SQUIRRELS

If you find an infant squirrel that has fallen from its nest and is not injured:

Watch and see if the mother comes for it (mother squirrels do not voluntarily abandon their babies)  This can best be done by remaining indoors where your presence will not frighten the mother.  It is fine if the baby vocalizes or cries out, as this will help the mother locate it.

Place the squirrel in a small open basket or box and affix to the nest tree by wedging it in or with another method such as Velcro, tape, string or wire and then watch.

If predator (cat or dog) is present and you cannot deter it, try again when predator is gone (you may want to expedite this process with a good, abrasive SCAT!).

Do not leave the baby outside if the weather is bad.

Do not leave the baby outside overnight.  If the mother doesn’t come back by dark, try again first thing in the morning.

If the mother does not return for her baby within 2 to 3 hours:

  • Place the baby in a box lined with soft rags and keep it in a warm, dark, quiet place.
  • Set a heating pad on LOW and place HALF of the box on top of it.
  • Do not attempt to give the orphan any food or water.
  • Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to feed it human or domestic animal milk. Baby squirrels require a specialized diet and can develop fatal problems from being fed an incorrect formula.

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.