I Found a Baby Squirrel... Now What?

Between the months of March and April, the first wave of baby squirrels emerges into the world. A second wave of babies makes it’s way to join their siblings, typically between July and August. This means that during prime spring and summer months, we become far more likely to find a baby squirrel somewhere it likely shouldn’t be. You may have found them laying on the ground, or squeaking at the base of a tree. If they’re old enough, they may even chase you, or try scurrying up your leg. This doesn’t mean that they’re dangerous; it means that they feel that they’re in danger, and they’re begging for your help.

You might find a baby squirrel for a variety of reasons:

• They’ve fallen from the nest.
• Their nest was attacked by a bird, raccoon, or other predator while the mother wasn’t’ present.
• Construction destroyed the nest or knocked the squirrels down from their nest.
• The mother died or abandoned her babies, and now they’re seeking help.

No matter the reason this tiny squirrel baby (often known as a kit or a pup) is left on it’s own, they’re left in a desperate position. A baby younger than 8–9 weeks will survive for about a week without it’s mother, but older than this, and they should be okay on their own. If they’re chasing you to ask for help, then they’re signaling that they need help, and should be brought to a wildlife care facility. For more information on how to figure out the age of a squirrel, check out this article.

The Steps to Take When You Find a Baby Squirrel

This section is best for those who have absolutely no history or experience with fostering or rehabilitating wildlife.

Check For Injury

The baby will more than likely be able to move on it’s own, especially if it’s calling out for it’s mother. If the baby is actively moving on it’s own, and you see no signs of injury or a visible wound, you can move the baby into a shallow box, and make sure that the baby has a heat source. This could be a bottle filled with hot water that is wrapped in a towel that they can curl up next to. A baby squirrel can’t regulate it’s body heat well, particularly before the 5–6 week point when they have very little fur on their body.

If you do see visible signs of injury, very carefully move the baby into a box, and get it straight to an emergency vet or wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Wait For the Mother

With the baby in a shallow box with a heat source, place the box in a sheltered area near the nest. If the nest is visible, the box should be directly under the nest. If the nest isn’t apparent or visible, put the baby in a sheltered area near where it was found. Make sure that the baby isn’t exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as rain or direct sunlight.

Don’t fear that the mother will abandon her baby if she smells humans on the baby. Mother squirrels will rarely abandon their babies if they can help it. They will typically return to the nest during the day, and if they see their baby has fallen from the nest, they will go to the baby and bring them back to the nest. Give the mother at least 5–6 hours to return, and keep a safe distance from the box so that she won’t feel threatened by your presence. Do your best to keep animals, pets, and young children away from the baby squirrel. Keep checking the box, or actively watch the area over the next several hours so you know if the mother has returned yet.

If the Mother Doesn't Return

A mother squirrel isn’t likely to gather a fallen baby after dusk. If she is still alive and unharmed, it is quite likely that she will return to her nest before dusk, and will gather her child. If the sun sets and she hasn’t returned for her baby, it’s time to gather the box, and contact your local wildlife rehabilitation facility.

In a Worst Case Scenario

If for any reason you are unable to get the baby squirrel to a rehabber or vet, you may have to provide care for the squirrel. However, it’s best to try to get them to a rehabber, even if they are in a city further away. Many wildlife rehabilitation facilities will go out of their way to make the drive to gather abandoned animals. Take any steps you can to find nearby rehabilitation, and if all else fails, then you can proceed to this article to follow the steps to hand rear the squirrel to be able to be released.