What to Do When You Find an Abandoned Baby Squirrel
If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, there are some things you should do right away. First of all, leave it alone. This can be tricky as baby squirrels are sometimes dehydrated and malnourished. Mother squirrels will not have the time or patience to heal them. Human care is much more efficient for a baby squirrel than mother squirrels. If the baby squirrel is in a tree, you can try to carry it inside with your pet cat or dog. You should avoid letting predators, such as birds or snakes, get to it.
Leave baby squirrel alone
If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, leave it alone. You can try placing it in a tree near its nest. Keep it warm. If you do manage to catch it, you can play a distress call for it to come back to its mother. Make sure to play it at high volume only once. It might not get back to its mother if you put it out too early. The best way to keep the baby squirrel warm is to keep it away from your pets and your home.
Unless the baby squirrel has been injured or is dying, it is safe to leave it alone. Baby squirrels are independent at around 10 or 12 weeks of age. If the baby is young, leave it in a shallow box near the tree. A sock filled with rice should keep it warm. Give the mother a few hours to return. If you do find an abandoned baby squirrel, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Reunite with its mother
You may find a baby squirrel in the wild. When you do, remember to reunite it with its mother. Mother squirrels always want the best for their babies, so they won’t reject them if you find one abandoned. However, if the baby squirrel is injured or is a dead female, you should not attempt to reunite it with its mother. The best thing you can do is to find a wildlife rescue center to help it and give it a home.
First, put the baby squirrel in a box with some soft materials. Ideally, the basket should be no deeper than 3 inches. It can be placed on a low branch of a tree. Older squirrels may be afraid of the basket, and if you place it in an enclosed container, they may be frightened by the possibility of falling out. If the mother is alive, it will try to reunite with her baby.
RULE OUT injuries
If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, the first thing to do is rule out any injuries. The baby squirrel may have fallen from its nest and suffered an injury. If it is small and cannot run, contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away. Once the baby squirrel has been examined, he or she should be reunited with its mother. Otherwise, you can place the squirrel in an open box near the nest.
If there are no apparent injuries, leave the baby squirrel alone. Keep pets, children, and other humans away from it until the mother returns. If the baby squirrel falls to the ground, return it to the tree where the mother will collect him. If the mother does not return to the tree, place the baby squirrel in a pot or basket and allow the mother to pick him up. If the baby is too small to climb a tree, use a large container to catch the nest.
Allow time for mother to return
If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, it is likely the mother has not returned to the nest yet. If you have discovered a baby squirrel, you should give it some time to settle in and wait for the mother to return. You can leave the baby unattended for at least four hours to give it time to adjust to its new home. In the meantime, you can keep the baby warm and play a distress call.
When you find an abandoned baby squirrel, you should leave it unattended in a dark, quiet, warm place. Make sure not to feed or water it while it is still in its cradle. If you are unsure of whether or not the baby squirrel needs any special care, leave it in a shoebox with a flannel shirt or something to keep it warm. Do not try to cover the baby squirrel with anything until the mother returns.
Give baby squirrel water
The best way to provide baby squirrels with food and water is to find a quiet place where they are not disturbed. Try to keep the baby squirrel under a soft towel or cloth. The squirrel will be more comfortable when you wrap it around it. It will also feel less scared and will be more likely to drink. However, be aware that forcing water into a squirrel can lead to pneumonia. Make sure to observe your squirrel frequently to make sure it is getting enough water. If you find the squirrel hasn’t peed, take it to a vet immediately.
If the baby squirrel is very dehydrated, the best way to treat it is to provide water. A human convalescence liquid meal is designed to revive severely dehydrated animals but it isn’t a long-term replacement for proper formula. You can also give it Pedialyte, and then gradually introduce Esbilac puppy formula or Fox Valley squirrel formula. If you find an abandoned squirrel that isn’t able to drink, then feed him water.
Should you touch an abandoned baby squirrel?
No you should not touch an abandoned baby squirrel.
If you do the mother may reject it.
Should you give an abandoned baby squirrel food or water?
No you should not give an abandoned baby squirrel food or water.
If you do the mother may reject it.
What should you do if you find an abandoned baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to leave the area and let the mother come back for it.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is abandoned?
If the baby squirrel is crying and there is no mother around it is probably abandoned.
What is the best thing to do if you find an injured baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What is the best thing to do if you find a baby squirrel that is cold?
The best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Should you try to care for an abandoned baby squirrel on your own?
No you should not try to care for an abandoned baby squirrel on your own.
The best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What kind of food should you not give a baby squirrel?
You should not give a baby squirrel cow’s milk as it can make them very sick.
How often should you feed a baby squirrel?
You should feed a baby squirrel every 3-4 hours.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
A baby squirrel that is dehydrated will have a dry mouth and eyes and its skin will be loose.
What is the best way to hydrate a baby squirrel?
The best way to hydrate a baby squirrel is to give it Pedialyte or Gatorade.
What should you do if a baby squirrel bites you?
If a baby squirrel bites you you should wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel warm?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel warm is to put it in a box with a soft towel.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is in pain?
A baby squirrel that is in pain will be crying and may be huddled in a ball.
What is the best way to transport a baby squirrel?
The best way to transport a baby squirrel is to put it in a box with a soft towel.
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.
