Why Did My Baby Squirrel Suddenly Die?
If your pet squirrel has suddenly died, the first thing you should do is find out why. Squirrels are rodents, and belong to the same order as rats. They live up to 24 years, but are rarely killed by “old age” or “natural causes.” Squirrels in the wild are very hardy, and can often live for twelve years or more, as long as they avoid becoming prey.
Hypocalcemia
If your baby squirrel has suddenly died, you may be worried that there is a serious medical condition at play. One possible cause is a low calcium level. Squirrels in captivity often die from hypocalcemia after stopping nursing. Another possible cause is a degenerative disease known as metabolic bone disease, which is characterized by a lack of calcium in the bones. Your baby squirrel will likely shuffle walk and lose muscle drive. It is vital that you get to the bottom of the cause and treat your baby squirrel’s death with immediate treatment.
Metabolic Bone Disease
The most common dietary complication of metabolic bone disease is an imbalance in the calcium-phosphorus-vitamin D ratio in the animal’s body. The disease causes animals to develop brittle bones, crippled joints, and even non-releasable limbs. The proper ratio for calcium to phosphorus in an animal’s diet is 2:1. If the animal’s diet is deficient in calcium or phosphorus, this is a definite sign that the animal is suffering from metabolic bone disease.
Skin disease
The most common skin disease affecting squirrels is squirrel pox or fibroma. Squirrels get the virus through insect or mosquito bites. The result is a skin tumor that usually has no symptoms but may become a serious problem if it spreads to the lungs, kidneys, lymph nodes, or other organs. A veterinarian can diagnose this disease and recommend treatment.
Rat poison
I think I used rat poison on my baby squirrel. The reason I do this is that I had a neighbor with a baby and pets. When the squirrel was rummaging around in the bait box, I did not realize it was rat poison. I then called the neighbor to talk about the poison. She said that she felt terrible about using it and started collecting bait boxes. This made me think twice about using it.
Falling from trees
A curious picture of a baby squirrel on a tree caught the attention of locals. The female’s picture was posted to social media and made local news. Now, it has a life of its own. A local citizen discovered the little girl and her brother, who are pictured above. The babies were at a critical age, when their moms start urging them to climb out of the nest, but they never quite make it.
Mistakes made while landing
If your baby squirrel suddenly died, chances are that it was not properly cared for. While some people would keep a pet squirrel, others choose to leave them alone, which is perfectly understandable. After all, you’ve invested so much time and money into raising it that you want to make it last as long as possible. However, sometimes, mistakes happen while landing and this is why your baby squirrel died.
Squirrelpox
If you’re wondering why your baby squirrel died of squirrelpox, you’re not alone. Many squirrels are prone to skin problems, such as bald spots and visible tumors. The virus itself is generally harmless, but can be fatal in extreme cases. If you suspect your baby squirrel may have squirrelpox, contact a veterinarian or an animal care professional for advice. In the meantime, be sure to give your baby squirrel a good diet, enough heat, and plenty of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a squirrel to die suddenly?
There can be several reasons why a squirrel might die suddenly. One possibility is that the squirrel could have been attacked by a predator. Another possibility is that the squirrel could have been hit by a car while crossing the road. Yet another possibility is that the squirrel could have contracted a disease that was fatal.
How do you bring a baby squirrel back to life?
If you find a baby squirrel that has fallen out of its nest, it is possible to bring it back to life. First, check to see if the squirrel is breathing and has a heartbeat. If it does, then gently warm the squirrel using a heating pad or by holding it in your hands. Once the squirrel is warmed up, it will likely revive on its own. If the squirrel does not revive, then you can try giving it CPR.
How do I know if a baby squirrel is dying?
First, it’s important to know that baby squirrels are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to dying. If you think a baby squirrel may be dying, there are some key signs to look for that can help you determine if it is indeed in critical condition.
The first sign is that the squirrel will likely be lethargic and unresponsive. It may also have a dull coat and seem generally weak. If the squirrel is having trouble breathing, is bleeding, or if its temperature feels significantly cooler than normal, these are all additional signs that the animal is likely dying.
