What To Do If You Find A Baby Squirrel

Discovering a baby squirrel can evoke strong instincts to help, yet acting appropriately is crucial for the animal’s survival. Your immediate response to what should I do if I find a baby squirrel determines its best chance for rehabilitation and return to the wild. This guide provides reliable, expert-backed advice on safe handling, wildlife rescue protocols, and temporary baby squirrel care until professional help arrives. Understanding the delicate needs of these young creatures and prioritizing their well-being is paramount. We will explore scenarios from orphaned to injured, and the critical steps for safely reuniting mother squirrel and offspring when possible.

Immediate Assessment: Is the Baby Squirrel Truly Orphaned or Injured?

Before taking any action, it is vital to assess the situation carefully. A hasty intervention can sometimes do more harm than good, separating a baby squirrel from its mother unnecessarily. Patience and observation are key in these initial moments.

Observe from a Distance: Give Mom a Chance

Often, a baby squirrel on the ground might not be abandoned. Mother squirrels sometimes move their young, or a baby may have fallen during a storm. Give the mother a reasonable opportunity to retrieve her offspring, especially if it appears uninjured. Observe from a safe distance for at least 2-4 hours, or even longer (up to 8 hours), if the weather is warm and the baby is not in immediate danger. Many wildlife experts, including the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), recommend this waiting period.

Signs of Distress or Injury

While observing, look for clear indicators that the baby squirrel needs intervention. Signs of distress include constant crying, shivering, or appearing disoriented. Injuries such as visible wounds, broken limbs, bleeding, or an inability to move are definite red flags. If the baby is covered in ants or flies, this indicates prolonged exposure and requires immediate action. Another critical sign is if the baby is cold to the touch, as hypothermia is a leading cause of death for young wildlife.

Distinguishing Between Different Squirrel Ages

The appropriate response can also depend on the baby squirrel’s developmental stage.

• Pinkies (newborns) are hairless, eyes closed, and completely dependent. They are highly vulnerable to cold.
• Fuzzies have soft fur, but their eyes are still closed. They are also highly vulnerable.
• Eyes Open babies are partially furred, eyes are open, and they might attempt clumsy movements. They are more mobile but still rely heavily on their mother.
• Fully Furred, Weaned juveniles might be mistaken for babies but are often capable of surviving independently. They may still benefit from observation to ensure they are truly self-sufficient.

Prioritizing Safety for Both You and the Squirrel

Once you determine that intervention is necessary, the next step is ensuring safety. This protects you from potential bites or scratches and prevents further harm to the vulnerable animal. Wildlife, even babies, can carry diseases, making careful handling essential.

Safe Handling Practices

Always wear thick gloves when handling any wild animal, including a baby squirrel. This minimizes direct contact and reduces the risk of disease transmission, such as rabies or other zoonotic pathogens, although squirrels are very low risk for rabies. Gently scoop the baby into a small box lined with soft material like a T-shirt or fleece. Avoid bare hands, even if the squirrel seems docile. Remember, wild animals can act unpredictably when stressed or scared.

Providing Immediate Warmth

A cold baby squirrel is an emergency. Hypothermia can quickly become fatal. Provide immediate warmth by creating a makeshift incubator. Fill a sock with uncooked rice and microwave it for 30-60 seconds until warm (not hot). Place this next to the baby in the box. Alternatively, a plastic bottle filled with warm water, wrapped in a cloth, can serve the same purpose. Ensure there’s a space for the squirrel to move away if it gets too warm. Do not place the baby directly on a heating pad, as this can cause burns.

Contacting Professional Wildlife Rehabilitators

Professional help is indispensable for the survival of a baby squirrel. These experts possess the knowledge, equipment, and permits necessary to properly care for and release wild animals. Your role is primarily to stabilize the situation and connect with the right specialists.

Why Professional Help is Crucial

Wildlife rehabilitators are trained in species-specific care, nutrition, and medical treatment. They understand the complex dietary needs of baby squirrels, which differ significantly from domestic animals. They can administer medication, treat injuries, and guide the young animal through developmental stages critical for its survival in the wild. Attempting to raise a wild animal yourself without proper training or permits is often detrimental to the animal and may be illegal.

Finding a Local Wildlife Rescue Center

To find a reputable wildlife rehabilitator, start by searching online for “wildlife rescue near me” or “squirrel rehabilitator [your city/state]”. Websites like the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) or the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) often have directories. You can also contact your local humane society, animal control, or veterinary clinics, as they frequently have referral lists. Make sure the organization is licensed and experienced with small mammals like squirrels.

Temporary Care Before Professional Intervention

While waiting for a rehabilitator to respond or for transport, you may need to provide some temporary care. The focus should be on warmth and hydration, not feeding, as improper feeding can cause severe health issues.

Ensuring a Safe and Warm Environment

Keep the baby squirrel in a quiet, dark, and warm location away from pets and children. A shoebox with a lid (punched with air holes) and soft bedding is suitable. Continue to provide a consistent heat source, as discussed earlier. Minimize handling to reduce stress. The goal is to keep the squirrel comfortable and calm until professional help arrives.

