How to befriend a squirrel

Befriending a squirrel takes time and patience, but the results are quite rewarding. Follow these instructions and you, too, will have a squirrel friend (and his family) greeting you everytime you walk out the door.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• PEANUTS (non-salted- you don't want to make them bloated- they show their fat so easily!)
• Patience
• Time
• A sense of humor
• And of course, a squirrel! Most people have them in their yards. If not, you can go to a park and pick out a random squirrel. But, it's better if you have one in your own yard.

1. First, you need to get the squirrels attention. Sprinkle some peanuts in the backyard. Don't hang around (they can smell you). Watch from inside, if you wish. It may take a while for your fuzzy critter to decide to come and eat the peanuts (watch out for the bluebirds, they'll steal the peanuts, too). Do this step for about a week.
2. Once the squirrel gets used to the idea of finding nuts in your yard,he will start to frequent it more often. For the next few days, sit outside after you sprinkle some peanuts (don't sit too close, stay far enough away so that your little critter doesn't feel threatened). He may be leary at first, try to stay still and don't stare at him.
3. So now your little buddy is comfortable eating with you in the yard. He's probably coming to your yard often to check on the peanut situation. Sit outside and throw peanuts individually in the general direction of the squirrel (don't aim to hit him! You want him to be your friend, not cause him psychological trauma!) Do this step for another week. Try to go out around the same time every day to throw the nuts, you will find that the squirrel starts to wait for you!
4. Now, start throwing the nuts a little closer to you- let him come a little closer. Don't rush him, he may be a little nervous. You can lightly coax him by talking in a low, friendly voice (as you would a frightened puppy). Do this for a week, slowly throw the nuts a little lighter each time so the squirrel has to come closer to you.
5. Now bend down and hold the nut out for the squirrel. Show him the nut in your hand, he likely won't come the first few times. He'll get closer to you, look interested, but won't quite come all the way. Throw the nut very lightly.
6. Now, don't throw the nut. Hold it in your hand and wait. And wait and wait. Don't give in. He'll eventually break down and grab the nut. DON'T SCREAM or make any sudden movements! If you don't want him to come close, continue to just toss the peanut out to him. If you frighten him terribly, you'll have to start all over again from step one!

Tips & Warnings

• Stoop down to throw the nuts. This makes you less frightening.
• Don't rush him. Some squirrels are more skittish than others.
• Before you know it, you're little buddy will be waiting for you in your yard (and may even come looking for you through the glass doors or a window!)
• Remember, squirrels carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites, so be aware of that if you decide to actually hand feed the squirrel.
• The squirrel will become braver as time goes on, so make sure you close the door to your house (they wreck havoc when trapped inside).
• Don't do this if you have a cat or dog- it's bad for all of the animals involved.