What To Do If A Squirrel Approaches You

Seeing a squirrel up close can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a bit intimidating if you’re not sure how to handle the situation. Squirrels may approach humans out of curiosity, looking for food, or even showing signs of illness.

Knowing how to react safely is key to creating a positive interaction.

If you need a quick answer: stay calm, avoid sudden movements, don’t try to touch the squirrel, and give it space to leave on its own. Read on below for more details on dealing with approaching squirrels.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all about squirrel behavior, the types of squirrels that may approach, the reasons they approach, and step-by-step instructions on what to do in that situation from how to keep your distance to getting professional help for sick or injured squirrels.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Squirrels are common sights in many neighborhoods, often delighting people as they scamper through yards and parks. However, these bushy-tailed critters can also exhibit behaviors that take humans by surprise. Knowing what to expect can help ensure safe interactions for both squirrels and people.

Typical Behavior Towards Humans

Squirrels tend to regard humans with curiosity but caution. According to wildlife experts, squirrels do not normally approach people looking for food or interaction (1). However, especially in areas where feeding occurs, some squirrels may slowly come near if offered treats.

Even then, sudden movements often startle them into scurrying away.

While foraging, squirrels focus much more on their surroundings than on humans present, unless perceived as threats. Squirrels seem to understand that people do not typically chase or threaten them, allowing coexistence.

Still, humans should avoid blocking their escape routes or chasing squirrels, as this causes undue stress.

Warning Signs and Aggressive Behaviors

In rare cases, squirrels exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans. Warning signs include agitated chattering, stamping front feet rapidly, and tail swishing. Such behaviors often indicate a mother squirrel protecting babies nearby (2). Backing slowly away allows her to relax.

Much more rarely, a squirrel might attack by lunging forward and attempting to scratch or bite. Usually triggered by disease rather than routine territorialism or protecting young, rabid squirrels can target humans aggressively and without warning.

Bites should receive immediate medical care due to rabies risk. If a squirrel seems disoriented, lethargic, or excessively unafraid of humans, rabies may be present (3).

While serious injuries remain quite unusual, some precautionary tips when squirrel encounters occur include:

• Avoid approaching nests and newly independent young squirrels in early summer.
• Do not offer food or attempt to touch/pick up squirrels.
• Back away slowly and leave the area if signs of aggression emerge.
• Notify authorities regarding any squirrel showing severe abnormal behavior.

References:

(1) “Squirrels and Humans” – https://squirrelenthusiast.com/squirrels-and-humans/

(2) “How to Get Rid of Aggressive Squirrels” – https://www.wildlifeanimalcontrol.com/squirrel-aggressive.html

(3) “Rabid Squirrel Symptoms” – https://www.orchardpest.com/rabid-squirrel-symptoms/

Types of Squirrels That May Approach

Gray Squirrels

Gray squirrels are one of the most common types of squirrels found across North America. They have predominantly gray fur with white undersides and sometimes a reddish hue on their heads and backs. These bushy-tailed critters typically grow up to 20 inches long and weigh around 1-2 pounds.

Gray squirrels are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban, suburban, and rural environments. You’ll often find them in backyards, parks, and woodlands foraging for food like nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. They are diurnal and most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

If a gray squirrel approaches you, it’s likely curious and looking for a handout. Though generally perceived as cute, gray squirrels can be quite bold. It’s best not to feed them, as this reinforces problematic behavior. Appreciate them from a distance and resist the urge to get too close!

Red Squirrels

Red squirrels, also known as pine squirrels or chickarees, have rusty red fur on their backs and white or cream-colored undersides. They are smaller than gray squirrels, growing up to 12 inches long and weighing around 5-8 ounces.

These spunky creatures thrive in coniferous forests across the northern United States and Canada. Red squirrels are resourceful survivors that endure harsh winters by storing a larder of nuts and seeds. They build large nests high up in evergreen trees.

If a red squirrel scampers up to you, consider yourself lucky! They are normally shy and wary of humans. Red squirrels may approach if they are accustomed to being fed by people. But it’s best not to offer them food or get too close, as they can deliver a nasty nip!

Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels, like chipmunks, prairie dogs, and marmots, live in burrow systems underground instead of making nests in trees. There are over 50 species worldwide that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors based on their habitat.

These social creatures thrive in colonies in open grasslands, deserts, and alpine meadows. They emerge during the day to forage for nuts, seeds, roots, berries, insects, and even small animals. When approached, ground squirrels typically scurry back to their burrows or perch atop rocks whistling warnings.

Ground squirrels can carry diseases transmittable to humans, like plague and tularemia. It’s wise to give them space rather than encouraging contact. Enjoy their antics from a safe distance and never try to touch or feed them.

Reasons a Squirrel Might Approach

Squirrels are often perceived as cute, bushy-tailed creatures who spend their days frolicking in parks and munching on nuts. However, these tiny rodents aren’t always just going about their business. Sometimes, squirrels will actively approach humans for a variety of reasons.

Looking for Food

One of the most common reasons a squirrel might walk right up to you is simply because it wants food. These highly intelligent animals know that humans often feed animals like birds or squirrels, so they have learned to associate us with an easy snack.

According to wildlife experts, around 25% of urban squirrels get some sort of food from humans, whether intentionally or accidentally dropped picnic scraps [Source].

Showing Off Food Finds

On occasion, an adventurous squirrel will scamper over to show off a prized nut, piece of bread, or other tasty morsel it discovered. Wildlife researchers say this “gift giving” behavior suggests squirrels understand concept like reciprocity and cooperation – offering food in hopes of getting food from humans in return [Source].

