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Squirrels are beloved backyard creatures that bring joy to many with their energetic antics. But not all squirrels have the same temperament when interacting with humans. Some species tend to be warier than others due to differences in personality, habitat, and history with humans. For those looking to befriend their neighborhood squirrels, knowing which ones tend to be the most approachable can help maximize fun interactions.
Squirrel Behavior and Personality
Squirrels are intelligent, social creatures that communicate in complex ways. Like other animals, individual squirrels have distinct personalities that shape how they interact with humans. Bolder, more curious squirrels that live near human communities tend to warm up to people faster and be more comfortable taking food from an outstretched hand. Shyer, more skittish squirrels may need more time and patience to develop trust.
A squirrel’s living environment also influences its behavior. Urban squirrels accustomed to seeing people daily tend to be more relaxed around humans compared to rural squirrels with less frequent human exposure. Squirrels that live in parks and other public spaces also grow used to human company.
Additionally, a squirrel’s history with humans impacts its approachability. Squirrels that have had positive experiences receiving food or attention from friendly humans will often solicit that same treatment from new people they encounter. However, squirrels that have been chased or had negative encounters may be warier, even if coaxed with treats.
Gray Squirrels
The most common tree squirrel across most of North America, gray squirrels tend to thrive living alongside humans. These bushy-tailed opportunists invaded many urban and suburban areas long ago, setting up residence in backyards and city parks.
As a result, gray squirrels encounter people daily and have grown quite comfortable in human presence. They eagerly scope out humans in parks or backyards, scampering close in hopes of scoring a nut or other treat. Hand-feeding gray squirrels is a common pastime in neighborhoods where they reside.
Some key facts about gray squirrels:
| Scientific Name | Sciurus carolinensis |
| Native To | Eastern and central North America |
| Habitat | Mature forests with nut trees, urban/suburban areas |
| Behavior with Humans | Pretty relaxed and approachable, frequent interaction |
Gray squirrels’ intelligence and adaptability to human environments make them likely candidates for friendly interactions. Their boldness overrides any natural wariness, so they willingly take handouts and engage with humans. For those seeking an interactive wildlife experience close to home, befriending the neighborhood gray squirrels is a fun option.
Fox Squirrels
The largest tree squirrel in North America, fox squirrels share some of the gray squirrel’s confidence in human settings. Their natural range extends through the central plains up to the Midwest, but they too have adapted to thrive in urban environments.
Fox squirrels are a common sight in neighborhood yards, parks, and golf courses in their habitat range. They demonstrate the same opportunistic behavior as gray squirrels, capitalizing on human food sources. Their size and striking rusty brown or gray-brown coat make them easy to spot dashing about on lawns or rummaging under bird feeders.
Some key facts about fox squirrels:
| Scientific Name | Sciurus niger |
| Native To | Central and eastern North America |
| Habitat | Pine forests, river bottomlands, suburban neighborhoods |
| Behavior with Humans | Pretty relaxed and approachable, frequent interaction |
Like their gray cousins, fox squirrels living close to humans hardly view them as threatening. They happily accept handouts and attention as they go about their daily business foraging and caching food. Fox squirrels’ intelligence and daring make them fun and amusing companions for anyone wanting to make friends with their local wildlife.
Red Squirrels
Fiery-coated red squirrels are a common sight across Canada, the Rocky Mountains, and evergreen forests of the Northwest. They are not quite as ubiquitous in urban settings as gray and fox squirrels, but they do frequent parks and wooded patches within some cities.
Shyer and more territorial than larger tree squirrels, red squirrels tend to keep their distance from humans unless enticed with food. But even in urban areas, they adapt to human presence and will gradually warm up to regular offerings of nuts or seed.
Some key facts about red squirrels:
| Scientific Name | Tamiasciurus hudsonicus |
| Native To | Conifer and mixed forests of North America |
| Habitat | Coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests, wooded urban parks |
| Behavior with Humans | Wary but curious, moderate interaction |
Red squirrels’ reclusive nature makes them more challenging friends to win over. But their energetic antics and bright coloration reward those willing to gradually gain their trust through routine feedings in a favorite hangout spot. With time and patience, even skittish red squirrels eventually will respond to a familiar human presence.
Eastern Chipmunks
The small, striped chipmunks darting about wooded habitats in eastern and central North America also frequently adapt to urban living. They tend to stick closer to shelter than the daring tree squirrels, remaining wary of humans. But chipmunks are also very curious, so they watch human activity intently.
With routine, positive interactions, city-dwelling chipmunks can become quite approachable. They will run to a trusted handler’s feet to collect a nut, though they still remain ready to zip to cover at any hint of danger. Playful chipmunks will stuff their cheeks and then repeatedly return for more treats from a consistent human provider.
Some key facts about eastern chipmunks:
| Scientific Name | Tamias striatus |
| Native To | Eastern and central North America |
| Habitat | Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, urban green spaces |
| Behavior with Humans | Cautious but curious, moderate interaction |
Though not as confident around humans as some of their squirrel relatives, chipmunks are an endearing species to befriend. Their eventual willingness to interact once their shyness subsides makes for rewarding moments. With time and care not to startle them, chipmunks become delightful wildlife companions.
Ground Squirrels
The ground squirrels common in parks, gardens, and open spaces of the western half of North America tend to keep their distance from humans. Species like California ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and Richardson’s ground squirrels rely on the security of their burrows when alarmed and rarely come near people.
However, ground squirrels in settings frequented by humans can become accustomed to routine human traffic and activity. Curiosity eventually overcomes their instinctive wariness to some degree. They will cautiously watch humans going about daily business in their vicinity, though not usually approaching close enough to interact.
Some key facts about ground squirrels:
| Example Species | California ground squirrel, Columbian ground squirrel, Richardson’s ground squirrel |
| Habitat | Open grassy areas like parks, meadows, golf courses |
| Behavior with Humans | Very wary, little interaction |
Ground squirrels tend to be more skittish and keep their distance compared to tree squirrels in urban areas. But they can provide lively entertainment with their peek-a-boo antics from a respectful distance. With very gradual acclimation, some particularly bold individuals may accept hand feeding.
Flying Squirrels
The nocturnal flying squirrels that glide between trees are almost never seen interacting with humans. But in areas where they nest close to human homes, such as attics or tree cavities in backyards, they can grow accustomed to a human presence over time.
Flying squirrels are more likely to tolerate human company and noises in a residential setting after raising young there over several seasons. Staying hidden in their nests by day, they may not flee immediately if a human approaches at night. But they still remain extremely wary compared to diurnal tree squirrels.
Some key facts about flying squirrels:
| Example Species | Southern flying squirrel, northern flying squirrel |
| Habitat | Forests and wooded areas near water |
| Behavior with Humans | Extremely wary, almost no interaction |
The chances for friendly encounters with these shy nocturnal gliders are very low. But seeing their huge eyes peeking from a nest or watching their graceful soaring flight at night are rewarding sights for patient observers.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking the most approachable squirrels to befriend, species accustomed to living around humans rank highest. Fox squirrels and gray squirrels in urban and suburban habitats tend to readily adapt to human companionship with patience and care. Chipmunks, while more cautious, also warm up to trusted individuals who routinely interact with them gently.
Shyer red squirrels take more work but can become tolerable of humans with gradual exposure. And even wary ground squirrels grow used to benign human presence in familiar public spaces. Ultimately each squirrel has its own unique personality, so befriending any in one’s backyard or neighborhood simply takes time, respect and tasty treats.