How to Make a Squirrel Distress Call 
Developing a squirrel distress call can help you frighten your wildlife away from your yard. There are several ways to make this sound, including the use of a squeaky, inverted whistle. A barking squirrel, squeaky owl, or a shrieking dog may attract the attention of a hawk. In this article, we’ll cover a few of these methods.
Red squirrels
The use of distress calls by squirrels is very common in human and animal interactions. They use them to attract other squirrels, initiate physical contact, and avoid predators. Various species of squirrels make distress calls for different reasons. Male squirrels use them to prevent other males from mating with an estrus female. Females of red species often use a distress call to warn of danger. This call is extremely effective when used properly.
Gray squirrels
Grey squirrels are persistent and intelligent rodents that eat nuts, acorns, and fruit. They prefer deciduous woodland, and they feed on acorns and other fruits, roots, and tree shoots. They are notoriously noisy. These critters are invasive from the US and are affecting the native red squirrel population. So how can you tell whether a squirrel is causing your trouble?
Flying squirrels
Squirrels have various warning calls. These noises are low-pitched, bark-like signals that are used to warn predators away. They can also emit a buzzing sound through their nostrils. These calls vary in volume and frequency, and the type of threat determines the sound. A flying squirrel makes a distress call during a flight, while an eastern gray squirrel uses a muk-muk to warn it’s young to stay away from its nest.
Tree squirrels
The first thing to do is to find out what a squirrel is saying in a given situation. A squirrel is likely to chatter and make noise until they feel heard or until the cause of their distress has gone away. This chatter may seem endless to an outsider, but it has a logical reason: it’s a way of protecting themselves. In this article, we’ll discuss the various ways that you can mimic this behavior.
Ground squirrels
For ground squirrels, a homemade distress call will attract bushy-tailed acorn-munchers. All you need are some sticks and plastic film. Break two popsicle sticks in half using a pocketknife or your hand. Next, wrap 2 inches of tape around one end of a stick and the other end. When you sound the alarm, a nearby squirrel will approach you.
Primos Squirrel Buster
The Primos Squirrel Busters make a realistic squirrel distress call that imitates its vocalizations. This squirrel call is very easy to use and resembles the noises made by adult squirrels. This squirrel call also has a whistle integrated into the barrel. Depending on the species, this squirrel call may be effective in repelling predators from your property.
Using a rustling leafy limb
You can make a squirrel distress call by rustling a rustling leafy limb. These calls mimic the high-pitched squeals of injured squirrels. You can use your mouth, leg, or hand to produce the sound. Make sure to follow the directions on the package of your call. The rustling sound will help attract nearby squirrels.
Whistle
A squirrel distress call mimics the sound of gray and fox species. A whistle or bellow is placed in a suitable place to elicit a response from the animals. You can also use your hand or leg to produce the sounds. When making a call, follow instructions carefully. It’s important to understand that the sound you are producing must sound similar to the distress call a young squirrel makes, which is meant to attract other squirrels to it.
Chirp
If you’re looking for a fun way to attract squirrels to your yard, a distressed call may be just what you need. These devices can mimic the sounds that squirrels make when they’re in distress, including barking, chattering, and distress cry. While it might not be realistic to you, it will be sure to draw the attention of your neighborhood squirrels. If you want to be able to attract them to your yard for years to come, you can use a squirrel distress call.
Screech
To attract bushy-tailed acorn-munchers, you can make a homemade squirrel distress call. To make the call, take a few popsicle sticks and break them in half, either by hand or with a pocketknife. Now, wrap two pieces of tape around each stick, each with a length of two inches. Next, use the tape to make a whistle-type sound, and repeat the process as necessary to attract the squirrel.
What is a distress call?
A call or cry for help.
What is a squirrel?
A small rodent with a bushy tail typically active during the day.
What do squirrels eat?
Seeds nuts insects and sometimes small birds or mammals.
What is the best time of day to make a squirrel distress call?
Late afternoon.
What is the best time of year to make a squirrel distress call?
Late summer.
How do you make a squirrel distress call?
Make a loud sharp cry like “KEEK!” or “QUAW!”
How long should you make the call?
5-10 seconds.
How often should you make the call?
Every 10-15 minutes.
What other sounds do squirrels make?
Chattering clicks and screams.
What is the purpose of a distress call?
To signal that the squirrel is in danger and needs help.
What predators do squirrels have?
Dogs cats snakes and birds of prey.
What should you do if you hear a squirrel distress call?
If the call is coming from close by look for the squirrel and be prepared to help if necessary.
If the call is coming from far away do not try to find the squirrel as this could put yourself in danger.
What should you not do if you hear a squirrel distress call?
Do not ignore the call as the squirrel may be injured or in danger.
Is it always necessary to help a squirrel in distress?
No but if you can safely do so it is always helpful to provide assistance.
What are some ways you can help a squirrel in distress?
Provide food and water if possible; remove any obstacles blocking the squirrel’s path; keep dogs and other predators away; and do not try to capture or handle the squirrel yourself.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
