52 birdsandblooms.com FEBRUARY I MARCH 2021
How t o Ho s t
Squirrels
FIELD GUIDE
eeping squirrels out
of your bird feeders or
gardens can seem like
a losing battle—and it
probably is. Urban
tree squirrels live and look for food
almost every where. So instead
of waging a war you will not win,
perhaps it’s time to live peacefully
alongside the furry creatures.
“Squirrels are among the most
commonly observed backyard
mammals,” says Nichole Bjornlie,
a nongame mammal biologist who
is based out of Wyoming. “And they
can be quite entertaining.”
Both Nichole and Tammi
Hartung, co-owner of Desert
Canyon Farm in Colorado, say
you can be a good squirrel host
while still preserving your gardens
and bird feeders. Here are their
hard-earned tips for a successful
squirrel coexistence.
Create a Space
One of the best ways to keep
squirrels (and other wild critters)
away from your gardens and
feeders is to establish a feeding
space just for them. Tammi places
spoiled apples, corncobs and other
unprocessed foods underneath a
pear tree. Then instead of raiding
all her trees, the hungry mammals
tend to stick to one spot.
Grab the Cobs
Consider placing corncobs or
entire ears of corn on a platform.
Squirrels will happily spend hours
munching on the cobs, which
not only keeps them out of your
garden but also provides you with
endless entertainment. Birds also
appreciate the snack.
Offer Nuts
The stereotypes are indeed
true—squirrels love nuts. They
enjoy most nuts, but Nichole
recommends large varieties.
K
Seven steps to keep peace with furry
backyard critters. BY CHRISTINE PETERSON S
UE
FE
L
DBE
RG/GE
TTY
I
MAGESSet out large nuts
for squirrels.