What To Do if You Find a Baby Squirrel on the Ground

If you find a baby squirrel on the ground, first check whether it is hurt, cold, or orphaned. If it is healthy, give its mother a chance to collect it, and if it is not, take it to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Here's what you need to know to rescue this little cutie and return it to safety.

Is The Baby Squirrel Hurt Or Orphaned?

The Wildlife Center of Virginia asks four questions. Is the squirrel bleeding, or does it have an open wound or a broken bone? Has it been in a cat's or dog's mouth? Is it covered in fly eggs, which look like small grains of rice? Is it cold, wet, or crying nonstop? A yes to any of them means the squirrel is likely injured or orphaned, and the Wildlife Center says to take it to the nearest wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.

Humane World for Animals lists some of the same signs and adds shivering, a dead parent nearby, and an animal that has been crying and wandering all day. It also lists an obvious broken limb and bleeding.

A baby that is injured

Humane World says that for an animal with any of its signs, you should find help and ideally call a local wildlife center or wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. The National Wildlife Federation names several cases where helping is the right call, including an animal hit by a car, attacked by a pet, or hurt by a fall during tree work.

A baby a cat or dog caught

The Wildlife Center of Virginia lists a squirrel that has been in a cat's or dog's mouth as likely injured or orphaned. Humane World lists an animal brought to you by a cat or dog as a sign it needs help. Both point to a wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.

A cold baby

A squirrel that is cold, wet, or shivering falls on the likely-injured side of both lists. Warm it as described below while you get it to a rehabilitator.

A baby with its eyes closed

The National Wildlife Federation says a baby squirrel on the ground with its eyes closed, or one that cannot move, is too young to be away from its mother and could be injured, dehydrated, or malnourished. Its advice is to contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately and not to try to feed or raise the baby yourself. The Wildlife Center of Virginia gives a different step for a healthy baby with closed eyes: attach an open container to the nest tree, described below. Its page says a gray squirrel's eyes open at four weeks of age.

Is It A Baby Or A Young Squirrel?

The Wildlife Center of Virginia says a squirrel with a fluffed-out tail like a bottle brush, a body longer than 6 inches not counting the tail, or a habit of approaching people or pets is a juvenile and does not need help. It says even at 10 to 12 weeks a squirrel is independent, and that one approaching people or pets can be scared off with loud noises.

Humane World agrees that a nearly full-sized squirrel with a full, fluffy tail that can run, jump, and climb is independent. It reads a juvenile that keeps approaching and following people differently: its mother is probably gone, and the squirrel is very hungry and needs a rehabilitator.

Reunite The Baby Squirrel With Its Mother If Possible

The Wildlife Center of Virginia says mother squirrels often carry fallen or displaced healthy babies back to the nest by the scruff. Humane World says that when a baby or its nest fell today and the baby is somewhere safe, away from the road and from pets, the mother should get a chance to reclaim it. For an uninjured baby, it says to leave it where it is, leave the area, keep people and pets away, and watch from a distance.

Look for the nest

The Wildlife Center of Virginia says to return the squirrel to its nesting tree, which should be a tree in the immediate area where you found it. If you do not know which tree holds the nest, or the nest was destroyed, it says to pick the tree closest to where the squirrel was found. A baby with open eyes goes on the trunk to encourage it to climb. If it does not climb, put it in a container and attach the open container to the tree. For a baby with closed eyes, attach the open container to the tree. Children, dogs, and cats stay out of the area.

One Earth describes animal mothers as fierce and protective, and many act aggressively for their young.

The University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic gives a similar step for babies found after a bad storm: look for the nest, and if you cannot find it, tie a cardboard box with an open top to a tree nearby so the mother can eventually come get them.

Choose the container

The Wildlife Center says any small box can work as a temporary nest, with a heat source and soft blankets inside, tied securely to the trunk with rope or a bungee cord. It suggests a basket in rainy weather, because a basket does not soak up water the way a box does. Humane World suggests a berry basket with small drainage holes nailed to a tree, which it recommends when free-ranging dogs or cats make the area too dangerous. If the mother does not show up, it says to call a rehabilitator.

How Long To Wait For The Mother

The sources give different lengths. The Wildlife Center of Virginia says to observe the baby for the next six to eight hours of daylight, keeping children and pets away so the mother can come for her young. If she does not return in that time, it says to take the squirrel to the nearest permitted small mammal rehabilitator. Humane World says that if the babies are not retrieved by dusk, you move on to the warming and transport steps below.

The University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic says that if babies look uninjured and active, kicking their legs and possibly calling, you can put them somewhere the mother can reach and wait about 24 hours before bringing them to a rehabilitation center. It says to keep your distance, because your presence near the babies will deter the mother from coming to get them.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks says to leave a very young squirrel that has fallen from its nest alone and keep pets away, and that the mother will likely return and carry it back to the nest.

What To Do To Keep The Baby Warm

The Wildlife Center of Virginia says to provide a supplemental heat source and put it with the baby in an open container. Humane World says that if it is chilly outside or the baby is not fully furred, put it in a shoebox with a heating pad on a low setting or a hot water bottle underneath, and put a flannel shirt between the baby and the heating device so the baby does not overheat. It says not to cover the baby with anything, or the mother might not be able to find it.

For a baby that has not been retrieved by dusk, Humane World says to wear thick gloves and place the squirrel inside a thick, soft cloth such as a cloth diaper or a fleece scarf or hat. Under the cloth goes a chemical hand warmer inside a sock, a hot water bottle with the water replaced every 30 minutes, or a heating pad on its lowest setting. A heating pad with no cover goes inside two pillowcases. All of it goes in a small cardboard box or carrier, and then you call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Wildlife rehabilitators who raise orphaned and injured wild animals take donated fur coats, which give the animals a soft cloth to lie on.

