What to do when you see a squirrel?

What to do when you see a squirrel depends on where you see it and its behavior, but generally you should observe it from a distance and avoid disturbing it. If you see a squirrel in a park or your backyard, enjoy watching it from at least 10 to 15 feet away, avoid sudden movements and loud noises that may startle it, and do not try to grab or corner it, as even seemingly tame squirrels can bite if they feel trapped. If you want to feed it, offer unsalted nuts like peanuts or sunflower seeds by scattering them on the ground rather than hand feeding, and check local regulations as feeding wildlife may be discouraged in some areas. If you see a squirrel in your attic, garage, or inside your house, do not approach it closely, give it an escape route by opening windows or doors, and contact a licensed wildlife control professional if it does not leave, because squirrels can carry fleas and chew wires. If you see a baby squirrel on the ground alone, observe from a distance for a few hours as the mother may be moving babies between nests, and only contact a wildlife rehabilitator if it is injured, cold, or the mother does not return. If a squirrel appears sick, unusually tame, wobbly, or aggressive, avoid contact and call animal control. In general, appreciate squirrels as wild animals, keep food sealed, and trim branches away from roofs to prevent them from entering homes.