If you find a baby squirrel, first assess its condition. If its injured, bleeding, or has broken bones, contact your local wildlife emergency center or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for immediate assistance. If the baby squirrel is not injured, there are a few cases where you might need to intervene:
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Baby squirrel falls from a nest: If the baby and/or their nest fell from the tree on the same day, give the mother squirrel a chance to reclaim the young and relocate them to a new nest. If the baby is uninjured, leave it where it is, leave the area, keep people and pets away, and monitor it from a safe distance.
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Nest falls from a tree: If a felled tree contains an intact nest, you can try to place the nest back in the tree. If the mother doesn't show up, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
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Felled tree contains an intact nest: If the area presents too many dangers, such as free-ranging dogs or cats, give the mother squirrel a safer way to retrieve the youngster by nailing a basket onto a tree. Put the baby inside the basket, and if the mother doesn't show up, call a rehabilitator.
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Baby squirrel is not mature enough to be on its own: Inspect the baby squirrel's tail. If it's fluffed out, then it can survive without its mother. If it doesn't fit this criteria, it still needs its mother. Scan for the nest in nearby trees. When you find it, set the baby inside an open box near the trunk of the tree. If it's brisk outside, keep the baby warm with a slightly heated bag of rice or a hand warmer while it waits for its mom to come find it.
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Baby squirrel is mature enough to be on its own: A squirrel who is nearly full-sized, has a full and fluffy tail, and can run, jump, and climb is independent. Even at the young age of 10 to 12 weeks, the squirrel is independent. If the squirrel is approaching humans or pets, try to scare it by making loud noises when it comes near.
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Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: If no mother comes to retrieve the young by dawn or if the baby squirrel is continuously approaching and following people, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Remember, it's important not to bring the baby squirrel home to rehabilitate it yourself. Squirrels are wild animals and require specialized care from trained professionals.
