How to Catch & Tame a Squirrel

Squirrels can make highly for cute and entertaining pets. However you should always remember that even though they are cute, they are still rodents and can carry diseases such as rabies, and hansa fever. In addition, in some states it is illegal to keep them as pets. However, if you need to catch and tame a squirrel it is a fairly straight-forward process.

Things You'll Need

  • Squirrel trap
  • Squirrel foods
  • Leather gloves
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Instructions

  1. Catching a Squirrel

    • 1

      Study the day-to-day routine of the squirrel that you wish to catch. Look at where it gets its food from. Find out where it lives. Squirrels spend much of their time in trees and will often steal food from bird feeders or trash cans. These are the areas where you can set your trap.

       

    • 2

      Set the squirrel trap in an area that it frequents. A squirrel trap is essentially a metal wire cage with a door propped up. You put bait into the trap, and when the squirrel walks through the door a locking mechanism is triggered by its weight, which slams the door shut. Set the trap on firm ground or on a strong tree branch where it cannot roll over.

    • 3

      Bait the trap with some nuts or fruits such as as berries. Check on the trap twice a day and wait for the squirrel to show up.

    Taming a Squirrel

    • 4

      Setup a home for your new friend. Get a cage that is big enough for the squirrel to run around in and get it an exercise wheel so it can burn off excess energy. Transfer the squirrel from the trap to the cage by setting the doors up against one another an opening them so there is no way it can escape.

    • 5

      Offer food to the squirrel. Once you have caught your squirrel you will want to show it that you are friendly and mean no harm. Most animals are motivated by food, so place some food in the cage area. A variety of nuts and berries are some of the favorite foods for squirrels. Make sure to feed and water your new pet daily.

    • 6

      Feed the squirrel by hand. Always wear a pair of thick leather gloves when doing this. Although squirrels generally are not aggressive, they may bite you if frightened. Squirrels tend to be skittish creatures and probably won't accept food from your hand right away. But after your squirrel grows accustomed to your presence and your scent after several days, it may begin taking food from you. Once it has taken food from your hand, continue feeding it like this daily. Always remain calm and cool and do not make any loud noises. Keep your voice down and speak in soft tones.

    • 7

      Take the squirrel out of the cage in an area where it cannot escape. It will be curious and will likely roam around and may run off, so make sure you can catch it. Continue feeding the squirrel this way for several days and putting it back in its cage after you are finished. Once your squirrel becomes accustomed to your presence and realizes you will continue to feed it, it probably won't run off and will relax around you and become tame.