If you find a baby squirrel that you think may be dying, the best thing to do is to take it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. The staff there will be able to properly assess the animal and give it the care it needs to improve its chances of survival.
What is the most common cause of death for squirrels?
The most common cause of death for squirrels is falling out of trees. While this may seem like a tragic way for these little creatures to die, it is actually quite common. In fact, it is estimated that around half of all squirrels die each year from falling out of trees.
How do you know if a squirrel is poisoned?
If a squirrel falls out of a tree, it may be injured or sick. If you see a squirrel that appears to be injured or sick, you can try to help it by giving it food or water. If the squirrel is truly in need of help, you can contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
Sometimes, squirrels may eat poisonous plants or substances. If you see a squirrel that appears to be acting strangely or is vomiting, it may have been poisoned. If you think a squirrel has been poisoned, call a local wildlife rehabilitation center or the poison control center immediately.
What is the survival rate of baby squirrels?
According to a study done by the University of Michigan, the average survival rate of baby squirrels is about 50%. However, this number can vary depending on the species of squirrel and the location. For example, while grey squirrels have a high survival rate in North America, they have a very low survival rate in Britain.
What is toxic to squirrels?
There are many things that can be toxic to squirrels, depending on the specific chemical or substance. Some of the more common toxins include pesticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and lead. Other potential dangers include certain plants, such as azaleas, oleanders, and rhododendrons, as well as chocolate, cigarettes, and alcohol.
Can squirrels survive poisoning?
If you think a squirrel has been poisoned, it is important to take immediate action and contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Signs of poisoning in squirrels include seizures, tremors, and paralysis. It is also important to take care not to get poisoned yourself, as some substances can be harmful to humans as well.
What do squirrels do when another squirrel dies?
When another squirrel dies, they often become very sad and withdrawn. Some may even stop eating altogether. If you have a pet squirrel, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re still getting the nutrients they need.
Do squirrels get sad when another dies?
No one really knows what goes on inside a squirrel’s head, but it’s safe to say that they don’t experience the same kind of emotions that we do. So while they may not get sad in the same way that we do when another squirrel dies, it’s possible that they experience something similar.
What could cause a baby squirrel to suddenly die?
There are many potential causes of death in young animals including predation malnutrition disease and injury.
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause without a necropsy.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is sick?
Some signs of illness in baby squirrels include lethargy lack of appetite and abnormal behavior.
What do baby squirrels eat?
Baby squirrels are mostly herbivorous eating a diet of leaves twigs buds flowers and nuts.
They will also eat insects and other small animals.
How often do baby squirrels need to eat?
Baby squirrels generally eat every 2-3 hours and will nurse frequently.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
Dehydration in baby squirrels can cause lethargy weakness and sunken eyes.
How often should I give water to a baby squirrel?
You should give water to a baby squirrel every 2-3 hours or as often as they will drink.
What is the best way to handle a baby squirrel?
The best way to handle a baby squirrel is to support their head and body with one hand while using the other hand to gently pet or stroke them.
How can I socialize a baby squirrel?
Socializing a baby squirrel involves spending time with them every day handling them frequently and providing them with a variety of objects to play with.
What should I do if I find an injured baby squirrel?
If you find an injured baby squirrel you should take them to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
What should I do if I find a orphaned baby squirrel?
Orphaned baby squirrels should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is too cold?
Baby squirrels can become too cold if they are not kept warm enough.
Signs of cold stress include shivering lethargy and weakness.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is too hot?
Baby squirrels can become too hot if they are not kept cool enough.
Signs of heat stress include panting lethargy and weakness.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel warm?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel warm is to use a heat lamp set to a temperature of 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel cool?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel cool is to use a fan or air conditioner set to a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I make sure a baby squirrel has a clean environment?
A clean environment for a baby squirrel includes clean cages food and water dishes and bedding.
The cages should be cleaned daily and the food and water dishes should be washed weekly.

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.