How to Care for a Wild Baby Squirrel: A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide answers how to take care of a wild baby squirrel, focusing on crucial steps from initial assessment and providing immediate warmth and hydration, to creating a nurturing environment and eventually preparing it for release. It’s essential to understand that caring for wild animals requires expertise and permits where applicable.
Understanding the Situation: Why Did You Find a Baby Squirrel?
Finding a wild baby squirrel can be distressing. It’s important to first determine why it’s alone. Was it blown from its nest (drey) during a storm? Was it injured? Is its mother nearby? Often, well-meaning individuals rescue seemingly orphaned squirrels when their mothers are actually foraging nearby. Before intervening, observe from a distance for a few hours. If the baby appears healthy and uninjured, and its mother doesn’t return, then it might need help. An injured or obviously ill squirrel always requires intervention.
Immediate Needs: Warmth and Hydration
The first priority is warmth. Baby squirrels cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. Hypothermia is a significant threat.
- Warmth: Place the squirrel in a secure box lined with soft cloth. A heating pad set on low, placed under half of the box, provides a safe source of heat. Alternatively, use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Make sure the squirrel can move away from the heat source if it gets too warm.
- Hydration: Dehydration is another common problem. Offer unflavored Pedialyte (not Gatorade) using an oral syringe. Give small amounts frequently (e.g., 0.5-1 ml every 2-3 hours) to avoid aspiration.
Nutrition: Feeding a Baby Squirrel
Feeding a wild baby squirrel requires specialized knowledge and the correct formula.
- Formula: KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) is a suitable formula, readily available at pet stores. Follow the instructions on the packaging for mixing.
- Feeding Technique: Use a small syringe (1 ml is ideal). Hold the squirrel upright, and gently place the syringe in the side of its mouth. Feed slowly to prevent aspiration. Never feed a cold squirrel!
- Feeding Schedule: Newborn squirrels need frequent feedings, every 2-3 hours during the day. As they grow, you can gradually increase the amount and decrease the frequency. Refer to reputable wildlife rehabilitation resources for age-specific feeding guidelines.
- Stimulating Elimination: After each feeding, gently stimulate the squirrel’s genitals with a warm, damp cloth to encourage urination and defecation. Mother squirrels do this naturally to keep the nest clean.
Creating a Suitable Habitat
Providing a safe and stimulating environment is crucial for a wild baby squirrel’s development.
- Enclosure: A wire cage or large plastic bin works well. Provide plenty of bedding (soft cloth, shredded paper) for burrowing and nesting.
- Enrichment: Include branches, ropes, and other climbing opportunities. Squirrels are naturally curious and active, so enrichment is vital for their physical and mental well-being.
- Hygiene: Clean the enclosure daily to prevent the spread of disease.
Veterinary Care and Legal Considerations
It is crucial to involve professionals when taking care of a wild baby squirrel.
- Veterinary Examination: A veterinarian experienced with wildlife can assess the squirrel’s health, identify any injuries or illnesses, and provide appropriate treatment.
- Wildlife Rehabilitator: Connecting with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is highly recommended. They have the expertise and resources to provide specialized care and prepare the squirrel for release.
- Legal Regulations: Many states and localities have regulations regarding the possession and care of wild animals. It’s essential to check with your local wildlife agency to ensure you are complying with all applicable laws and obtain any necessary permits. Keeping a wild animal without proper authorization can be illegal and harmful to the animal.
Preparing for Release
The ultimate goal is to return the squirrel to the wild.
- Acclimation: As the squirrel matures, gradually introduce it to outdoor conditions. A pre-release cage placed outdoors allows it to experience natural temperatures and weather patterns.
- Soft Release: A soft release involves providing the squirrel with food and shelter in a safe location for a period of time, allowing it to gradually adapt to its natural environment.
