Are squirrels real?

I wonder if squirrels are real. When I was a wee lad I remember seeing squirrels but then I'd get close to them quiet as can be so they wouldn't startle and they'd flee. I tried this many times. One day I saw a squirrel climbing a tree and I tried to grab him but my hand went through the squirrels body into the tree and I had to kick the tree to get my hands out. The squirrel was gone it didn't exist anymore so I recently saw a squirrel I stayed still gave him food he came a few steps to me and then no more so I waited and then he was gone.

Do you know if it's real or no thanks