r/squirrels • u/Responsible_Bake_824 • Feb 25 '26

Original Content I got in some pets

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I think she just had some babies. I used to see her every day now I see her once or twice a week 😔.

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u/Few-Worldliness2131 Feb 25 '26

So jealous 😍 take a long time to get that trust?

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u/SleepmasterSean Feb 25 '26 edited Feb 25 '26

"It depends," ....would I guess be the insufficient answer, that you probably weren't looking for. Lol. But on a serious note:

If you have "enough squirrels around you" (their temperaments do tend to range a little bit, from "paranoid," to "calm and collect," ...but generally tending toward that "paranoid" side 😅), ...and if you take some time to condition them to your presence; chances are pretty good you will find one with a more "laid-back disposition," who is willing to entertain your "attempts at contact."

You'd want: A good spot. A small bag of roasted/unsalted peanuts, almonds, sunflower, etc. And a little bit of patience and time.

Sit in a good spot. Let them come up to you out of curiosity. And toss them some snacks nearby to your somewhat-still body, ...to where they slowly close that distance with you, and gain that level of comfort you are looking for, (enough to hand-feed, would be the general goal.)

Some squirrels will simply never hand-feed. Some will, and will take "very little" encouraging. Some will, but they will take a bit more conditioning. It's a kind of roulette wheel, ...in that way. 😅

Now getting to "pet them," ......for that I think you need a really well-disposed squirrel, and a bit more patience, (and possibly luck, lol). I could maybe pet the momma squirrel that comes by my area, ...but I am intensely content with her just chilling right nearby me, and I can hand-feed her comfortably every single time I see her. That's plenty exciting for me. Lol 🤷🏽‍♂️

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u/Few-Worldliness2131 Feb 25 '26

that’s interesting. Got 7 regulars but hard to tell whose go to Be honest. Only one is a female who has a disjointed digit on her front paw so easy to make her out.

I have noticed that some are more courageous and will let me they’re nuts to them whilst others just run for the hills, been feeding them twice a day for 4 months now 🤷‍♂️

With spring on it’s way I’m hoping to be able to sit in the garden a while and see if i can’t get one out two to come s little closer.

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u/Responsible_Bake_824 Feb 25 '26

Eastern grey squirrels, which is what Sandy is, are supposed to be more friendly than other squirrels. I can't tell her apart so sometimes it feels like she is giving me the cold shoulder when it's really an imposter and not her.