What Do I Do With a Hurt Squirrel?
A petrie squirrel was outside my apartment complex today. He was crying and showing signs of injury. I noticed blood around his mouth. He also appeared to have a broken hip. He was crying on the ground for quite a while. I guessed that the squirrel had fallen a long way and may have been hurt. I put some flea powder on the baby and took him to the wildlife rehab center, but I didn’t have the time to do any of these things right away.
Getting a baby squirrel to a wildlife rehab center
If you’ve rescued a baby squirrel, you must quickly get it to a Wildlife Rehab Center to be properly cared for. The animal’s well-being depends on the proper care of its mother and siblings. If you have not contacted a Wildlife Rehab Center, you can find their contact information in your area’s yellow pages. You can also contact your local humane society to find an orphaned squirrel in your area. Getting a baby squirrel to a rehab center will reduce the chances of it developing a serious condition and may even cause it to die.
The first step is to assess the injured squirrel in a quiet room. You can use a washcloth to mimic the mother’s licking a baby squirrel. If the wounds or gums are infected, the wildlife rehabilitator will prescribe antibiotics. Make sure the baby squirrel is kept warm and comfortable during the process. When the wildlife rehabilitator identifies any other problems with the animal, they will be able to tell you how to treat the condition.
Keeping a baby squirrel warm in a cardboard box
If you discover a baby squirrel, do not rush to pick it up right away. It may be very cold and have grayish-pink fur, but do not worry! The best way to care for it is to leave it out of the house for up to 4 hours and then take it inside. If the baby squirrel does not appear to be in any danger, play a distress call and place it in a cardboard box 4-5 feet above the ground. If it begins to rain, cover it with a piece of cardboard or place it inside the box.
Keep the box in a cool, dry place, away from heat. A cardboard box with a lid can be a good temporary heat source, but it can cause dehydration and other problems for the baby. Be sure to use soft clothing and keep the baby squirrel’s body temperature comfortable, as it cannot produce its own heat. Make sure the box is not too hot, as this can cause permanent damage to the squirrel.
Using flea powder on a baby squirrel
Using flea powder on a baby squirrel will not kill the critter, but it will help prevent it from getting into the nest. A good way to prevent fleas from attaching to a squirrel is to avoid it from coming into contact with food. However, you must check for injuries and treat them promptly to prevent further problems. A vet’s visit is recommended to avoid the possibility of the baby squirrel contracting a serious illness.
A four-week-old baby squirrel should have formula available for feeding every four hours. A five-week-old squirrel can begin nibbling on solid food but still requires feeding every two to three hours. A kleenex or warm, moist cloth should be used to wipe over the area frequently. A baby squirrel with a scab may need to drink more fluids, so make sure to monitor it regularly. If you see that the baby has been crying too much, it may be dehydrated and need veterinary attention.
Reuniting a baby squirrel with its mother
Reuniting a baby squirrel with its mom can be a challenge, but it is possible! The first step in reuniting the baby squirrel with its mother is to find the baby squirrel. Most of the time, a baby squirrel will be found when its nest is blown over. Providing the young squirrel with a safe and warm box near the tree’s base will help the mother retrieve her young. Keep children and pets out of the area and keep the squirrel box warm. In the worst case, you might even have to keep the baby squirrel in an indoor room overnight.
In the wild, a mother will feed her babies. Baby squirrels will often not poop for several days. When the mother takes the baby squirrel out, do not remove the cage or try to hand-feed it. The baby squirrel should be given some healthy foods. Start with some vegetables, and then offer the baby a nut or two pieces of fruit each day. Once the baby squirrel has grown accustomed to the food, it will tell you when it needs more.
What do I do if I find a hurt squirrel?
Answer: The best thing to do is to call your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should I do if I find an injured or orphaned squirrel?
Answer: The best thing you can do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
How can I tell if a squirrel is hurt?
Answer: If the squirrel is bleeding has a broken limb or appears to be in shock it is likely injured and in need of medical attention.
What should I do if I hit a squirrel while driving?
Answer: If the squirrel is still alive call your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
If it is dead dispose of it in the trash.
What kind of first aid can I give a hurt squirrel?
Answer: If the squirrel is bleeding apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.
If it is not bleeding do not attempt to give first aid and instead call your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
How can I transport a hurt squirrel?
Answer: If possible place the squirrel in a small box or pet carrier lined with a soft towel.
If you do not have a box or carrier you can wrap the squirrel in a soft towel and place it in a secure location away from children and pets.
What should I do if a squirrel is chasing me?
Answer: If a squirrel is chasing you it is likely that it is sick and you should call your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should I do if I find a baby squirrel?
Answer: If the baby squirrel is injured call your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
If it appears to be healthy leave it where you found it.
The mother will likely come back for it.
What should I do if I find a dead squirrel?
Answer: Dispose of the squirrel in the trash.
Do not attempt to bury it.
Can I keep a hurt squirrel as a pet?
Answer: No it is illegal to keep squirrels as pets in most states.
In addition they are wild animals and are not meant to be kept in captivity.
What kind of food do squirrels eat?
Answer: In the wild squirrels eat a variety of foods including nuts seeds fruits and insects.
Do squirrels carry diseases?
Answer: Yes squirrels can carry a variety of diseases including rabies and salmonella.
What should I do if I’m bitten by a squirrel?
Answer: Wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
What should I do if I find a sick squirrel?
Answer: Call your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should I do if I find a dead squirrel?
Answer: Dispose of the squirrel in the trash.
Do not attempt to bury it.
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.
