How to Rescue a Little Squirrel
If you are wondering how to rescue a little squirrel, here are some tips that will help you. You must be at least six inches tall and have a fluffy tail. If the baby squirrel is a female, it has probably fallen from its nest. It should be kept warm with a sock full of rice. Next, transport the squirrel to a nearby tree. Once you have safely transported the baby squirrel to a safer location, you should feed it and reunite it with its mother.
Feeding a baby squirrel
The first thing you should know is how old your baby squirrel is. Some are only a few days old and some are a few weeks old. If your baby squirrel is too young to have teeth, it is probably too small to eat. The incisors on both sides of the mouth erupt at around 3 weeks of age. The cheek teeth appear between four and six weeks of age. As a baby squirrel grows, its teeth need time to align themselves before they can chew on food and chew on objects.
If your squirrel is too young to eat solid food, you can try giving it a rodent block, a large pellet that provides 100% nutrition while in captivity. You can place this food in the nest after the eyes open. It may not be as tasty as other solid foods, but it is a safe option for the baby. Make sure to purchase a rodent block that is meant for rats or mice and store it in the refrigerator.
Checking for a swollen penis of a baby squirrel
Swollen penis in a baby squirrel is the sign of severe wounds. If the penis is swollen, the baby should be placed in warm water for 20 minutes. Warm water softens the wound scab and allows the squirrel to urinate freely. The brown urine indicates dehydration. If the wounds are more serious, contact a veterinarian. In severe cases, call a wildlife rescuer or your local veterinarian for treatment.
If the lump is visible through the skin, it is likely a fungus. A squirrel can contract mange by sleeping on another infected squirrel. Mange can be treated but it is not a cure. The immune system of a squirrel will eventually overcome the infection. In the meantime, check for fungus symptoms in a baby squirrel to make sure it is not a contagious disease.
Reuniting a baby squirrel with his mother
You may have found a baby squirrel while exploring a nearby tree. If you can’t locate its mother, try to lure her to it. Play a video of the crying baby on your phone. If the mother hears the video, she will most likely come down to find her baby. To avoid waking up the mother, keep your phone off during the recording, but be sure to be out of sight. It may take some time for the mother to move the baby, so be patient.
A young squirrel can easily be lured back to the mother by making loud noises. If this doesn’t work, you can try to warm the sock in the microwave before hand. Another trick is to wrap the baby in a soft towel. Don’t try to feed the baby, though! It’s best to give it a few hours before the mother returns to find her baby. Then, wait for her to come back.
Transporting a baby squirrel
If you have found a baby squirrel, the best course of action is to take it to a Wildlife Rehabilitator. However, if you are unable to find one in your area, you can use the information below to transport your baby squirrel. Always keep this information out of reach of children and pets. Remember to wear gloves and use the proper precautions. In case of an injury, check the baby squirrel’s body for an open wound or broken bone. If you see maggots, fly eggs, or rice grain-like moving caterpillars, you must immediately take the baby to the vet.
First, prepare a box or large Tupperware container for the squirrel to move inside. Punch some holes in the lid of the container. Using a heating pad can also help in keeping the baby squirrel warm. Place the heating pad underneath the container. The mother squirrel will be less visible if you use a heating pad to keep her warm. Make sure to place the box near the parking area so that the mother squirrel does not get scared and does not return to her nest.
How do you know if a squirrel is sick or injured?
If the squirrel is not moving has obvious injuries or is bleeding it is most likely sick or injured and you should attempt to rescue it.
What should you do if you find an injured or sick squirrel?
The first step is to call a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization for advice.
What should you NOT do if you find an injured or sick squirrel?
Do not give the squirrel food or water as this could do more harm than good.
How can you safely transport an injured or sick squirrel?
The best way to transport an injured or sick squirrel is to place it in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a soft cloth.
What should you do if a squirrel is attacking you?
Try to make yourself as small as possible and make loud noises to scare it off.
If that does not work try to hit it with a stick or other object.
What should you do if a squirrel is in your house?
The best thing to do is to open all the doors and windows and let it find its way out.
What should you do if a squirrel is in your car?
The best thing to do is to open the doors and windows and let it find its way out.
What kind of food can you give a sick or injured squirrel?
You should not give a sick or injured squirrel food or water.
Where can you take a sick or injured squirrel?
You should take a sick or injured squirrel to a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization.
What should you NOT do if you find a baby squirrel?
Do not give the baby squirrel food or water as this could do more harm than good.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is orphaned?
If the baby squirrel is not with its mother and it is not moving it is most likely orphaned.
What should you do if you find an orphaned baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to call a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal rescue organization for advice.
How can you safely transport an orphaned baby squirrel?
The best way to transport an orphaned baby squirrel is to place it in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a soft cloth.
What kind of food can you give an orphaned baby squirrel?
You should not give an orphaned baby squirrel food or water.
Where can you take an orphaned baby squirrel?
You should take an orphaned baby squirrel to a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal rescue organization.
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.
