How to Save a Baby Squirrel in the Dark 
Hopefully the mother squirrel will return to raise her offspring and reunite the baby with its family. If she does not, there are several ways to help the baby squirrel survive the night. Avoid bringing your pets or children close to the baby, and keep the home quiet and dark. Do not feed or water the baby squirrel. Instead, let it out in the morning to feed and stay warm. Squirrels are excellent mothers.
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Reunite a baby squirrel with its mother
If you discover a baby squirrel, it is important to immediately try to reunite it with its mother. If the baby squirrel has fallen from its nest, it may be injured and in need of medical attention. Otherwise, you should leave it in its nest to recover. Do not feed the squirrel; it has a sensitive stomach and force feeding can harm the young. If the baby has fallen from its nest, reuniting it with its mother is the best option. To do this, you can place the baby squirrel in a cardboard box that is closed and away from any humans. If the baby squirrel is too young to be reunited with its mother, you can keep it in a cool, dark place until morning.
If the baby squirrel is in need of medical attention, you can place it in a basket. Alternatively, you can record the baby crying and play it on your phone. This will attract the mother to come and take care of the baby. However, be sure to remain out of the way. The mother may take a while to retrieve the baby, so make sure to turn off the phone ringer.
Keep pets away from a baby squirrel
You should not approach a squirrel that has fallen from a tree. Keep pets and children away. Put the baby squirrel in a box or basket with something warm. If you can, wrap a flannel shirt around the box to protect it. Do not attempt to feed the baby squirrel! Keep pets and children away from a baby squirrel until it is well-fed and ready to go home. It is illegal to keep wild animals as pets because they do not get to live their natural lives.
Wild animals may carry diseases that can affect people. Despite their friendly nature, squirrels may carry disease or plague. Even those that seem harmless may actually be infected. Be sure to supervise your pets when they come in contact with a squirrel. You don’t want your pets to contract this disease! So, keep pets away from baby squirrels! The following tips can help you get started. This will help keep your pets safe and happy.
Create a make-shift nest to keep a baby squirrel warm
A temporary nest can be constructed around a baby squirrel. Old clothes, blankets, and towels can be placed around the squirrel. Make sure the heat source is not near the baby. Covering the baby will not help her see you and may snag its limbs or toes. If you want to avoid getting in the squirrel’s face, pick it up with a soft cloth. The scent of human skin won’t bother the mother.
The baby squirrel should be placed in a warm, quiet room. Provide more space for exercise and play. For this, a large dog-sized pet carrier works well. You can hang a water bottle and food. It will also be comfortable if the carrier is lined with soft bedding. The wire door might have too much mesh, so you can cover it with window screening. If the squirrel is still in the carrier, remove it gradually and change the bedding daily.
Replace chewed branches with natural objects from areas not sprayed with pesticides
Unlike other tree branches, which may contain poisons, wild food is abundant and non-toxic. You can provide chewed branches to your baby squirrel by replacing them with natural objects from non-sprayed areas. You can also feed your baby squirrel unsalted sunflower seeds or chopped fruit. However, the best option is to avoid the use of pesticides.
While there are many products available on the market that can help you control the problem, these are not guaranteed to work. You can try using squirrel repellents on your soil, trees, and lawn, or you can plant daffodils, which are known to repel squirrels. Some plants that squirrels don’t like include marigold, hyacinth, and impatiens. Some fruits and vegetables can also be used as deterrents, including garlic.
How do you know if a baby squirrel is orphaned?
If the baby squirrel is alone and not being cared for by an adult it is likely orphaned.
If you are unsure you can always contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for help.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is sick or injured?
If a baby squirrel is lethargic has wounds is bleeding or appears to be in pain it is likely sick or injured and in need of medical attention.
What should you do if you find an orphaned baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
They will be able to provide the care the baby needs and give you further instructions.
Can you raise a baby squirrel yourself?
It is generally not a good idea to try to raise a baby squirrel yourself as they have specific needs that are best met by someone with experience.
Additionally it is illegal in many states to possess wildlife without a permit.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be fully independent?
Baby squirrels typically stay with their mothers for around 3-4 months before becoming independent.
What kind of food do baby squirrels eat?
Baby squirrels should only be fed formula designed specifically for them.
You can purchase this online or at a pet store.
How often should you feed a baby squirrel?
Baby squirrels should be fed every 3-4 hours around the clock.
How do you know if a baby squirrel is getting enough to eat?
A good indication that a baby squirrel is getting enough to eat is if they are gaining weight and their belly looks rounded.
How do you make sure a baby squirrel stays warm enough?
Baby squirrels should be kept in a warm environment around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
A good way to achieve this is to use a heat lamp.
What kind of housing do baby squirrels need?
Baby squirrels should be kept in a large cage or enclosure with plenty of space to climb and explore.
The cage should also be equipped with a nesting box or bedding.
How do you know if a baby squirrel is too cold?
Signs that a baby squirrel is too cold include shivering lethargy and cool to the touch.
If you believe the squirrel is too cold slowly increase the temperature until they are warm.
How do you know if a baby squirrel is too hot?
Signs that a baby squirrel is too hot include panting excessive thirst and hot to the touch.
If you believe the squirrel is too hot slowly decrease the temperature until they are cool.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is injured?
The best thing to do is to take the squirrel to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is sick?
The best thing to do is to take the squirrel to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
How can you prevent baby squirrels from getting sick or injured?
The best way to prevent baby squirrels from getting sick or injured is to provide them with a clean and safe environment.
This includes a clean cage fresh food and water and appropriate temperature.
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.
