Can Humans Touch Baby Squirrels? Is Intervention Necessary?
Whether or not to touch a baby squirrel is a decision with significant consequences. While it’s generally discouraged, there are specific circumstances where intervention becomes necessary, and knowing the difference is crucial for the squirrel’s survival.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior and Parental Care
Squirrels, like many wild animals, are incredibly dedicated parents. Eastern gray squirrels, the most common species in North America, typically have two litters a year. The mother squirrels, called sows, invest significant time and energy in nurturing their young. They build nests (dreys) high in trees or in attics and other safe places, diligently feeding and protecting their offspring until they are independent, usually around 10-12 weeks of age.
It’s a common misconception that a mother squirrel will automatically abandon her young if they are touched by a human. While squirrels do have a strong sense of smell, the belief that a human scent will cause immediate rejection is largely a myth. However, excessive handling or prolonged disturbance can stress the mother squirrel, potentially disrupting her care and leading to abandonment.
When Intervention Is Necessary
There are specific scenarios where human intervention is absolutely necessary for a baby squirrel’s survival. These include:
- Visible Injury: If the squirrel is visibly injured (e.g., bleeding, broken limbs, dragging legs).
- Obvious Signs of Illness: If the squirrel appears lethargic, dehydrated (skin doesn’t snap back quickly when gently pinched), or has discharge from its eyes or nose.
- Presence of Flies or Maggots: This indicates a severe infection or necrosis and requires immediate attention.
- Orphaned or Abandoned: If the squirrel is observed for an extended period (several hours) and the mother does not return, and the squirrel is visibly distressed, it is likely orphaned. Signs of distress include constant crying or wandering aimlessly.
- Exposure to the Elements: If the squirrel is found in harsh weather conditions (extreme heat or cold) without a nest or mother nearby.
Steps to Take When Intervention Is Required
If you determine that a baby squirrel needs help, follow these steps:
- Protection: Gently pick up the squirrel using gloves or a towel. This minimizes human scent and protects you from potential bites or scratches.
- Warmth: Place the squirrel in a cardboard box lined with soft towels or blankets. Provide a source of warmth, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on low.
- Hydration (if possible): If the squirrel is alert and responsive, offer a small amount of unflavored Pedialyte through an eye dropper or syringe (without a needle). Do not give milk or solid food.
- Contact a Professional: Immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to provide proper care for the squirrel.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who specialize in caring for injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals. They provide essential medical care, nutrition, and housing to help these animals recover and, ideally, be released back into the wild.
Table: Comparing Human Intervention vs. Wildlife Rehabilitator Care
| Feature | Human Intervention (Short-Term) | Wildlife Rehabilitator Care (Long-Term) |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————————————————— | ——————————————————————————- |
| Medical Care | Basic first aid, warmth, hydration | Specialized veterinary care, medication, wound treatment |
| Nutrition | Temporary hydration; avoids improper food | Species-specific diet, gradual introduction to solid food |
| Housing | Temporary box, warmth, protection | Appropriate enclosure, enrichment, socialization (with other squirrels, if possible) |
| Release Potential | Low without professional care | High with proper rehabilitation and reintroduction protocols |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s crucial to avoid common mistakes when dealing with baby squirrels:
- Feeding the Wrong Food: Milk can cause diarrhea and be fatal. Never give cow’s milk.
- Overhandling: Prolonged handling can stress the squirrel and hinder its chances of survival.
- Keeping the Squirrel as a Pet: It is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep wild animals as pets. Squirrels require specialized care and socialization to thrive in the wild.
- Delaying Professional Help: The longer you wait to contact a wildlife rehabilitator, the lower the squirrel’s chances of survival.
- Assuming Abandonment Too Quickly: Observe from a distance for an extended period before concluding the mother has abandoned her young.
The Importance of Observation
Before intervening, it’s crucial to observe the squirrel from a safe distance for several hours. The mother squirrel may be foraging for food or temporarily away from the nest. Returning the squirrel to the nest (if possible and safe) is always the best option if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I touch a baby squirrel, will its mother reject it?
No, this is a common misconception. While squirrels have a sense of smell, the mother will not automatically reject her baby due to human scent. However, it’s still best to minimize handling and wear gloves if possible to avoid stressing the mother and potentially disrupting her care.
What do I do if I find a baby squirrel that seems perfectly healthy?
If the baby squirrel appears healthy and unharmed, leave it alone and observe from a distance. The mother is likely nearby and will return to care for her young. Intervening unnecessarily can do more harm than good.
Can I raise a baby squirrel myself?
While seemingly well-intentioned, raising a baby squirrel yourself is strongly discouraged and often illegal. Squirrels require specialized care and socialization to develop properly and survive in the wild. Wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise and resources to provide this care.
What should I feed a baby squirrel if I have to care for it temporarily?
Never give cow’s milk to a baby squirrel. If you must provide temporary hydration, offer unflavored Pedialyte through an eye dropper or syringe (without a needle). Once the squirrel is stable, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately; they will provide the correct, species-specific food.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
Gently pinch the skin on the back of the squirrel’s neck. If the skin doesn’t snap back quickly, the squirrel is likely dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, and dry gums.
Is it safe to handle a baby squirrel?
While baby squirrels may appear harmless, they can bite or scratch, especially if they feel threatened. Wear gloves or use a towel to handle them to protect yourself. Also, some wild animals can carry diseases.
What is a “drey”?
A drey is a squirrel’s nest. It’s typically built high in trees and made of twigs, leaves, moss, and other soft materials. Finding a baby squirrel outside of a drey might indicate it needs help, especially if it seems distressed.
How long do baby squirrels stay with their mothers?
Baby squirrels typically stay with their mothers for about 10-12 weeks. During this time, the mother will teach them essential survival skills, such as foraging, climbing, and avoiding predators.
What do I do if I find a nest of baby squirrels that has been disturbed?
If the nest has been disturbed but the babies are still present, try to reconstruct the nest using the available materials. Observe from a distance to see if the mother returns. If she doesn’t return within a reasonable timeframe (several hours), contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
How can I prevent squirrels from nesting in my attic?
To prevent squirrels from nesting in your attic, seal any potential entry points, such as holes or cracks. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to make it more difficult for squirrels to access your home. Consider using squirrel deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices.
If I bring a baby squirrel to a rehabilitator, will it ever be able to survive in the wild?
Yes, with proper care and rehabilitation, most baby squirrels can be successfully released back into the wild. Wildlife rehabilitators use specialized techniques to ensure that the squirrels develop the necessary skills to thrive in their natural environment.
What if I accidentally injured a baby squirrel?
If you accidentally injure a baby squirrel, immediately contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Explain the situation honestly, and they will provide instructions on how to safely transport the squirrel to their facility for medical care. Do not try to treat the injury yourself.