How can i gain a squirrels trust?

So for the last month or so I have been throwing bread on my deck and this one squirrel always eats the bread. I’ve tried going outside before by showing the squirrel the bread from my house threw the window and opening the door to go out but it always runs away onto the branches. I really wanna gain its trust and hand feed it and let it be on my arm. Anyone know how to tame the squirrel? Really wanna know so I have a wild animal friend. Thx!

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Based on 21 votes (13 yes)
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Comments ( 50 )
  • Use fermented fruit. The little guy will soon develop alcoholism and, with you as his enabler, will develop a strong bond with you. He will then come to see you to get his fix and share his problems with you at all hours of the day and night. This is called friendship.

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    • EccentricWeird

      You're an evil person!

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      • Checkmate_King

        Hide behind a tree and make a noise like a nut

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      • Not really. Just a dark sense of humor

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        • EccentricWeird

          That's racist

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          • Ok. Then a light sense of humor with a dark tint.

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    • Silverseen

      Ahhhh I see now

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  • xfg67

    A small cage with some bait works pretty good. You could even put it to sleep temporarily, wrap it in duct tape up to its neck and wear it as a necklace, feeding it to keep it alive. Leave an opening for the butthole.

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    • Silverseen

      No. U need help

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  • SmokeEverything

    Leave food out and sit around it and don't aknowledge him. Once he stops being so scared gradually move closer, then step it up to walking around (just like back and forth) while he eats. Once they get comfortable around you it's easier to pet them. Whats interesting is they might even teach their children not to be scared of you.

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  • Nickvey

    when they bite your finger and your doctor insists you get the rabies series of shots it wont be so damn smart an idea.

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    • Checkmate_King

      Squirrels are rats with long tails. Carry fleas, scabies, crotch rot, fungus, rabies.

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  • Ummitsme

    Perhaps you should present the squirrel with your "nuts" if you are a man. Then it will know you are vulnerable and have offered not only your most valued asset, but its preferable treat. Either this or hook it up with some shelled pistachios and/or macadamia nuts. That way you will spoil it with luxury nuts and it will know you offer a better life than acorns alone can provide.

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    • McBean

      Here's a recipe for squirrel treats. Squirrels love them.

      http://www.funnysquirrelshirts.com/free-gift-ideas.html

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  • EuphoniumLizz

    There was a squirrel who lost his fear of humans in the tree in my yard. He liked hanging out by the bird feeder and would explore the porch. Maybe a bird feeder on the porch would help

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  • Tingle

    ahhh this is so sweet..bread tho? try seeds?

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    • Silverseen

      Bread works so imma stick to that

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      • Tbh, most animals like bread. That doesn't mean it's the healthiest choice though. Seeds or nuts would be more natural to a squirrel's diet, and are generally more healthy.

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        • Silverseen

          Whatever

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  • snoid

    Spend time with your bread and the squirrel. Don't give up the bread without being there. He will eventually come over to get the bread and when he does, don't move. Squirrels are curious and will get the bread with you there. Keep moving the bread closer and closer untill the bread is on your leg. Don't move fast or be loud. Talk to him in a soft comforting voice.I got to sit in my hand while he ate whatever I had for him.At first he would grab it and run away to eat . Be patient and be there at the same time every dayHe will wait for you to bring him foodand he will learn that you won't hurt him and he will let you pet him. They are way cool and worth the time spent with him. Have fun and enjoy your new friend.

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    • Silverseen

      Thank you so much! I will gladly be there while putting out food and will be patient. Thx so much times a billion!

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  • wigz

    Put some food on the ground close to you, sit still and wait. Get him used to coming closer to you and show him you aren't dangerous and eventually he might eat from your hand.

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    • nikkiclaire

      That only works if you make eye contact. The animal will be able to tell if you are a danger from your eyes.

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      • wigz

        That's utter bullshit.

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        • Checkmate_King

          yeah but it's funny bullshit

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    • Silverseen

      I will surely do that thx!

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  • RoseIsabella

    Its all up to the individual squirrel.

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    • Tingle

      cute!

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      • RoseIsabella

        I believe that all squirrels are individuals. When I was attending Lone Star College in Kingwood there were some squirrels who were almost tame.

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  • Shackleford96

    My mom always feeds her squirrels popcorn. I'm sure she's had them eat from her hand before

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  • nikkiclaire

    Animals respond to movement and sound. In your case body language. The way to get yourself to move in a non threatening manner is to metally project to the animal you are peaceful and mean no harm.

    Mentally tell yourself to be open to the squirrel and that you arent a threat. Open your palms slowly and be as still as you can. Gain its trust by letting it observe you.

    Slowly try to read the animals mind. What its thinking. Have total empathy for it. Realize you are a large predator approaching a tiny defenseless squirrel.

    It takes time to learn this but once you can whisper to animals a whole new world opens up.

    Dont try this with cats tho.

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    • Nikkiclaire the squirrel whisperer.

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  • Ecclesgatewayhollaatme

    Don't clean for a week then sing any song from snow white or cinderella

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    • Silverseen

      Great idea

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  • galen

    My cousin has been putting food out on his back step for a long time, to feed squirrels in his neighborhood. He says one or two of the squirrels are almost tame and won't run away if he puts his hand out the back door to put more food out there. But mostly he just watches the squirrels from indoors through the window.

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  • LeDentist

    Give it some nuts to eat and then perform dentistry on it.

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  • Trisha-Gaurav

    By tranquilizing him.

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  • Sunshinegirl

    Adopt different body movement. And take on the scent of a squirrel, or a scent that smells friendly to a squirrel, so your complicated human scent does not scare him.

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  • hnnng

    ya m8 i love squirrels

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  • Electra

    You can’t gain :D but this is so cute you have a squirrel friend. Keep giving its bread.

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  • sillygirl77

    It's a wild animal. It may bite you. also is bread healthy for squirrels?

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    • Silverseen

      I would rather end by being bit by a cute squirrel and knowing it was tamed enough to bite. Also bread won’t harm a squirrel.

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    • nikkiclaire

      Animals know what they can eat. They arent retarded.

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      • edwininthematrix

        dogs will eat chocolate if you let them, especially young dogs. they don't always know it's bad for them.

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      • Bazinga

        Squirrels are like women. They are wild animals with trust issues.

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        • nikkiclaire

          Yep dont fuck with women Sheldon. Fornication is not for you.

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          • Bazinga

            Would you like eat some nibbly bits out of my hand? Perhaps an ice cold Smithwicks would comfort you.

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      • sillygirl77

        animals don't know what they can and can't eat. drop chocolate a dog will eat it.

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      • wigz

        WTF? Animals get sick or die all the time from eating something they shouldn't. Also, some animals do not have the ability to properly digest certain foods so while it may not necessarily harm them, it does them no good nutritionally.

        OP, there's recipes for squirrel treats online. It might help to feed the squirrel something more enticing than bread.

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    • charli.m

      Do squirrels carry rabies?

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