What to Do If You Find a Pink Baby Squirrel: A Comprehensive Guide
If you stumble upon a pink baby squirrel, the first step is to immediately determine if it needs your help. If it appears injured, orphaned, or in immediate danger, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area; do not attempt to care for it yourself.
Introduction: An Unexpected Discovery
Finding a baby squirrel, especially one that’s pink (often actually hairless and pinkish), can be alarming. Your first instinct might be to help. However, intervening without proper knowledge can be detrimental to the squirrel’s survival. Understanding the circumstances, the squirrel’s condition, and the right course of action is crucial. This guide provides expert advice on What to do if you find a pink baby squirrel?
Understanding Pink Baby Squirrels
A “pink” baby squirrel isn’t typically bright pink like bubblegum. The term usually refers to very young squirrels that haven’t yet grown fur. Their skin appears pink because of the visible blood vessels beneath. These squirrels are entirely dependent on their mothers and extremely vulnerable.
Assessing the Situation: Does the Squirrel Need Help?
Before taking any action, carefully assess the situation. Observe the squirrel from a distance for at least an hour or two. The mother squirrel might be nearby, foraging for food or temporarily displaced.
Here’s what to look for:
- Visible injuries: Obvious wounds, broken limbs, or bleeding indicate immediate intervention is required.
- Signs of illness: Lethargy, shivering, difficulty breathing, or discharge from the eyes or nose are red flags.
- Location: Is the squirrel in a dangerous area, such as a road, exposed to predators, or in extreme weather?
- Presence of the mother: Is the mother returning to the nest or approaching the squirrel?
If any of these signs point to a need for intervention, proceed to the next step.
The Importance of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed and trained professionals who specialize in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. They have the knowledge, resources, and facilities to provide the necessary care for pink baby squirrels, including proper nutrition, medical treatment, and eventual release back into the wild. They also understand local laws regarding wildlife.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do
Here’s a step-by-step guide on What to do if you find a pink baby squirrel? and determine it needs assistance:
- Do Not Handle Directly: Avoid touching the squirrel directly. If you must move it, wear gloves or use a towel to minimize human scent.
- Contain the Squirrel: Gently place the squirrel in a secure box or container lined with soft towels or blankets. Ensure the box has adequate ventilation.
- Keep it Warm: Baby squirrels cannot regulate their body temperature. Provide a heat source such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on low, placed under the box. Do not overheat!
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator IMMEDIATELY: Search online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or contact your local animal control, humane society, or veterinarian for referrals.
- Follow the Rehabilitator’s Instructions: The rehabilitator will provide specific instructions on what to do next, including how to transport the squirrel to their facility.
- Do Not Attempt to Feed the Squirrel: Giving the wrong food or feeding technique can be harmful. Only a trained professional should feed a baby squirrel.
- Document Everything: Note the location where you found the squirrel, its condition, and any observations you made about its behavior. This information will be helpful to the rehabilitator.
- Resist the urge to keep it: While you might want to save the little guy, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet in most states, and it is rarely the best decision for the squirrel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the squirrel is orphaned: Mother squirrels often leave their young unattended for short periods.
- Feeding the squirrel cow’s milk or other inappropriate food: This can cause digestive problems and even death.
- Trying to raise the squirrel yourself: This is illegal in most areas and requires specialized knowledge and care.
- Releasing the squirrel back into the wild without proper rehabilitation: A squirrel raised by humans may not have the necessary skills to survive in the wild.
- Overhandling the squirrel: Stress can be detrimental to a baby squirrel’s health.
Potential Dangers
Handling wildlife carries risks. Squirrels can carry diseases and parasites. Always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling any wild animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator immediately?
If you cannot contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately, keep the squirrel warm, quiet, and contained as described above. Check back frequently with animal control or local vets for referrals. Don’t attempt to feed or care for the squirrel long-term without professional guidance.
Is it safe to pick up a pink baby squirrel with my bare hands?
While it’s best to avoid direct contact, if you must handle the squirrel to move it out of danger, gently pick it up with gloved hands or a towel. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
What if the mother squirrel comes back after I’ve moved the baby?
If you haven’t moved the baby too far, you can try placing it back near where you found it. Observe from a distance to see if the mother returns. If the baby is still in distress or the mother doesn’t return after a reasonable amount of time (a few hours), contact a rehabilitator.
How do I know if the squirrel is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, and dry gums. A wildlife rehabilitator can assess the squirrel’s hydration level and provide appropriate treatment.
What kind of food do pink baby squirrels eat?
Pink baby squirrels require specialized formula that mimics the nutrition of their mother’s milk. Do not give them cow’s milk, human formula, or solid food. This is best left to wildlife rehabilitators.
Can I keep a pink baby squirrel as a pet?
No. In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. Additionally, squirrels have specific needs that are difficult to meet in a domestic setting. They thrive best in their natural environment.
How long do baby squirrels stay with their mothers?
Baby squirrels typically stay with their mothers for several months, learning essential survival skills.
How do I transport a pink baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator?
Keep the squirrel contained in a secure box with adequate ventilation and a heat source. Transport it to the rehabilitator as quickly as possible. Avoid unnecessary noise and disturbances during transport.
What happens to the pink baby squirrel at the rehabilitation center?
The squirrel will receive medical care, proper nutrition, and socialization with other squirrels. Once it’s old enough and healthy, it will be released back into its natural habitat.
How can I help support wildlife rehabilitation efforts?
You can donate to local wildlife rehabilitation centers, volunteer your time, or spread awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
What are the laws regarding handling wildlife in my area?
Contact your local animal control, fish and wildlife agency, or department of natural resources for information on wildlife laws in your area.
I am sure the mother abandoned the squirrel, what now?
Even if you think the mother abandoned the squirrel, it is vital to call a wildlife rehabilitator. They can look after it’s specific needs. It is what to do if you find a pink baby squirrel? and are sure it needs help.