Curiosity and Playfulness

Given squirrels’ high intelligence and energetic, inquisitive personalities, they may also approach humans simply out of curiosity or playfulness, just as cats and dogs often initiate interactions. Squirrels that become accustomed to harmless interactions with people may start to view humans as potential playmates.

One study even found that squirrels engage in more play behavior when they have positive experiences with humans [Source].

Territorial Behavior

In rarer cases, an approaching squirrel could be displaying aggression or acting territorial, especially during breeding seasons. These squirrels may actually attack or bite, although serious injury is unlikely.

Still, it’s wise to exercise caution if a squirrel runs at you while vocalizing or waving its tail [Source].

What to Do If a Squirrel Approaches

Remain Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements

If a squirrel comes near you, it’s important to stay composed and avoid making any abrupt gestures that could startle the animal. Squirrels are naturally cautious creatures, so loud noises or quick motions may frighten them and cause an aggressive reaction.

Instead, stand perfectly still and avoid direct eye contact with the squirrel. Speak in a soft, soothing voice to help reassure the squirrel that you mean no harm. With patience, the squirrel should eventually lose interest and scamper away on its own.

Don’t Attempt to Touch or Feed the Squirrel

No matter how cute and fuzzy a squirrel may seem, it’s vital to refrain from attempting to touch, handle, or feed it. Squirrels can deliver nasty bites and scratches that could potentially transmit diseases like rabies.

Even if you have the best of intentions, feeding wild squirrels can make them overly reliant on humans for food. This dependency puts them at greater risk of being hit by cars or becoming prey for larger animals. Let the squirrel find natural food sources on its own.

Resist the temptation to interact with the squirrel, no matter how adorable it may appear!

Give the Squirrel Space to Leave

If a squirrel has wandered into an enclosed space like a garage or porch, the best solution is to give it a clear escape route. Slowly and calmly back away from the squirrel while keeping it in your peripheral vision. Open any doors or windows leading outdoors and then move a safe distance away.

This provides a path for the squirrel to exit on its own terms without feeling trapped or threatened. Be patient as the squirrel investigates its surroundings. With this gentle approach, the squirrel should feel comfortable leaving when ready.

Get to Safety if the Squirrel Seems Aggressive

Though rare, some squirrels may exhibit aggressive behavior like growling, lunging, or chasing. This likely indicates the squirrel feels under threat or is defending a food source or baby squirrels nearby.

If a squirrel is acting hostile, get away from the situation as quickly and cautiously as possible while facing the squirrel. Back up slowly to create more space between you and the squirrel, then turn and walk briskly away once several yards apart. Get indoors or inside a car if possible.

Aggressive squirrels should not be taken lightly, as they can inflict painful bites. So make your safety the top priority.

Call Wildlife Control If the Squirrel Seems Sick

Occasionally, squirrels may carry contagious diseases like the plague or distemper. Symptoms to look for include disorientation, lethargy, partial paralysis, and discharge from the eyes or nose. If you encounter a squirrel displaying these warning signs, contact wildlife animal control right away.

Explain the squirrel’s symptoms and exact location. The experts can then safely trap the sick squirrel for assessment and treatment. Calling wildlife professionals is essential, as diseased squirrels can spread illness to other animals and humans through direct contact.

So err on the side of caution if a squirrel seems severely ill.

Preventing Unwanted Squirrel Encounters

Avoid Leaving Food Scraps Out

One of the easiest ways to attract squirrels is by leaving food scraps and garbage outside. Squirrels have an incredible sense of smell and will catch a whiff of leftover food from amazing distances. Make sure to dispose of food waste properly in sealed containers, and never leave pet food outdoors.

Compost piles are also a major draw for squirrels looking for an easy snack. Try placing compost bins farther from your home if you regularly see squirrels investigating.

Secure Your Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for squirrels! To deter squirrels, select feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close access to the seed when squirrels climb on. You can also try feeding birds higher up on a pole, fence, or tree.

Greasing poles and hanging feeders on a wire can prevent squirrels from being able to climb up. Just be sure any deterrents don’t also restrict birds from feeding.

Close Up Entry Points to Your Home

If squirrels have already made themselves at home in your attic or walls, it’s important to seal up any entry points. Check for openings in soffits, vents, crawl spaces, and gaps around pipes or wires where squirrels could be getting in.

Hardware cloth, caulk, concrete, or metal flashing can be used to safely close openings at least 3 inches across. Be sure to also trim back any overhanging tree branches squirrels could use to access the roof.

Use Repellents and Deterrents

There are several commercial squirrel repellents available using scent or taste deterrents. Methyl nonyl ketone is a scent squirrels avoid, while capsaicin makes food sources taste unpleasantly spicy. Sprinkling black pepper, chili powder, or garlic around plants may also deter squirrels from nibbling on your garden goodies.

Ultrasonic and electromagnetic repellers claim to annoy squirrels with sounds and vibrations to drive them off.

Don’t Let Squirrels Get Comfortable Around You

If squirrels become accustomed to human handouts and attention, they can become demanding and aggressive. Never purposely feed wild squirrels or allow them to approach you for food. Keep squirrel nesting sites like sheds, porches, and decks free of brush piles or debris.

Use humane traps to capture and relocate any problem squirrels on your property. With persistence and preventive measures, you can avoid inviting squirrels to stay and become comfortable around your home.

Conclusion

Having an encounter with a curious squirrel can be a fun nature experience, but it’s important to handle the situation properly to keep both you and the squirrel safe. By understanding typical squirrel behaviors, remaining calm, and giving the animal space, you can enjoy the moment while allowing the squirrel to carry on its way.

With some preventative measures around your home like securing food and entry points, you can minimize unwanted run-ins. But if a squirrel does come near you, following the guidelines above will help turn the interaction into a positive one. Enjoy watching wildlife from a distance whenever you can!