Need Your Knowledge on This Problem

[anniedancer]

Daily, and usually twice daily, I fed about 15-25 squirrels. It became a most pleasant habit. I did this for several years. Well, it stopped, because about 7 months ago, the squirrels just started disappearing. A neighbor of mine thinks hawks got them, and maybe stray cats/dogs. I would like to hear YOUR opinions on this mystery! I MISS my little ones!
Annie in Florida, sweating already

[Rocky1]

Has there been an increase in hawks?

If so, and if possible, I would recommend increasing places to hide from hawks, such as putting more shrubs in the yard (potted or non-potted), perhaps hanging wire mesh around feeders that squirrels can fit through but not a diving hawk, and stuff that shines in the sun, like a mirror in the window pointing toward the sky. I have read online about hawks eating small birds, dogs, and cats too.... and given that I am surprised hardly anyone likes them at all.. but anyway...

[Mel1959]

What type of area do you live in in Florida? I also live in Florida, along the east coast. We don’t have a big hawk population where I am. But, I know of a member that lives in Clermont, Florida and he says that he has seen multiple hawks fly overhead with squirrels in their talons.

Cats and dogs are certainly predators, but so are raccoons, especially to babies. They will attack a nest at night and kill the mother or babies.

I also wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of a neighbor poisoning squirrels, whether accidentally or on purpose. Many times rat poison not properly placed and protected from squirrels is deadly.

If you want to encourage the squirrels to return to your yard, start feeding them or the birds. They will seek out the sunflower seeds and peanuts in a bird seed mix.

[anniedancer]

Thank you both very much!
Our back yard is lined with huge, old oak trees, plus a lot of shrubbery. In front of my building, I have a lively flower garden, with a LOT of shiny stuff in like, just because I like how it looks.

I live in Vero Beach - east coast of Florida. Nice small town, and I like it very much. I considered the notion of someone poisoning them, but pretty much discarded the idea. I know most of the neighbors and they dont strike me as squirrel killers. But you never know..... We have few raccoons in this part of town. In 5 years I have only seen one. Hawks - we see them frequently. Wish I knew what happened. I probably never will. I do still feed the birds and the few squirrels we have now. I am hoping the good grub here will encourage new squirrels to move in!

[Mel1959]

Thank you both very much!
Our back yard is lined with huge, old oak trees, plus a lot of shrubbery. In front of my building, I have a lively flower garden, with a LOT of shiny stuff in like, just because I like how it looks.

I live in Vero Beach - east coast of Florida. Nice small town, and I like it very much. I considered the notion of someone poisoning them, but pretty much discarded the idea. I know most of the neighbors and they dont strike me as squirrel killers. But you never know..... We have few raccoons in this part of town. In 5 years I have only seen one. Hawks - we see them frequently. Wish I knew what happened. I probably never will. I do still feed the birds and the few squirrels we have now. I am hoping the good grub here will encourage new squirrels to move in!

Hawks could do it. I live about 45 minutes north of you near Cocoa Beach. I’m near the coast so we have lots of osprey but not so many hawks. I hope your yard friends return soon. :hug