how to taper off feeding the wilds ?

[MapleRidgesquirrel]

I have been feeding about 30 wild squirrels twice a day for almost 2 years now. I also feed them at times during the day too if they come by. We have a mom fox with her 3 babies that I constantly run off of my property. We were thinking about going on vacation for a week. Does anyone know how to taper the squirrels off from coming by everyday all day ? I'm worried that the fox will sit in my yard and get the squirrels that come by looking for food.

[HRT4SQRLS]

It’s just going to take discipline.... on YOUR part.
Cut out the mid day feedings first. Then stop the evening feeding. As the buffet decreases the squirrels will start dispersing. Eventually just stop.

I feed 10-12 squirrels in my yard. I don’t always see that many until the nuts come out. Then the squirrels start showing up. Squirrels don’t need your handouts to survive but they will gladly accept them. If the treats stop they will start working for their food again.

By the way, you are correct. Predators are drawn to where the food source is abundant.