The Critical Role of Hydration (No Food Yet!)

A dehydrated baby squirrel cannot properly digest food. Instead of immediately offering food, focus on rehydration if the squirrel is conscious and responsive. A rehabilitator might advise offering a very dilute solution of Pedialyte (unflavored) or a homemade sugar-salt solution. However, it’s best to consult with a professional first. If they advise it, use a small syringe or dropper, offering a tiny drop at a time, ensuring the squirrel swallows before offering more. Do not force fluids, as aspiration can be deadly.

What Not to Feed a Baby Squirrel

Never offer cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or any other dairy products not specifically formulated for wildlife. These can cause severe diarrhea, leading to further dehydration and death due. Nuts, seeds, or solid foods are also inappropriate for very young, unweaned squirrels and can cause choking or digestive blockages. Stick to the rehabilitator’s specific instructions, which will likely involve specialized formulas. Improper baby squirrel feeding is one of the most common mistakes made by well-meaning individuals.

Attempting to Reunite the Baby Squirrel with Its Mother

If the baby squirrel is uninjured, warm, and the mother is likely still around, attempting a reunion is often the best course of action. This strategy leverages the mother’s natural instincts and superior ability to care for her young. Many wildlife organizations advocate for this approach before intervention.

Creating a Safe Reunion Spot

Place the baby squirrel in an open container, like a shallow box or basket, lined with soft material. Ensure the sides are low enough for the mother to access but high enough to prevent the baby from crawling out. Place the container at the base of the tree where the baby was found or as close as possible to the nest site. Crucially, position the container in a shaded area to prevent overheating or chilling. The sound of the baby chirping will often attract the mother.

Patience and Persistence

Reuniting can take time. Observe from a distance for several hours, maintaining quiet and keeping pets away. The mother may be wary if she senses human presence. If it’s getting dark and the mother hasn’t appeared, bring the baby indoors for warmth and safety overnight. Attempt the reunion again the next morning. According to some wildlife centers, a mother squirrel will often retrieve her baby even after a full day, especially if the baby’s cries persist.

Common Misconceptions and Legal Considerations

Well-intentioned individuals often make mistakes due to a lack of understanding about wildlife. Dispelling myths and knowing legal boundaries are important aspects of responsible wildlife interaction. The advice you receive regarding baby squirrel rescue must always align with legal and ethical standards.

Why Keeping a Wild Squirrel as a Pet is Harmful

Keeping a wild animal as a pet is almost always detrimental to its welfare. Wild animals have complex behavioral, dietary, and social needs that cannot be met in a domestic environment. It can lead to stress, malnutrition, and a loss of natural instincts, making eventual release impossible. Furthermore, it’s illegal in many places to possess wildlife without proper permits. A squirrel’s natural habitat is the wild, not a cage.

Understanding Local Wildlife Regulations

Wildlife laws vary significantly by state and country. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to harbor native wildlife without a state or federal permit. These regulations are in place to protect both humans and wildlife, preventing the spread of disease and ensuring animals receive appropriate care. Before taking permanent action, always check with your local wildlife agency or a licensed rehabilitator about specific laws regarding wildlife in distress. Adhering to these regulations is a crucial part of responsible stewardship.

Long-Term Outlook: What Happens After Rescue?

Once a baby squirrel is in the hands of a professional rehabilitator, its journey back to the wild begins. Understanding this process can provide comfort and reinforce the importance of seeking expert help. The goal is always to release healthy, independent animals.

The Rehabilitation Process

Wildlife rehabilitators follow a structured process. Initially, the baby squirrel receives critical medical care, including treatment for injuries, parasites, and dehydration. Then, they are moved to a specialized nursery, where they are fed species-appropriate formula, often every few hours, simulating maternal care. As they grow, they transition to solid foods and learn essential survival skills, often housed with other young squirrels to develop social behaviors. The care for a baby squirrel is meticulous and spans several weeks or months.

Release Back into the Wild

The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to release the squirrel back into a suitable natural habitat. This occurs when the squirrel is old enough, fully weaned, healthy, and has developed the necessary survival skills, such as foraging, climbing, and evading predators. The release site is carefully chosen to ensure access to food, water, and shelter. This full cycle of rehabilitating squirrels demonstrates why professional intervention is the most humane and effective solution for these vulnerable creatures.

Finding a baby squirrel requires a calm, informed, and responsible approach to ensure its best chance of survival. Prioritize safety, warmth, and immediate contact with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Avoid the common pitfalls of improper feeding or attempting to raise it yourself. By following these guidelines, you provide crucial support, enabling these tiny creatures to eventually thrive back in their natural environment.

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Dr.BaBies

Dr.BaBies

Dr. BaBies is our expert consultant focusing on the health and well-being aspects of early childhood screen exposure. Holding a doctorate in Developmental Health, Dr. BaBies specializes in understanding the impact of visual and auditory stimuli on a baby’s developing nervous system and sleep patterns.