Squirrels are clever, energetic, and entertaining members of our local wildlife community. They also play an ecological role by spreading seeds and burying nuts that may later grow into trees.

If you choose to welcome squirrels into your yard, thoughtful food choices, clean feeding areas, fresh water, and appropriate shelter can help you support them responsibly.

Quick Answers About Helping Squirrels

Is it okay to feed squirrels?

Yes, in moderation. Supplemental food should complement the natural foods squirrels find rather than become their entire diet.

What can I offer squirrels?

Good options include unsalted nuts, peanuts for wildlife, corn, and quality squirrel food. Avoid salted, seasoned, sweetened, moldy, or heavily processed foods.

Do squirrels use houses?

They can. A well-designed squirrel house provides shelter from the weather and may offer a safe place to rest or raise young.

 

Choose an Appropriate Feeding Area

A dedicated squirrel feeder can give squirrels their own place to eat and may help draw their attention away from bird feeders.

Position squirrel feeders away from roads, busy walkways, pets, and places where squirrels could damage buildings. Remember that squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, so consider nearby trees, roofs, railings, and fences when choosing a location.

Offer reasonable portions and remove old or wet food before it can spoil. Excessive feeding may attract rodents, raccoons, bears, and other wildlife.

Because Colorado Springs is bear country, discontinue feeding if bears are active in your neighborhood or begin visiting your yard.

What Should You Feed Squirrels?

Squirrels naturally eat a varied diet that may include nuts, seeds, fruits, plants, fungi, and other foods available in their habitat.

Appropriate supplemental options include:

• Unsalted nuts
• Peanuts made for wildlife feeding
• Corn
• Quality squirrel-food blends
• Fresh water

Avoid salted or seasoned nuts, candy, sweetened foods, heavily processed human foods, and anything moldy or spoiled.

Corn and peanuts can be enjoyable supplemental foods, but they should not be the only foods squirrels eat. Natural habitat and variety remain important.

When Should You Stop Feeding?

Temporarily discontinue squirrel feeding if:

• Bears begin visiting the area
• Food attracts rats, raccoons, or other unwanted animals
• Food or shells are accumulating
• You notice sick animals
• Squirrels become unusually aggressive around food
• You cannot keep the feeding area clean

Feeding should remain a safe and enjoyable supplement, not a source of conflict for wildlife or neighbors.

Keep Food and Water Clean

Squirrel feeders and feeding platforms should be cleaned regularly. Discard moldy or contaminated food and prevent shells, corn, and leftovers from accumulating underneath.

A shallow bird bath can provide drinking water for squirrels and many other backyard animals. Keep the water fresh and scrub the bath regularly. Stones or another textured surface can help smaller animals climb out safely.

If an animal appears sick, temporarily discontinue feeding and thoroughly clean the feeding area.

 

Squirrel Houses and Shelter

Squirrels naturally use tree cavities and leafy nests, but suitable nesting places can be limited where older trees have been removed.

A sturdy wooden squirrel house can provide additional shelter when it is:

• Mounted securely in a mature tree
• Placed high enough to reduce disturbance
• Protected from harsh weather
• Positioned with a clear route to nearby branches
• Made from durable, wildlife-safe materials
• Designed with drainage and ventilation

Do not disturb an occupied house, especially when young may be present. Clean or repair it only when you are confident it is unoccupied.

We are proud to carry locally made Squirrel Boxes, including thoughtfully designed squirrel houses and feeders made here in the Colorado Springs area.

Natural Habitat Is Still Important

Trees and shrubs provide some of the best resources for squirrels. They offer natural food, nesting materials, shade, escape routes, and protection throughout the year.

You can make your yard more supportive by:

• Preserving mature trees when it is safe to do so
• Planting native trees and shrubs
• Providing clean water
• Limiting pesticide use
• Keeping cats indoors
• Leaving some natural cover
• Avoiding unnecessary disturbance around active nests

A squirrel house or feeder can supplement these resources, but it cannot replace healthy natural habitat.

 

Let Us Help You Support Your Backyard Wildlife

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs to explore squirrel feeders, squirrel food, locally made Squirrel Boxes, wildlife-friendly water options, and solutions for keeping squirrels away from the bird feeders you would prefer they leave alone.

We are happy to help you create a backyard where birds, squirrels, and people can coexist!