Have you ever tried feeding a squirrel by hand outdoors? Chances are, it just ran away. As wild animals, squirrels are naturally fearful of humans and larger creatures that could harm them. Fortunately, you can befriend squirrels by feeding them, and eventually, they will get used to you and won't be afraid to eat from your hand. It takes patience—weeks or even months may pass before you learn how to feed squirrels from your hand, but it's worth it as it's engaging and fun!
How to Attract Squirrels with Food
Step 1. Set up mesh feeders in your yard to lure squirrels.
Set up mesh feeders in your yard to lure squirrels. If squirrels aren't frequenting your yard, you can attract them with food that is easy for them to access. Hang the feeder on a tree or attach it to a garden hook for easy access for both you and the squirrels. Look for specialized squirrel feeders or simple mesh feeders so squirrels can easily find and use them.
- Keep in mind that larger birds and other animals will also have access to this feeder. If possible, try to keep other animals and birds away to avoid scaring the squirrels off!
- It's best to feed squirrels in your own yard, as it takes time for them to learn to trust you. If you often visit parks or other areas where squirrels are present, you can feed them there as well.
Step 2. Start with familiar squirrel food such as nuts, seeds, and flower buds.
Start with familiar squirrel food like nuts, seeds, and flower buds. Make a mix of shelled nuts, including walnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns for the squirrels to gnaw on. To provide extra nutrients, you can add a bit of birdseed. Place the feeder in an area where squirrels can easily access it from the trees, and keep it separate from other feeders.
- If you're concerned that squirrels will eat from your other feeders, set up barriers, such as wind chimes or reflective surfaces, to deter them.
Step 3. Tempt squirrels with sweet treats like fruits and vegetables.
Tempt squirrels with sweet treats such as fruits and vegetables. Place a handful of grapes, a few apple slices, broccoli, or zucchini in the feeder. These contain many nutrients and will be an enticing treat for squirrels that they can find only in your yard! Warning: do not feed squirrels bread, raw peanuts, or corn, as these foods are not healthy for them and can even make them sick.
- Pay attention to what squirrels prefer. If they like grapes more than apples, increase the amount of grapes.
Step 4. Provide food daily at the same time.
Provide food daily at the same time. This way, squirrels will become accustomed to your scent and learn to trust you, as you will be a reliable food source for them. Try to create a safe feeding area in your backyard, such as a corner of the porch or in the garden. Feed the squirrels at the same time every day so they won't go looking for snacks elsewhere.
- Squirrels may even start peeking into your windows if there is no food in the feeder!
Step 5. Stand near the feeder while the squirrel eats and make clicking sounds.
Stand near the feeder while the squirrel eats and make clicking sounds. When you see a squirrel, go outside and approach the feeder as closely as possible without startling it. At first, try not to make any sounds and avoid making noise. Then, try to imitate clicking sounds similar to those squirrels use to communicate with each other. This will help them get used to having you nearby during feeding time, and they will learn to trust you over time.
- If you don't know what sounds squirrels make, search for videos on this topic online.
- Try to stay as quiet as possible to avoid scaring the squirrels away. If you approach them for the first time, crouch or stand nearby and try to ignore them while they eat.
How to Approach a Squirrel
Step 1. Approach the squirrel whenever you see it eating your treats.
Approach the squirrel whenever you see it eating your treats. If you regularly feed them, you will likely have “regular customers.” When you notice a squirrel that frequently visits you, go outside and approach the feeder to observe it and try to feed it from your hand if you wish.
- If the squirrel does not regularly feed from your feeder, it won't be able to get used to your scent, and you will likely scare it away by approaching.
Step 2. Bend down and slowly approach the squirrel while it is in motion.
Bend down and slowly approach the squirrel while it is moving. If the squirrel is on the ground, try to crouch as low as possible and approach at an angle. Move slowly, and when the squirrel stops, you stop too and wait until it resumes movement. Eventually, when the squirrel notices you, stop where you are.
- If the squirrel starts to run away, simply step back from the feeder and return the next day.
Step 3. Take squirrel food, kneel down, and extend your hand.
Take some squirrel food, kneel down, and extend your hand. Once the squirrel sees you, kneel down and offer it a mix of nuts, seeds, and a few slices of fruit or vegetables if you typically treat it with such goodies. If possible, extend your hand slowly so the squirrel can see and smell the food.
- When the squirrel starts eating, its attention may shift to the more appealing treats—fruits and vegetables that aren't part of its usual diet.
Step 4. Gently toss a little food in front of the squirrel to get its interest.
Gently toss a little food in front of the squirrel to pique its interest. Carefully throw about ¼ handful in front of the squirrel and wait for it to approach. If it doesn't come closer, toss a little more to try to lure it closer so it sees that you want to feed it.
- Be patient! It may take some time for the squirrel to stop fearing you and approach you without hesitation.
- Don't throw food directly at the squirrel; toss or roll it gently to avoid startling the animal.
Step 5. Toss food closer to yourself.
Toss food closer to yourself. As the squirrel finds your food, toss more and more to shorten the distance between your hand and the squirrel. When it gets within arm's reach, slowly extend your hand and offer to feed it. Keep the food visible and wait until it finishes eating. Warning: if the squirrel hesitates to come closer, do not touch it with your hands, as it may bite or scratch you in self-defense. Continue tossing food on the ground in front of you until the squirrel approaches enough to eat from your hand.
- It’s a good idea to hold onto some sweet and highly fragrant treats, like apples and grapes, until the squirrel gets closer to you.
Step 6. Be patient, and when the squirrel begins to trust you, try new tricks.
Be patient, and when the squirrel begins to trust you, try new tricks. It may take several weeks or even a month for the squirrel to fully trust you. Don't get discouraged! Once it approaches once, it is likely to do so again. Try enticing the squirrel to your lap or petting it while it eats from your hand.
- Keep in mind that squirrels are wild animals and cannot be domesticated, but you can definitely befriend those living in your yard.
