However, this can often mean that large birds and other animals may access the squirrel food. Try to keep these animals away as much as possible to encourage the squirrel visitors to stop by! It’s best to try to hand feed the squirrels in your own yard, since it will take time for them to trust you. If you often visit a park or other area where squirrels eat, they might be willing to eat from your hand there.
If you’re worried about the squirrels getting into your other feeders, set up squirrel baffles, like wind chimes or reflective surfaces, to repel them.
Keep track of what the squirrels seem to eat the most of. If they seem to like the grapes more than the apples, increase the amount of grapes you feed them.
You might even notice that the squirrels will begin to come up to your windows to peer inside if there’s no food in the feeder!
If you’re not sure what sounds to make, look up videos of squirrel noises to get a better idea. Try to be as still as possible to avoid scaring off the squirrels. If this is your first time approaching them, sit or stand nearby, and try to ignore them as much as possible while they eat.
If the squirrel doesn’t come to your feeder regularly, they probably aren’t used to your scent and will be scared off as soon as you approach.
If the squirrel runs away, simply move away from the feeder and wait a day before approaching again.
At this point, the squirrel will already be eating, but it might be enticed by tastier treats that it doesn’t have in its usual food, like fruits and vegetables.
Be patient! It may take some time for the squirrel to trust getting closer to you. Don’t throw the food at the squirrel, but rather toss or roll it softly to avoid scaring it.
It may be helpful to save some of the sweeter and strong-smelling treats, like apples and grapes, until the squirrel is closer to you.
Keep in mind that squirrels are wild animals and don’t make great pets, but you can befriend the ones that live in your yard.
