Where to Take a Baby Squirrel for Care
Baby squirrels are adorable creatures, but they are also very fragile. If you find a baby squirrel that is orphaned or injured, it is important to take it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for baby squirrels and give them the best chance of survival.
How to Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator
There are many different ways to find a wildlife rehabilitator. You can search online, ask your veterinarian, or contact your local animal control agency. Once you have found a few wildlife rehabilitators, you should call them to see if they are able to take in a baby squirrel.
What to Do Before Taking a Baby Squirrel to a Rehabilitator
Before you take a baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator, there are a few things you should do:
- Keep the baby squirrel warm. Baby squirrels are very susceptible to cold, so it is important to keep them warm until you can get them to a wildlife rehabilitator. You can do this by wrapping them in a soft cloth and placing them in a warm place.
- Do not feed the baby squirrel. Baby squirrels should not be fed unless they are under the care of a wildlife rehabilitator. Feeding a baby squirrel the wrong food can make them sick.
- Handle the baby squirrel as little as possible. Baby squirrels are very fragile, so it is important to handle them as little as possible. If you need to handle the baby squirrel, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
What to Expect When You Take a Baby Squirrel to a Rehabilitator
When you take a baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator, they will first examine the squirrel to determine its age, weight, and overall health. They will also ask you about how you found the squirrel and whether or not you know its parents.
The wildlife rehabilitator will then provide the baby squirrel with the care it needs. This may include feeding the squirrel, giving it medication, and providing it with a warm and safe place to stay.
How Long Will the Baby Squirrel Stay with the Rehabilitator?
The length of time that a baby squirrel will stay with a wildlife rehabilitator will vary depending on its age and health. Baby squirrels that are very young or that are injured may need to stay with the rehabilitator for several months.
What Happens to the Baby Squirrel After It Is Rehabilitated?
Once a baby squirrel is rehabilitated, it will be released back into the wild. The wildlife rehabilitator will choose a release site that is safe for the squirrel and that has plenty of food and water.
How to Help Baby Squirrels
There are many things you can do to help baby squirrels. Here are a few tips:
- Leave baby squirrels alone. If you see a baby squirrel that is not injured or orphaned, it is best to leave it alone. The mother squirrel is probably nearby and will come back to care for her baby.
- If you find an injured or orphaned baby squirrel, take it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for baby squirrels and give them the best chance of survival.
- Support wildlife rehabilitators. Wildlife rehabilitators rely on donations to provide care for baby squirrels and other animals. You can support wildlife rehabilitators by donating money, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about their work.
Conclusion
Baby squirrels are beautiful and fascinating creatures. If you are lucky enough to find a baby squirrel, it is important to take it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for baby squirrels and give them the best chance of survival.