What Does It Mean When a Baby Squirrel Follows You? Decoding Scurrying Signs
The sight of a baby squirrel trailing after you can be both charming and concerning. The most likely reason a baby squirrel follows you is that it is either orphaned and seeking a surrogate parent or is simply disoriented and lost from its mother.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior: A Prerequisite
Squirrels, both adults and young, are typically wary creatures. Their survival depends on their ability to detect danger and avoid predators. This inherent caution makes the behavior of a baby squirrel approaching, let alone following, a human all the more unusual. To truly understand what does it mean when a baby squirrel follows you?, it’s crucial to first understand their general behavioral patterns.
- Adult Squirrel Independence: Adult squirrels are solitary creatures except during mating season and when raising their young. They establish territories and generally avoid unnecessary interaction with other squirrels or humans.
- Baby Squirrel Dependence: Baby squirrels, also known as kits, are entirely dependent on their mother for the first few weeks of their lives. They rely on her for warmth, nourishment, and protection. During this period, they are typically confined to the nest (drey).
- Weaning and Exploration: As baby squirrels begin to wean and grow more confident, they start exploring their surroundings. This is when they are most vulnerable and prone to getting lost or separated from their mother.
Common Reasons for a Baby Squirrel Following You
Several factors can contribute to a baby squirrel approaching and following a human. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action.
- Orphaned or Abandoned: This is perhaps the most common reason. If the mother squirrel has been killed, injured, or has abandoned the nest for any reason, the baby squirrels may venture out in search of help or food. A squirrel actively following you could indicate that it’s looking for a replacement caregiver.
- Lost and Disoriented: Young squirrels can easily become disoriented and separated from their mother, especially in urban or suburban environments with numerous potential hazards (cars, cats, dogs). They may instinctively follow any moving object in the hope of finding their way back.
- Habituation: If squirrels have been consistently fed by humans in a particular area, they may lose their natural fear and become habituated. A baby squirrel raised in such an environment may associate humans with food and approach them readily. This is less likely to result in following and more likely to involve begging or approaching directly.
- Injury or Illness: A sick or injured baby squirrel may be more vulnerable and less capable of finding its own food or shelter. It might follow a human in the hope of receiving assistance, even if it doesn’t fully understand what’s happening.
Determining the Squirrel’s Condition and Making a Decision
Before intervening, carefully assess the situation. The goal is to determine if the baby squirrel truly needs help or if its mother is nearby and will return.
- Observe from a Distance: For at least an hour, observe the baby squirrel from a safe distance. Watch for any signs of the mother squirrel returning.
- Assess its Physical Condition: Look for any signs of injury, illness, or dehydration. Is the squirrel visibly thin, weak, or injured? Are its eyes bright and clear, or are they dull and sunken?
- Consider the Location: Is the squirrel in a dangerous location (e.g., a busy street)? Is it exposed to extreme weather conditions?
- Check for a Nest: Look for a nearby nest (drey) in the trees. The mother squirrel may be hiding nearby, waiting for you to leave.
If the mother does not return and the baby squirrel appears to be orphaned, injured, or in immediate danger, intervention may be necessary. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Do not attempt to raise the squirrel yourself, as it requires specialized care and feeding.
Potential Dangers of Approaching or Handling a Squirrel
While it’s natural to want to help, approaching or handling a wild animal, even a baby squirrel, can be risky.
- Disease Transmission: Squirrels can carry diseases, such as rabies, although this is rare. More common are parasites like fleas and ticks.
- Bites and Scratches: Even a baby squirrel can bite or scratch if it feels threatened. Squirrel bites can be painful and may require medical attention.
- Interference with Wildlife: Taking a baby squirrel from its natural environment can disrupt its development and reduce its chances of survival.
Actionable Steps: What to do if a Baby Squirrel Follows You?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you handle the situation responsibly:
- Step 1: Observe from a distance for at least one hour.
- Step 2: If the mother doesn’t return, try to identify a nearby drey (squirrel nest).
- Step 3: Place the baby squirrel in a safe and sheltered location near the base of the tree where the drey is, and then retreat back indoors. Give the mother another couple of hours to retrieve it.
- Step 4: If there’s no drey or the baby squirrel appears sick, weak, or injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control.
- Step 5: Do not attempt to feed or water the baby squirrel. This can do more harm than good.
Table: Deciding Whether to Intervene
| Condition | Mother Present/Likely to Return | Immediate Danger | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| :————————————— | :——————————– | :——————– | :—————————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Healthy, active, mother nearby | Yes | No | Observe from a distance, do not intervene. |
| Healthy, active, mother possibly nearby | Possibly | No | Continue observing for a longer period, try to locate drey. |
| Injured, weak, no mother in sight | No | Yes | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Provide temporary shelter if possible (e.g., a box with a soft cloth). |
| Healthy, orphaned (known) | No | Variable | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Avoid direct contact. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I accidentally touch a baby squirrel?
Even though rabies is rare in squirrels, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any wild animal. Contact your doctor if you are concerned about disease exposure.
Is it safe to feed a baby squirrel milk?
No, do not feed a baby squirrel cow’s milk or any other type of human milk. Their digestive systems are not equipped to handle it. You should only give them specialized squirrel formula obtained from a wildlife rehabilitator.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in baby squirrels include sunken eyes, dry skin, and lethargy. Gently pinch the skin on the back of its neck; if it returns slowly to its original position, the squirrel is likely dehydrated. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
What does it mean if a baby squirrel keeps coming back to me even after I put it near a tree?
This likely indicates that the squirrel is truly orphaned and has imprinted on you as a surrogate parent or is simply too weak to survive on its own. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can I keep a baby squirrel as a pet?
No, it is illegal in most places to keep a wild animal, including a squirrel, as a pet. They require specialized care, can be destructive, and can transmit diseases.
What should I do if I find a baby squirrel with its eyes closed?
A baby squirrel with its eyes closed is very young and completely dependent on its mother. It needs immediate care from a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not attempt to care for it yourself.
How do I know if the mother squirrel will come back for her baby?
The best way to determine if the mother will return is to observe the baby squirrel from a safe distance for several hours. If she does not return and the baby appears to be in distress, then the mother may not be coming back.
What kind of shelter can I provide a baby squirrel while waiting for a wildlife rehabilitator?
A simple cardboard box lined with a soft cloth or towel is sufficient. Avoid using straw or hay, as these can harbor mites. Place the box in a warm, quiet location away from pets and children.
Is it possible for a baby squirrel to follow me because it’s friendly?
While squirrels can become habituated to humans, it’s rare for a baby squirrel to follow someone solely out of friendliness. It’s more likely driven by hunger, disorientation, or seeking help.
What are the signs of a healthy baby squirrel?
A healthy baby squirrel will be alert, active, and have bright, clear eyes. Its fur will be clean and well-groomed, and it will have a strong grip.
If I think a baby squirrel is following me because I have food, what should I do?
Avoid feeding squirrels, especially baby squirrels. This reinforces the behavior and can lead to dependency. Instead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you are concerned about its welfare.
What is a wildlife rehabilitator and how do I find one?
A wildlife rehabilitator is a trained professional who specializes in caring for injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals. You can find a local wildlife rehabilitator by searching online or contacting your local animal control agency. They are the best resource for helping determine what does it mean when a baby squirrel follows you?, and what to do.