for food?
Yes, squirrels can become too reliant on humans for food if consistently fed. This can negatively impact their natural foraging behaviors, making them more vulnerable if the food source is removed. It’s essential to strike a balance between providing supplemental food and allowing them to forage for themselves.