8 Steps to Take to Successfully Befriend a Squirrel

1. Choose a Hospitable Area For Friendships

The cute, fuzzy squirrels are in constant danger throughout their fairly brief lives and are extremely cautious when doing most daily tasks. They are frequently chased by cats and dogs, making them extra nervous around your house if you have either. It is important to make the squirrel you hope to befriend as comfortable as possible to gain its trust. Prey animals always need to have a quick and easy escape route. In the case of squirrels, an area away from the road but in a secluded spot with plants and trees is perfect. Try to pick a spot that’s quiet and peaceful.

2. Add a Source of Water

No matter what animal you want to befriend, the best way to bring them to your yard is by placing out a water dish. Once squirrels find out you’ve put out water for them in a safe location, they will be back. Make sure to clean the water dish and give them fresh water daily since they will likely be sharing with birds and whatever else passes by that way.

3. Start Hanging Around By Squirrels

If you make a point of sitting quietly in your yard every day, the squirrels native to your back or front yard will become accustomed to your company. Squirrels will always make a break for the nearest tree or fence if you move or make loud noises. Aiming for the same times of day to greet your buddy is important. Squirrels are the most active in the morning and late afternoon. Try not to stare at them the entire time once they do show up since that will make any animal wary.

4. Make Quiet “Squirrel Noises”

Once the squirrels become used to seeing you outside around “their” area, start talking to them quietly. They will then become used to your company and the sounds you make not being a threat to them. Once they realize you aren’t going to chase or try to eat them, they will start to come by more out of curiosity. This is when you should start bringing treats out with you.

5. Bring Treats

After the squirrel has become comfortable with your presence and sounds, it’s time to bring out the treats. Squirrels like nuts, but try to offer them nuts in and out of their shells. Squirrels actually file their teeth down while chewing through the shells of the nuts, which is important for rodents.

When your squirrel arrives, make a specific sound or use a clicker to get the squirrel’s attention, then gently toss them a raw nut. Never feed them salted or any nut that isn’t strictly raw and without additives. They may run, but it is important to remain sitting where you are and wait for them to reappear. Chances are that they will be curious and come back to check around for whatever you throw. Once they realize you have thrown a tasty treat, they may wait for more. Make sure to make the sound and toss them another.

6. Be Consistent

Now that you’ve earned the curiosity, if not the trust, of the squirrel, make certain to show up every day and use the sound to call them over for a treat. They will become more comfortable with you as time passes. Chances are that more squirrels will begin to show up and take cues from the first brave squirrel in order to get the nut before they can. Squirrels are highly competitive when it comes to food and will do what they can to bully each other so that they get all of the nuts.

7. Toss Treats Closer to You Over Time

Over time, you will notice your squirrel becoming more comfortable with you and not running off with each nut once they’ve secured it. They might even come closer on their own just to ensure you will give them a treat over the other squirrels. At this point, begin throwing them a nut a little bit closer to you. Keep shortening the distance between yourself and the nut until the squirrel comes almost all the way to you. You’ve officially earned the trust of your fuzzy buddy. Now, you can never move, run out of nuts, or even go on vacation – we’re kidding, kind of.

8. Congratulations, You are Now Friends with a Squirrel

Now that you’ve gained the trust of a squirrel, you might let your guard down and immediately jump into offering nuts between your forefinger and thumb. Don’t do this. They will always be nervous to some degree. They do not have great eyesight in front of their noses or close up. Their eyes are on the sides of their head like most prey animals to provide them with 180 degrees of vision in case something is sneaking up on them. Because of that, they cannot see in front of their noses and could easily and mistakenly bite you in haste. If you wish to hand feed the squirrel, do so with something large in the beginning, like a walnut still in the shell, and offer it in the palm of your hand. Over time, you will gradually be able to feed them smaller nuts and get to the point where you both trust each other enough to hand it to them without fear of being bitten.