How to Talk to a Squirrel: Decoding the Language of Bushy Tails
Wondering how do you call a squirrel? There’s no single word that will instantly summon a squirrel, but understanding their communication methods and employing specific sounds and offerings can definitely pique their interest and attract them to your presence.
Understanding Squirrel Communication: More Than Just Nuts
Squirrels, those ubiquitous backyard acrobats, are far more sophisticated communicators than many people realize. While they don’t speak English (or any human language for that matter!), they have a complex system of vocalizations, body language, and even scent markings that they use to interact with each other and their environment. Understanding these nuances is the first step in learning how do you call a squirrel, or at least, how to get their attention.
Vocalizations: The Squirrel’s Sonic Toolkit
Squirrels employ a surprisingly diverse array of sounds to convey different messages. These include:
- Barks: Often used as an alarm call to warn others of danger, like a predator approaching.
- Chatters: Similar to barks, but often used in situations of less immediate threat or general excitement.
- Screams: A high-pitched vocalization indicating extreme fear or pain.
- Quacks: Yes, squirrels can quack! This sound is usually associated with territorial disputes or mating rituals.
- Teeth Chattering: A sign of aggression or anxiety.
Understanding the context in which these sounds are made is crucial. A bark could mean “hawk overhead!” while a series of chatters might just mean “I see a tasty nut!”
Body Language: Silent Signals
Beyond vocalizations, squirrels rely heavily on body language to communicate. Key elements to watch for include:
- Tail movements: A flicking tail often indicates agitation or alertness. A relaxed, droopy tail suggests calmness.
- Posture: A defensive posture, like standing on hind legs with raised paws, signals a potential threat.
- Stomping: A loud stomping sound is used to signal alarm or annoyance, particularly when they feel cornered.
The Art of Offering: Appealing to Squirrelly Desires
Perhaps the most effective way to attract a squirrel’s attention is through the strategic offering of food. However, it’s important to choose appropriate and healthy options.
- Nuts: Unshelled nuts, especially walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts, are a squirrel’s favorite.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are also good choices.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Small pieces of apple, grapes, or broccoli can be offered in moderation.
Important Note: Avoid offering processed foods, bread, or salty snacks, as these can be harmful to squirrels.
Mimicking Squirrel Sounds: A Risky but Rewarding Approach
Some people attempt to mimic squirrel sounds to communicate with them. While this can sometimes work, it’s important to be cautious. Incorrectly mimicking a threat call could scare them away. Start with softer, less aggressive chatters and observe their reaction. It’s crucial to respect their space and avoid any sudden movements that might frighten them. The goal isn’t perfect imitation, but rather a gentle attempt at establishing a connection.
Patience is Key: Building Trust
Ultimately, how do you call a squirrel? – it’s about building trust. Approach them slowly and quietly. Avoid direct eye contact, which they might interpret as aggression. Leave offerings in a consistent location, so they learn to associate you with a reliable food source. Over time, you may find that squirrels become more comfortable around you and more responsive to your presence.
Ethical Considerations: Respecting Wildlife
It’s crucial to remember that squirrels are wild animals. While interacting with them can be enjoyable, it’s important to do so responsibly and ethically. Avoid feeding them excessively, as this can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and make them dependent on humans. Never attempt to handle or trap squirrels, as this can be dangerous for both you and the animal. Observe them from a distance and appreciate their unique behaviors in their natural habitat.
Common Mistakes When Trying To Attract Squirrels
Attracting squirrels can be rewarding, but avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your success:
- Sudden Movements: Squirrels are easily startled. Any quick or unexpected movements can scare them away. Approach them slowly and deliberately.
- Direct Eye Contact: Similar to many animals, squirrels perceive direct eye contact as a threat. Avoid staring directly at them.
- Offering Inappropriate Food: As mentioned earlier, avoid feeding squirrels processed foods, bread, or anything with excessive salt or sugar.
- Inconsistent Feeding: If you start feeding squirrels, try to do so consistently at the same time and location. Inconsistency can confuse them.
- Trying to Touch or Handle Them: Squirrels are wild animals and should not be handled. Attempting to touch or grab them can result in bites or scratches.
- Creating an Unsafe Environment: Make sure your feeding area is free from potential dangers, such as pesticides or traps.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ———————— | —————————————————– | —————————————————————— |
| Sudden Movements | Scares the squirrel away | Approach slowly and deliberately |
| Direct Eye Contact | Perceived as a threat | Avoid staring directly at the squirrel |
| Inappropriate Food | Harms the squirrel’s health | Offer healthy nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables in moderation |
| Inconsistent Feeding | Confuses the squirrel | Feed consistently at the same time and location |
| Trying to Handle Them | Risks bites and scratches, stresses the squirrel | Observe from a distance and avoid physical contact |
| Creating an Unsafe Area | Exposes the squirrel to danger | Ensure the feeding area is safe and free from hazards |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best food to offer squirrels to attract them?
The best foods to offer squirrels are unsalted nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are also good options. Small pieces of apple or grapes can be given in moderation.
Is it safe to hand-feed squirrels?
While it might seem tempting, hand-feeding squirrels is generally not recommended. It can make them overly reliant on humans and increase the risk of bites or scratches. Instead, leave food in a designated area.
How can I tell if a squirrel is feeling threatened?
A squirrel feeling threatened may exhibit several signs, including tail flicking, stomping its feet, and making barking sounds. It may also stand on its hind legs and raise its paws in a defensive posture.
Can squirrels understand human language?
No, squirrels do not understand human language in the way humans do. However, they can learn to associate certain sounds or words with specific actions, such as feeding.
Is it okay to feed squirrels every day?
Feeding squirrels every day can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and make them dependent on humans. It’s best to offer food sparingly and allow them to find their own food.
How do squirrels communicate with each other?
Squirrels communicate through a combination of vocalizations, body language, and scent markings. They use barks, chatters, tail movements, and other signals to convey different messages.
What do squirrel barks usually mean?
Squirrel barks are often used as alarm calls to warn other squirrels of danger, such as a predator approaching. They can also be used to signal territorial disputes.
Are there any diseases that I can catch from squirrels?
While the risk is low, squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies and tularemia. Avoid direct contact with squirrels and seek medical attention if you are bitten or scratched.
Should I be worried if a squirrel approaches me?
A squirrel approaching you isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. It may simply be curious or looking for food. However, it’s important to remain cautious and avoid any sudden movements that might startle it.
How can I keep squirrels from getting into my bird feeder?
There are several ways to keep squirrels out of bird feeders, including using squirrel-proof feeders, placing feeders on poles with baffles, and offering food that squirrels don’t like, such as safflower seeds.
What does it mean when a squirrel chatters its teeth?
Squirrels often chatter their teeth when they are feeling threatened, agitated, or anxious. It’s a sign that they are uncomfortable and may be preparing to defend themselves.
What should I do if I find a baby squirrel that appears to be orphaned?
If you find a baby squirrel that appears to be orphaned, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They can provide the necessary care and attention to help the squirrel survive. Do not attempt to raise the squirrel yourself.