{"id":55612,"date":"2022-04-16T10:48:42","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T10:48:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/"},"modified":"2022-04-16T10:48:42","modified_gmt":"2022-04-16T10:48:42","slug":"how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you get a squirrel to trust you?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_do_you_get_a_squirrel_to_trust_you\" title=\"How do you get a squirrel to trust you?\">How do you get a squirrel to trust you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Can_a_squirrel_be_friendly\" title=\"Can a squirrel be friendly?\">Can a squirrel be friendly?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_bond_with_humans\" title=\"Do squirrels bond with humans?\">Do squirrels bond with humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Can_you_befriend_a_squirrel\" title=\"Can you befriend a squirrel?\">Can you befriend a squirrel?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_long_does_it_take_for_a_squirrel_to_trust_you\" title=\"How long does it take for a squirrel to trust you?\">How long does it take for a squirrel to trust you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_do_you_get_a_squirrel_to_come_to_you\" title=\"How do you get a squirrel to come to you?\">How do you get a squirrel to come to you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_recognize_you\" title=\"Do squirrels recognize you?\">Do squirrels recognize you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Can_squirrels_get_along_with_humans\" title=\"Can squirrels get along with humans?\">Can squirrels get along with humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_like_to_be_pet\" title=\"Do squirrels like to be pet?\">Do squirrels like to be pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Is_it_OK_to_touch_a_squirrel\" title=\"Is it OK to touch a squirrel?\">Is it OK to touch a squirrel?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Can_squirrels_get_attached_to_humans\" title=\"Can squirrels get attached to humans?\">Can squirrels get attached to humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Can_you_bond_with_squirrels\" title=\"Can you bond with squirrels?\">Can you bond with squirrels?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Are_squirrels_affectionate\" title=\"Are squirrels affectionate?\">Are squirrels affectionate?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_do_you_know_if_a_squirrel_likes_you\" title=\"How do you know if a squirrel likes you?\">How do you know if a squirrel likes you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_do_squirrels_show_affection\" title=\"How do squirrels show affection?\">How do squirrels show affection?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_long_does_it_take_to_tame_a_squirrel\" title=\"How long does it take to tame a squirrel?\">How long does it take to tame a squirrel?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_remember_humans\" title=\"Do squirrels remember humans?\">Do squirrels remember humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_do_you_get_a_squirrel_to_come_close_to_you\" title=\"How do you get a squirrel to come close to you?\">How do you get a squirrel to come close to you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#How_do_you_befriend_a_squirrel\" title=\"How do you befriend a squirrel?\">How do you befriend a squirrel?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_get_to_know_you\" title=\"Do squirrels get to know you?\">Do squirrels get to know you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#What_does_it_mean_when_a_squirrel_stares_at_you\" title=\"What does it mean when a squirrel stares at you?\">What does it mean when a squirrel stares at you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#What_does_it_mean_if_a_squirrel_approaches_you\" title=\"What does it mean if a squirrel approaches you?\">What does it mean if a squirrel approaches you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Are_squirrels_aggressive_towards_humans\" title=\"Are squirrels aggressive towards humans?\">Are squirrels aggressive towards humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_like_to_be_touched\" title=\"Do squirrels like to be touched?\">Do squirrels like to be touched?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-you-get-a-squirrel-to-trust-you\/#Do_squirrels_like_their_owners\" title=\"Do squirrels like their owners?\">Do squirrels like their owners?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_get_a_squirrel_to_trust_you\"><\/span>How do you get a squirrel to trust you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Put out food every day to associate your scent with feeding time. The squirrels will learn to trust you because you&#8217;re a reliable source of food. Create a safe outdoor space, such as a corner of a porch or a garden. Try to feed them at the same time every day so they don&#8217;t go elsewhere to look for treats.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_squirrel_be_friendly\"><\/span>Can a squirrel be friendly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>They Are Friendly Little Guys Very few wild animals are trusting enough to approach humans. <b>Squirrels, however, are generally friendly creatures. Many are accustomed to living near humans  so much so that some will eat directly from people&#8217;s palms!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_bond_with_humans\"><\/span>Do squirrels bond with humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is true that squirrels are intelligent and can recognize humans they see as food sources, but that <b>does not mean an emotional connection or bond. The apparent docile nature of squirrels is more likely due to humans encroaching on the animals&#8217; natural habitat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_befriend_a_squirrel\"><\/span>Can you befriend a squirrel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first step in establishing rapport with squirrels is to <b>spend time with them. Squirrels are more active in the morning and in the evening, so pick a time when you can go out and sit quietly in your yard. I don&#8217;t normally recommend feeding peanuts, but peanuts in the shell are easiest to use for this exercise.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_it_take_for_a_squirrel_to_trust_you\"><\/span>How long does it take for a squirrel to trust you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There&#8217;s always at least one who will lose its fear and be curious about you. Notice which squirrels are brave and seem unafraid to get closer to you. This may take <b>weeks and sometimes even months for the squirrel to build up courage.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_get_a_squirrel_to_come_to_you\"><\/span>How do you get a squirrel to come to you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is true that <b>squirrels are intelligent and can recognize humans they see as food sources, but that does not mean an emotional connection or bond. The apparent docile nature of squirrels is more likely due to humans encroaching on the animals&#8217; natural habitat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_recognize_you\"><\/span>Do squirrels recognize you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to experts <b>licking is a way that they show affection. Think of this behavior similar to how a dog shows affection. They will lick your legs, face, hands and etc. Pet squirrels purr as a sign of happiness and content, similar to a cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_squirrels_get_along_with_humans\"><\/span>Can squirrels get along with humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Fortunately, <b>you can befriend the squirrels with food and eventually train them to eat out of your hand. This process requires a lot of patience and can take weeks or even months, but it&#8217;s a fun experience for people of all ages!