How to Take Care of an Infant Squirrel
Infant squirrels are often found alone after a nest has been dislodged during a windstorm, after a tree has been trimmed or when the squirrel has fallen out of the nest. Even though you may want to help the infant squirrel, remember that an infant squirrel is a wild animal. The best course of action is to leave the squirrel alone until you're sure the squirrel is orphaned and the mother isn't coming back.
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Instructions
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Leave the infant squirrel where you found it. Stay out of sight as much as possible while protecting the squirrel from children, cats, dogs and predatory birds. Allow at least one hour for the mother to return and carry her baby to safety.
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Call your local veterinarian, humane society, university extension office or state department of fish and wildlife to ask for a referral to a wildlife rehabilitator, as the baby squirrel will need to be fed and given water soon. The sooner you contact a wildlife rehabilitator, the better chance the infant squirrel will have of surviving.
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Pick the infant squirrel up with a soft cloth if the mother hasn't returned after an hour. Place the squirrel in a shoebox and warm the shoebox with a hot water bottle or a heating pad turned on the lowest setting. Poke several holes in the lid and place the lid on the box so the infant won't wiggle away and escape. Check on the squirrel every 10 to 15 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Never attempt to turn an orphaned squirrel into a pet, as baby squirrels must be raised with other infant squirrels in order to be healthy. In addition, squirrels require around-the-clock care and often won't survive without the assistance of a trained professional.
Keep in mind that that most wild animals are protected by law and shouldn't be in your possession without a permit.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit baby squirrels in a cemertery image by PHOTOFLY from Fotolia.com
