Your feeder may be intended for avian visitors only, but a variety of species will take advantage of your generosity. This includes squirrels, raccoons, deer and even bears. The most common and arguably most creative of the bunch is the squirrel.

Squirrels have tendency to help themselves to the food made available in bird feeders to replenish their hoard underground. It is important to strategically place bird feeders in locations that are not easily accessible to these acrobatic and agile species. Before hanging or mounting your feeder you should ask yourself:

• Would a squirrel be capable of climbing the pole it’s mounted on?
• Could the squirrel climb down from above?
• Is the feeder chew-proof?

You're probably familiar with the saying "If there's a will, there's a way", but you can discourage squirrels and provide extra seed protection by selecting a squirrel proof bird feeder.

From basic metal cages to keep squirrels at a distance to motorize spinning perches to flip them away, flipper squirrel proof feeders, tippers, and whippers, there are squirrel proof bird feeders for all needs, tastes and budgets.

Do not get discouraged if your squirrels are persistently trying to get to the feeders, not every feeder alone can scare off squirrels. Pair a squirrel proof bird feeder with a squirrel baffle or other squirrel proof bird feeder accessory to swiftly regain control of your feeder and feed birds. After all it is your intent to feed the birds, not the squirrels!