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_like_to_be_pet\"><\/span>Do squirrels like to be pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While squirrels born in the wild may not be particularly friendly, <b>they do seem to remember their human hosts. In some cases, they even return to reconnect with their human saviors. Squirrels are also more than willing to return to a food source over and over again.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_OK_to_touch_a_squirrel\"><\/span>Is it OK to touch a squirrel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>They are fun to watch scamper around, and you may consider that they would make cute pets. As a general rule, <b>squirrels aren&#8217;t domesticated and aren&#8217;t good animals to keep as pets<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_squirrels_get_attached_to_humans\"><\/span>Can squirrels get attached to humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Squirrels have great memories and can become accustomed to humans that regularly leave them food. However <b>no real attachment forms because they are inherently wild. Research has shown that squirrels remember people that feed them, especially if orphaned and raised by a human.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_bond_with_squirrels\"><\/span>Can you bond with squirrels?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Can You Tame Squirrels? <b>Yes. If you&#8217;re really dedicated, taming squirrels is fairly simple. Having patience and letting them get used to requires a lot of waiting around, but once they do they&#8217;ll be happy to approach.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_squirrels_affectionate\"><\/span>Are squirrels affectionate?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Within the first 6 months of life, squirrels acclimate to humans, show affection and become dependent on us for food. As they approach 6 months old, their claws and teeth are much longer and sharper, and they can unintentionally inflict harm on humans, pets and furniture.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_know_if_a_squirrel_likes_you\"><\/span>How do you know if a squirrel likes you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Squirrels are naturally curious animals, and <b>if they hear you making sounds similar to theirs, you can expect to see them approach you to investigate. With time, patience and repeated sessions, they will eventually walk right up to you, and even become excited to see you when you approach.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_squirrels_show_affection\"><\/span>How do squirrels show affection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While squirrels born in the wild may not be particularly friendly, <b>they do seem to remember their human hosts. In some cases, they even return to reconnect with their human saviors. Squirrels are also more than willing to return to a food source over and over again.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_it_take_to_tame_a_squirrel\"><\/span>How long does it take to tame a squirrel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Doing this while holding a peanut in your hand, makes you seem even more appealing. There&#8217;s always at least one who will lose its fear and be curious about you. Notice which squirrels are brave and seem unafraid to get closer to you. This may take <b>weeks and sometimes even months for the squirrel to build up courage.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_remember_humans\"><\/span>Do squirrels remember humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Squirrels are naturally curious animals, and <b>if they hear you making sounds similar to theirs, you can expect to see them approach you to investigate. With time, patience and repeated sessions, they will eventually walk right up to you, and even become excited to see you when you approach.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_get_a_squirrel_to_come_close_to_you\"><\/span>How do you get a squirrel to come close to you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Toss some of the food gently between you and the squirrel to entice them. Gently throw about xbc of the food halfway between you and the squirrel, and wait for it to walk toward you to eat it. If it doesn&#8217;t, throw a little bit more to try to lure it closer to you so it knows you&#8217;re trying to feed it.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_befriend_a_squirrel\"><\/span>How do you befriend a squirrel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first step in establishing rapport with squirrels is to <b>spend time with them. Squirrels are more active in the morning and in the evening, so pick a time when you can go out and sit quietly in your yard. I don&#8217;t normally recommend feeding peanuts, but peanuts in the shell are easiest to use for this exercise.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_get_to_know_you\"><\/span>Do squirrels get to know you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Squirrels have great memories and can become accustomed to humans that regularly leave them food. However <b>no real attachment forms because they are inherently wild. Research has shown that squirrels remember people that feed them, especially if orphaned and raised by a human.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_a_squirrel_stares_at_you\"><\/span>What does it mean when a squirrel stares at you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Squirrels are naturally curious animals, and if they hear you making sounds similar to theirs, you can expect to see them approach you to investigate. <b>With time, patience and repeated sessions, they will eventually walk right up to you, and even become excited to see you when you approach.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_if_a_squirrel_approaches_you\"><\/span>What does it mean if a squirrel approaches you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A squirrel stares at you <b>when it wants to see what you&#8217;ll do next. Staring is part of a squirrel&#8217;s instinct to stay alive, and it&#8217;s how the squirrel decides if you are going to hurt it, be friendly, or just walk by. Then the squirrel can choose to run away, fight, beg for treats, or ignore you too.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_squirrels_aggressive_towards_humans\"><\/span>Are squirrels aggressive towards humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Can You Tame Squirrels? <b>Yes. If you&#8217;re really dedicated, taming squirrels is fairly simple. Having patience and letting them get used to requires a lot of waiting around, but once they do they&#8217;ll be happy to approach.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_like_to_be_touched\"><\/span>Do squirrels like to be touched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Depending on your area (city vs. country), <b>squirrels can be INCREDIBLY friendly to humans. Squirrels by nature, are extremely curious creatures. They&#8217;re usually very interested in what&#8217;s going on around them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_squirrels_like_their_owners\"><\/span>Do squirrels like their owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Within the first 6 months of life, squirrels acclimate to humans, show affection and become dependent on us for food. As they approach 6 months old, their claws and teeth are much longer and sharper, and they can unintentionally inflict harm on humans, pets and furniture.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents How do you get a squirrel to trust you?Can a squirrel be friendly?Do squirrels bond with humans?Can you befriend a squirrel?How long does it take for a squirrel to trust you?How do you get a squirrel to come to you?Do squirrels recognize you?Can squirrels get along with humans?Do squirrels like to be&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55612"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55612"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55612\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}