Do Not Give The Baby Food Or Water

The Wildlife Center of Virginia states it directly: “Do not give the baby food or water!” Its page adds that inappropriate food or feeding techniques can lead to sickness or death. Humane World says the wrong food could cause choking, serious digestive problems, or aspiration pneumonia, and that force-feeding can kill an injured animal in shock.

The National Wildlife Federation says injured or orphaned animals are often in shock and will not eat or drink, that trying to make them could add stress or even kill them, and that small animals can drown even in a shallow water dish. It also says baby squirrels need a specific formula every few hours around the clock.

Take The Baby Squirrel To A Wildlife Rehabilitator

Take the baby to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who is permitted to care for small mammals. The Wildlife Center of Virginia says to go to the nearest one. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says only permitted wildlife rehabilitators can treat or care for injured and orphaned wildlife, and that the agency itself does not.

The National Wildlife Federation says to call a local wildlife rescue center or licensed wildlife rehabilitator right away. If you cannot reach one, Humane World and the National Wildlife Federation both list the same fallbacks: an animal shelter, humane society, animal control, nature center, state wildlife agency, or veterinarian. Animal Help Now, at ahnow.org, describes itself as a wildlife 911 app for the whole United States.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks says that if you are certain a young wild animal is orphaned, you should contact the nearest GFP Wildlife Division Office, a Wildlife Conservation Officer, or a Wildlife Damage Specialist, and not capture or feed the animal unless local wildlife authorities tell you to. It also says South Dakota has very few licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

When you reach someone, Humane World says to describe the animal and its physical condition as accurately as possible.

Some sanctuaries that take volunteers care for wildlife that is being rehabilitated, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah lists rehabilitating wildlife among its animals. Read more about wildlife rehabilitator volunteer trips.

Prepare For The Hand-Off

Humane World says to put on thick gloves, cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase, and gently scoop it into a cardboard box. Punch the air holes from the inside out before the animal goes in, and line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth. The National Wildlife Federation says to wear heavy leather gloves, long pants, and long sleeves, because even small animals will bite, kick, and scratch in fear.

Until you can leave, Humane World says to keep the container in a warm, dark, quiet place away from pets, children, and noise, including the TV and radio, out of direct sunlight, air conditioning, and heat. It says to transport the animal as soon as possible with the radio off and as little talking as you can manage, because wild animals are not used to our voices and can become very stressed.

Found a baby bird instead?

Audubon says a nestling is completely fuzzy or has little to no feathers, while a fledgling is older and has not quite learned to fly, though it can flutter well. For a nestling, it says to look for the nest and, if you find it, place the baby bird back inside. It says a bird's weak sense of smell means a parent will still return to a baby you touched. A fledgling usually gets itself out of harm's way, and Audubon quotes Tod Winston of New York City Audubon on moving one only to a safer spot where the parents can still reach it. Read more about how to prevent birds from flying into your windows.

Finding A Baby Squirrel On The Ground FAQ

Can You Help A Baby Squirrel Survive?

Yes, and the first step is usually to give the mother a chance to collect it. The Wildlife Center of Virginia says a baby squirrel has the best chance of survival when its mother cares for it. A baby that is hurt, cold, or orphaned needs a permitted rehabilitator.

Can You Touch A Baby Squirrel?

It depends on whether the baby has to be moved. For an uninjured baby, Humane World says to leave it where it is, leave the area, and keep people and pets away. When a baby does need to be picked up, the National Wildlife Federation says even small animals will bite, kick, and scratch in fear.

Do Squirrels Have Rabies?

In Minnesota, the state health department says rabies post-exposure treatment is not indicated after a squirrel bite, and that small rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and rats are not a rabies risk in Minnesota. For the bite, it says the wound should be washed well with soap and water and the tetanus vaccination checked. The National Wildlife Federation says that you should stay away from an animal that moves erratically, approaches people without fear, or foams at the mouth, and call animal control.

Can Squirrels Be Pets?

Not wild ones. The Wildlife Center of Virginia says raising a wild mammal in captivity is illegal without a state permit. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says it is illegal to remove young wildlife from the wild and to raise baby squirrels yourself. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks says not to keep squirrels as pets because they grow up to be active and potentially dangerous and destructive. The National Wildlife Federation says a state-issued license is required before you can legally keep and care for wild animals.

How Do You Raise A Baby Squirrel?

The sources send the job to a licensed rehabilitator. The National Wildlife Federation describes it as round-the-clock work that needs special training. The Wildlife Center of Virginia says to contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or your state's wildlife agency about becoming a permitted rehabilitator.

Sources

• Wildlife Center of Virginia. “If you find a baby squirrel …” wildlifecenter.org.
• Humane World for Animals. “How to Help Orphaned or Injured Baby Wild Animals.” humaneworld.org.
• University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Medical Clinic. “How ready for orphaned wildlife are you?” vetmed.illinois.edu.
• National Wildlife Federation. David Mizejewski, “What To Do If You Find Baby Wildlife.” blog.nwf.org.
• Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Injured and Orphaned Wildlife.” fw.ky.gov.
• South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. “Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits.” gfp.sd.gov.
• Minnesota Department of Health. “Frequently Asked Questions: Animal Bites and Rabies Risk, A Guide for Health Professionals.” health.state.mn.us.
• Audubon. Catherine Griffin, “What to Do With a Baby Bird.” June 18, 2012. audubon.org.
• Animal Help Now. ahnow.org.
• One Earth. “Maternal instinct in the animal kingdom.” oneearth.org.