Feeding Squirrels - Good or Bad idea?

There is a chap I know form dog walks who bought a trap because they were raiding his bird feeder. Long story short, he caught 35 before they stopped coming. I think at the start he was releasing them again in the local woods (not far from his house) so some may be repeat offenders but in the end he drove them further afar and they have since stopped.

 

We have, after much trial and error, managed to site our bird feeders in such a way that the squirrels cannot access them. What we will do if the tree they are hanging from has to go, I don’t know! We did once have a stake with a hook to support a bird feeder, but it had a decorative top. Came out one day to find a squirrel hanging from it, having caught its foot in the gap between the hook and the top of the metal stake. I managed to hold the squirrel, wearing two sets of thick gloves including my suede bramble pulling gauntlets. It still managed to bit through and nip me! OH meanwhile wielded big pliers and a wrecking bar to force the metal apart. The squirrel shot off without a word of thanks, and was seen sulking on a tree branch licking its foot. Got rid of the metal stake immediately. Haven’t seen so many squirrels this year, but maybe they just aren’t coming so near the house. I do occasionally hear them muttering and cursing in the trees though.

 

Thank you @Ergates, that was an experience for you all . I like your current arrangement, very practical .

 

It's illegal to release them if you catch them.

 

I know and that is what I told him. He wasn't aware at the time but said he couldn't bring himself to kill them either. I think most would feel the same.

 

theyll do just fine without help. i would keep water out especially in summer though.