What to Do With an Abandoned Baby Squirrel 
If you have discovered a baby squirrel or raccoon on your property, you are likely wondering, “What can I do with it?” Here are some ideas. You can either trap the raccoon, leave the baby alone, or keep it as a pet. The process will depend on the severity of the injury. If it is a cut or other deeper trauma, it may need further treatment. After its primary injury has been splinted, rehabilitation can begin. The key is not to restrict the squirrel’s movements, as this will only make it more difficult to return it to its family.
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Leaving a baby squirrel alone
If you’ve ever seen a baby squirrel alone in Knoxville, Tennessee, you’ve probably felt guilty and wanted to help, but aren’t sure how to approach the situation. A wildlife rehabilitator can take the young squirrel and provide it with the care it needs until it is old enough to live on its own. After all, these animals don’t have much chance of survival if they are left alone for very long.
You can help the little animal by leaving it in a safe location. You can place it in a shoebox filled with warm water and something warm, like rice, or you can wrap a towel around it. Make sure to keep it out of the reach of humans. Don’t forget to cover the nest, too, because mother squirrels have a tendency to return to their nest. If you want to help the baby squirrel, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or the TWRA regional office.
Trapping a raccoon
If you have been unable to find your lost pet, you may be wondering how to deal with a raccoon and an abandoned newborn squirrel. You may be worried about the legalities, but if you follow these steps you will be safe and eliminate the risk of harming the animals. Raccoons are known to carry rabies and have evolved since dinosaur days. In Knoxville, Tennessee, a mother raccoon with an abandoned baby squirrel will bolt from the trap when you open it.
Before beginning your project, it is crucial to inspect the location of the animals. If the animal is in a building or a garage, seal the gaps and eliminate all animal entry points. Make sure to clean any area where the animals could have left waste. Alternatively, you may want to contact a Knoxville pest control service. They will come to your home and perform professional cleanup services after removing the animals.
Leaving a baby squirrel in a carrier
Leaving a baby squirrel in a car is an unwise way to release a wild animal into a crowded area. This can result in a death. If the squirrel gets out, it may jump out of the carrier. Then, the parent must remove the baby from the car by using a ladder and pushing it towards a tree or box.
A small box or large Tupperware container will work. Make sure to punch holes in the lid. The baby squirrel may try to escape, so you should put a heating pad underneath the container. In addition, the squirrel will remain warm for longer. If you do decide to release the baby squirrel, be sure to keep it in a safe room. If there is no safe room, move it to another cage, preferably in a different part of the yard.
Keeping a baby squirrel as a pet
Keeping an abandoned baby squirrel as a family pet is a great idea, but it has certain dangers. Young animals do not have the skills to survive on their own, and your chance of reintroducing it to its natural habitat is extremely slim. If you have a small space, a large box with a window is best. You may want to consider bringing a kitten or puppy to replace the mother’s milk.
Squirrels are considered Class III wildlife and cannot be kept as pets in many states. However, baby squirrels can be legally kept as pets in some states. It is important to understand the laws and guidelines of the state that you live in. You should also consider the health and safety of the animal before bringing it home. If you have a young child who is not ready for a squirrel, it’s best to avoid bringing a baby squirrel into the home. It will be difficult for a child to care for a baby squirrel.
Keeping a raccoon as a pet is illegal
Raccoons are not good pets. They carry diseases and parasites, and are aggressive and territorial once they reach sexual maturity. Additionally, taking raccoons from their natural habitat is against the law in Tennessee. If you have a pet raccoon, you must get it a veterinarian right away for proper checkups. If you can’t afford to keep a raccoon as a pet, you should not get one.
The best way to deal with a raccoon problem is to get rid of the source of the problem. Many raccoon conflicts are caused by an unnatural food source. If you notice a raccoon in your yard or garden, you should immediately call a professional wildlife removal service. You may also share this problem with your neighbor. Keeping a raccoon as a pet is illegal in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Keeping a skunk as a pet is illegal
While skunks may seem like cute creatures, the truth is that keeping them as pets is against Tennessee law. While you can get domesticated skunks from other states, Tennessee does not allow the sale or import of them. The TWRA does not even allow the sale of skunks if they are not native to the state.
The Great Appalachian Valley is home to several species of wildlife, and the East Tennessee region has a large number of skunks and other critters. While it is illegal to own a skunk as a pet in Knoxville, it is perfectly legal to keep other animals as pets. The law only requires that the animal poses a threat to humans, damages property, or causes an annoyance to other people. Although skunks and other animals may look adorable, they are not safe pets, and you should never try to keep one as a pet in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What should you do if you find an abandoned baby squirrel in Knoxville TN?
The best thing to do is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How can you tell if a squirrel is a baby?
If the squirrel has a reddish brown coat it is most likely a baby.
What do baby squirrels eat?
Baby squirrels eat a diet of mostly insects but as they grow older they will begin to eat more nuts and seeds.
Where do baby squirrels live?
Baby squirrels live in nests which are typically built in the forks of trees.
What is the difference between a baby squirrel and an adult squirrel?
The main difference is that baby squirrels have a reddish brown coat while adult squirrels have a grayish brown coat.
What time of year do baby squirrels typically born?
Baby squirrels are usually born in the spring.
How long do baby squirrels stay with their mother?
Baby squirrels typically stay with their mother for about two months before they are able to fend for themselves.
How many baby squirrels are typically born at one time?
Baby squirrels are usually born in litters of two to five.
What is the life span of a squirrel?
The average life span of a squirrel is about six years.
What are some of the predators of squirrels?
Some of the predators of squirrels include snakes owls and hawks.
What do squirrels do during the winter?
During the winter squirrels typically hibernate in their nests.
What is the best time of year to see a squirrel?
The best time of year to see a squirrel is in the spring and summer.
What do squirrels eat during the winter?
During the winter squirrels typically eat nuts and seeds that they have stored up.
How can you tell if a squirrel is sick?
Some signs that a squirrel may be sick include lethargy disorientation and hair loss.
What should you do if you find a sick or injured squirrel?
The best thing to do is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
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.
