There are many fun things about squirrels. Squirrels are entertaining while trying to get food or playing with each other, especially a good game of tag. Squirrels are very important ecologically. Since squirrels bury nuts and seeds in preparation for winter, and will not eat even close to the amount buried, you can thank squirrels for the many plants and trees that sprout each spring.
It is important to know that squirrels have a great sense of smell, which is why they can easily find the food put out for birds. Squirrels also like to hoard food which is why you often see them running away with food in their mouths as they run back to their nests. Squirrels teeth are always growing and they must chew to keep their teeth from growing too long.
The best way to keep your squirrels as friends and not be mad at them for stealing birds’ food is to set up a squirrel feeder. Squirrels are very territorial animals. Squirrels will mark their feeder area as their own and in doing so will leave the bird feeders alone. It is important to set up the squirrel feeder(s) at least 15 feet away from the birdfeeder(s) and away from your house.
There are many types of squirrel feeders availabe. Some holders are for corn cobs, some for nuts and others for wild life seed. The Audubon Squirrel Munch Box Feeder in the picture can be filled with sunflower seed, corn, peanuts in the shell or squirrel or wildlife mix. For the entertainment of both the squirrels and humans, the squirrels will lift the hinged lid and grab the food inside. There is a plastic front so you can see how much seed is available. The wood lid protects the seed from the weather and the little front porch area gives the squirrel a place to sit. There are two pre-drilled holes for easy mounting on a post, tree or deck.
Keeping a filled squirrel feeder in your yard will entertain the squirrels and you, while keeping the squirrels out of the birdfeeders. Now, that is what I call a happy yard.