You might not want squirrels at your bird feeders, but what if a baby squirrel needs help? A wildlife rehabilitator shares what to do.
There’s pretty much nothing cuter than a baby animal. Fawns, fledgling birds, kittens, puppies — we adore and want to protect them all. We even want to step in and rescue the ones that can occasionally be an annoyance to us as gardeners and backyard birders, like a baby squirrel.
Shooing adult squirrels away from your bird feeders is one thing, but if you find a helpless baby squirrel wandering around in your backyard, you might wonder what to do. Should you leave it alone? How can you tell if the baby squirrel needs human intervention, or if it’ll be fine without help? Here’s what wildlife rehabilitation experts say.
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Squirrel Nesting in Your Yard
First, it’s important to understand when and how squirrels build nests and raise young. Female squirrels build nests in man-made structures or in trees, and they can have up to two broods in a year. The number of squirrels in a litter can vary by type of squirrel, but typically, it’ll consist of two to four young, typically called kits or pups.
What Does a Baby Squirrel Look Like?
Baby squirrels are born without fur. After a few weeks, they grow fur on their bodies and tails.
What Do Baby Squirrels Eat?
Very young squirrels drink their mother’s milk, and after about a month and a half, they start to eat solid foods such as nuts and fruits.
Fox squirrel vs gray squirrel: What’s the difference?
What to Do If a Baby Squirrel Needs Help
To determine whether a young squirrel in your yard needs help, Mary Landry, wildlife rehabilitator with the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, says to check its appearance and for behavioral cues. “A squirrel with a bushy tail who is alert, running around, and climbing trees is usually old enough to be on its own or out exploring while mom is still nearby,” she says.
She also adds that some active squirrels can still be ill or injured. When in doubt, it’s best to reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator with a photo or video of the animal for guidance.
If you find a squirrel in your yard that is too young to be on its own and is in obvious need of help, Mary recommends containing the squirrel by placing a towel or blanket over it, then gently guiding it into a cardboard box with air holes or a well-ventilated container. In either case, the box should have a lid. From there, keep the squirrel in the closed, ventilated box in a dark, quiet, and warm space, then contact a professional.
“If the squirrel is injured but mobile, it is still best to contact the closest wildlife rehabilitator for advice on the situation,” Mary says.
Do Not Feed the Baby Squirrel
While big-hearted, well-intentioned wildlife helpers often think they should feed the animal, Mary says that’s not a good idea. “We do not recommend giving the squirrel any food or water,” she says.
Can You Keep a Squirrel as a Pet?
Mary also mentions that although she receives questions about whether it’s possible to keep a squirrel as a pet, she advises against it. “While we totally understand the desire to keep them since they’re incredibly adorable, it is not in the best interest of the squirrel,” she says.
Laws vary by state. “Overall, we always recommend reaching out to wildlife rehabilitators for help in any situation with a wild animal,” Mary says.
Next, check out nutty and fun facts about squirrels.
About the Expert
Mary Landry is a wildlife rehabilitator and intern coordinator with the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Annually, the center admits over 5,000 wild animals of 150 different species. Approximately 600 squirrels are brought in every year that are injured, sick or orphaned. To learn more about the wildlife center, visit its website.
Sources
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife & Heritage Service, “Eastern Gray Squirrel“
