Squirrels

Babies and Juveniles:

  • Pick up the baby with a soft cloth.
  • Put the squirrel in a closed escape-proof container such as a pet kennel with non-terrycloth fabric (such as a t-shirt).
  • Put the container half on and half off a towel-covered heating pad set on low.
  • Monitor it so the animal is warm to the touch, but not hot.
  • Keep the container in a quiet area, away from children and pets.
  • Do not attempt to feed any type of formula or solid foods. Baby squirrels aspirate very easily, and it’s best to leave feeding to a qualified caretaker.

Babies that Have Fallen From a Nest

If an individual or group of squirrels has fallen from a nest, it is important to try and reunite the babies with their mother before a decision is made to bring them to a rehabilitation facility.  If a baby squirrel has been injured in a fall from the nest, it will likely need medical attention.

  • Make sure that all of the uninjured babies are warm.  Depending upon the amount of time that the babies have been out of the nest, they may need some supplemental heat during the reuniting process.  A hot water bottle filled with warm water can be used, as well as a sock filled with dry rice that has been microwaved at 30 second increments until warm.
  • The babies should be placed in an open-top shoebox lined with a t-shirt or pillowcase with the supplemental heat source underneath the bedding (so that they are not in direct contact with it).   Make sure they are exposed so the mom can see them easily.
  • Place the box at the base of the tree that the babies fell from.  You can also affix the box to the side of the tree or up on a branch by the trunk. The mother should be searching for them and upon discovering them will take them back up to the nest individually.  If the nest has been destroyed due to tree trimming or the wind, it will take her some time to find a suitable location so you will need to be patient.
  • If the mother does not return right away, check on the babies every hour to make sure that they are warm and active.  If she has not returned by dusk, bring the babies inside and continue to keep them warm.  Do not attempt to feed the babies.
  • If it has been less than 12 hours since the babies initially fell from the tree, attempt another reuniting session the next morning.  If it has been more than 12 hours since the babies fell and the initial reuniting attempt, contact a rehabilitator.

Adult squirrels:

  • If the squirrel is alert, do not attempt to handle it.
  • If the squirrel is not very alert or cannot move, you may attempt to nudge it into a box, bucket or carrier with the end of a broom, piece of cardboard or other similar object. Do not handle with your bare hands (squirrels can inflict serious bites)! Cover the container snugly (make sure there are air holes) and bring to a rehabilitator.
  • Do not attempt to rehabilitate an adult squirrel for any reason. If it will be a few hours or overnight until you can get the squirrel to a rehabilitator, set the container half-on, half-off a towel-covered heating pad set on low, in a quiet area away from children and pets.
  • Do not put food or water into the container. If the squirrel is in shock or has other issues, the food and water could cause more harm than good.

If you have found a wild animal that appears to be sick, injured, abandoned or in danger...
Please call our emergency hotline number: 310.458.WILD [9453]!