Who to Contact For an Injured Baby Squirrel
If you are an animal lover, and you have an injured baby squirrel, you may be wondering who to call to help. In this article, we’ll discuss wildlife rehabilitators and the steps you can take to help the animal. It may seem daunting to call a wildlife rehabilitator, but it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll be on your way to helping a baby squirrel.
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
If you are looking for a place to take an injured baby squirrel, visit the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County, California. This center works to save animals like baby squirrels and foxes. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of native wildlife. Donations are accepted for their efforts. A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. You can help by providing monetary support or providing a home care satellite.
The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County is an amazing organization dedicated to helping animals in need. They do not accept just any animal and have specific hours for squirrels and other species. Lisette, the center’s volunteer, safely transported Petrie to the center, where she was given medical care. Once there, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center can be of immense help for you and your baby squirrel.
First of all, you must remember that a squirrel is a wild animal, and you should never attempt to keep one at home. They are not the best pets, and experts warn against keeping one at home. You can also donate to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center so they can care for more injured and wayward wildlife. If you’re considering giving a donation, remember that it’s a nonprofit organization.
Wetlands Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
If you find a squirrel that has been injured or is in need of medical attention, you should immediately take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center for care. While most people would think to call animal control, wildlife care centers offer expert care for injured animals and can even transport the animal to a veterinarian’s office. Wildlife rehab centers are not for profit organizations, so donations are always welcome to help support their mission.
If you find an injured squirrel, it is important to contact local animal control or the police department, so that the animal can be transported to a facility with more expertise in wildlife rescue. Lisette and her husband discovered another baby squirrel today in their backyard. This one, called Ducky, was also injured, but did not appear to have any visible bone injuries. It was also not crying or bleeding. Thankfully, he began moving on his own as soon as Lisette approached him.
When transporting an injured baby squirrel, keep the squirrel safe by keeping a distance from it. Use the strongest gloves you can get your hands on. Lisette used heavy oven mitts to handle Petrie. Once transported to the rehabilitation center, it is best to place Petrie in a cardboard box with blankets, warm items, and air holes so that the squirrel does not get cold. In addition to a cardboard box, place some warm items underneath it to keep it warm.
Wildlife rehabilitators
When you see a baby squirrel lying in a yard or nearby, the first thing that comes to mind is the mother, but sometimes an animal is orphaned. Wildlife rehabilitators try to get these animals back together with their parents. If the nest was destroyed, the baby squirrel can sometimes be reunited with its mother. But, if the mother squirrel isn’t near, then you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
During the first days of the baby’s life, the first thing a wildlife rehabilitator does is to make sure the animal is fed. Not only is this vital for the animal’s health, but it will also determine how well it will grow up. The wildlife rehabilitator should take note of each animal’s progress and make notes regarding its recovery. For example, feeding the animal diluted formula for the first few days, and then increasing it gradually to full-strength formula within two or three feedings will help it adjust to the diet and its new environment. A wildlife rehabilitator should also keep a close eye on the animal’s feces, so that the rehabilitator can determine when the animal is ready for full-strength formula.
You should never attempt to move a baby squirrel without first calling a wildlife rehabilitator. While the mother squirrel is able to care for her young on their own, she isn’t likely to be able to follow you if she doesn’t know it’s there. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator can determine if the baby squirrel is nursing. If it’s not, you should remove it from the nest and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is injured?
If the squirrel is bleeding has an obvious fracture or is unable to move it is likely injured and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What should you do if you find an injured baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
Who is qualified to care for an injured baby squirrel?
A qualified wildlife rehabilitator is the best person to care for an injured baby squirrel.
What type of care do injured baby squirrels need?
Injured baby squirrels need medical care and should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Will a baby squirrel heal on its own if you leave it alone?
No a baby squirrel will not heal on its own.
It needs medical care from a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to heal?
It depends on the severity of the injury.
Some injuries may take a few weeks to heal while others may take several months.
What should you do if you can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator?
If you can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator the next best thing to do is to take the squirrel to a vet.
How much does it cost to take an injured baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator?
The cost of taking an injured baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator varies depending on the rehabilitator and the severity of the injury.
How much does it cost to take an injured baby squirrel to a vet?
The cost of taking an injured baby squirrel to a vet also varies depending on the vet and the severity of the injury.
Will insurance cover the cost of taking an injured baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator or vet?
Some insurance policies may cover the cost of taking an injured baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator or vet but it depends on the policy.
Is it better to take an injured baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator or a vet?
A qualified wildlife rehabilitator is the best person to care for an injured baby squirrel but if you can’t find one the next best thing to do is to take the squirrel to a vet.
What do I do if I find an orphaned baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
What do I do if I find a sick or injured adult squirrel?
The best thing to do is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or vet.
What should I do if I find a dead squirrel?
If you find a dead squirrel the best thing to do is to contact your local animal control.
What should I do if I have questions about injured or orphaned baby squirrels?
If you have questions about injured or orphaned baby squirrels the best thing to do is to contact a local 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.