- Location: Choose a release site that is near suitable habitat (mature trees, access to food sources) and away from roads and other hazards.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors when caring for a wild baby squirrel:
- Feeding Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is not digestible and can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
- Premature Release: Releasing a squirrel that is too young or not properly acclimated can drastically reduce its chances of survival.
- Neglecting Veterinary Care: Ignoring potential injuries or illnesses can be detrimental to the squirrel’s health.
- Ignoring Legal Requirements: Handling protected wildlife species without appropriate licenses or permits is illegal.
- Humanizing the Animal: The goal is to rehabilitate it to survive in the wild, not turn it into a pet.
Resources
Contact these resources for further guidance:
- Your local wildlife rehabilitation center.
- Your state’s wildlife agency.
- The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA).
Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for a Wild Baby Squirrel
How can I tell how old a baby squirrel is?
Determining the age of a wild baby squirrel is crucial for providing appropriate care. Squirrels go through distinct developmental stages. Newborns are pink, hairless, and have their eyes closed. Their eyes typically open around 4-5 weeks of age. Fur starts to develop after a week. Observing these physical characteristics helps estimate their age and tailor their care accordingly.
What kind of milk is best for a baby squirrel?
Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) is generally considered the best option for feeding a wild baby squirrel. It closely mimics the nutritional composition of a squirrel’s natural milk. Avoid cow’s milk or other human milk alternatives, as they can cause digestive problems.
How often should I feed a baby squirrel?
The feeding frequency for a wild baby squirrel depends on its age. Newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours, including during the night. As they grow, you can gradually increase the interval between feedings. Refer to reputable wildlife rehabilitation guides for specific age-based feeding schedules.
How much should I feed a baby squirrel?
The amount of formula a wild baby squirrel needs at each feeding also depends on its age and weight. Start with small amounts (0.5-1 ml for newborns) and gradually increase as the squirrel grows. Watch for signs of fullness, such as slowing down or turning its head away.
How do I know if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a wild baby squirrel include lethargy, sunken eyes, and dry skin. A skin turgor test can also help assess hydration. Gently pinch a small amount of skin on the back of the neck; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, the squirrel is likely dehydrated. Immediate hydration with unflavored Pedialyte is critical.
How do I keep a baby squirrel warm?
Maintaining a proper body temperature is essential for the survival of a wild baby squirrel. Provide a heat source such as a heating pad set on low or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Make sure the squirrel can move away from the heat if it gets too warm. Regularly check the squirrel’s temperature to ensure it is not too hot or too cold.
How do I stimulate a baby squirrel to go to the bathroom?
Baby squirrels cannot eliminate on their own until they are several weeks old. After each feeding, gently stimulate their genital area with a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to encourage urination and defecation. This mimics the mother squirrel’s natural behavior.
When do baby squirrels start eating solid food?
Around 6-8 weeks of age, wild baby squirrels will start to show interest in solid food. Offer small pieces of nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Gradually increase the amount of solid food and decrease the amount of formula as the squirrel gets older.
How do I prepare a baby squirrel for release back into the wild?
Preparing a wild baby squirrel for release involves gradually acclimating it to outdoor conditions and providing it with opportunities to practice natural behaviors. A pre-release cage placed outdoors allows it to experience natural temperatures and weather. Provide it with food and shelter to encourage independence.
When is the best time to release a baby squirrel?
The best time to release a wild baby squirrel is during mild weather, preferably in the spring or fall. Avoid releasing them during extreme heat or cold. Choose a release site that is near suitable habitat and away from hazards.
Is it legal to keep a wild baby squirrel as a pet?
In most places, it is illegal to keep a wild baby squirrel as a pet without the proper permits. Wild animals have specific needs that are difficult to meet in a domestic setting, and keeping them as pets can be detrimental to their health and well-being. It is best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to ensure the squirrel receives the appropriate care and is eventually released back into the wild.
What should I do if I find a dead baby squirrel?
Handle the carcass with gloves or other protection. Contact your local animal control to learn about proper disposal or if testing is available. Consider contacting local wildlife agencies if unusual circumstances are present.