Caring for a Wild Squirrel: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding a wild squirrel in need can tug at your heartstrings. Whether it’s an orphaned baby, an injured adult, or one simply displaced from its habitat, your first instinct might be to help. While your intentions are admirable, caring for a wild squirrel is a complex undertaking that requires careful consideration, knowledge, and, in many cases, professional assistance. This comprehensive guide outlines the key steps and considerations involved in properly caring for a wild squirrel, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the squirrel’s well-being and adhering to legal regulations.
## Understanding the Challenges and Legal Considerations
Before you even consider taking a wild squirrel into your care, it’s crucial to understand the challenges and legal ramifications involved:
* **Wild Animals Are Not Pets:** Squirrels are wild animals, not domesticated pets. They have specific needs and instincts that are difficult to replicate in a domestic environment. Attempting to tame a wild squirrel can be stressful and detrimental to its well-being.
* **Legal Restrictions:** In most places, it’s illegal to possess or rehabilitate wild animals without the proper permits and licenses. These laws are in place to protect both the animals and the public. Contact your local wildlife authorities or animal control to inquire about the specific regulations in your area.
* **Disease Transmission:** Wild squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Handling them without proper precautions can pose a health risk.
* **Rehabilitation Expertise:** Properly caring for an injured or orphaned squirrel requires specialized knowledge and skills. Improper care can lead to malnutrition, deformities, and ultimately, death.
## Assessing the Squirrel’s Condition
Before intervening, carefully assess the squirrel’s condition to determine if it truly needs your help:
* **Observe from a Distance:** The first step is to observe the squirrel from a safe distance. Is it injured? Does it appear weak or disoriented? Is it a baby that seems to be abandoned?
* **Signs of Injury:** Look for obvious signs of injury, such as bleeding, broken limbs, difficulty moving, or head trauma. If you suspect an injury, immediate intervention is necessary.
* **Signs of Abandonment (Babies):** Baby squirrels are often found alone when their mother is foraging for food. If the baby appears healthy and is in a safe location (e.g., in a nest or tree), give the mother time to return. Monitor the situation for a few hours. If the mother does not return, or if the baby is in danger (e.g., exposed to the elements or predators), then intervention may be required.
* **Signs of Illness:** Look for signs of illness, such as lethargy, discharge from the eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, or unusual behavior.
## When to Intervene and Seek Professional Help
In general, you should only intervene if the squirrel is:
* **Clearly Injured:** As mentioned above, visible injuries warrant immediate attention.
* **Orphaned and in Danger:** If a baby squirrel is clearly orphaned and is in a dangerous situation, such as being exposed to the elements, near a road, or threatened by predators, intervention is necessary.
* **Exhibiting Signs of Illness:** If the squirrel is showing signs of illness, it needs professional veterinary care.
**Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator:** The best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. These professionals have the expertise, facilities, and permits necessary to properly care for injured or orphaned squirrels. You can find a rehabilitator in your area by searching online or contacting your local animal control or humane society.
## If You Must Provide Temporary Care (Until You Can Get It to a Rehabilitator)
If you are unable to immediately transport the squirrel to a rehabilitator, you may need to provide temporary care. However, remember that this is only a short-term solution, and you should prioritize getting the squirrel into the hands of a professional as quickly as possible.
**1. Contain the Squirrel:**
* **Choose a Suitable Container:** Select a sturdy container, such as a cardboard box or a pet carrier, that is large enough for the squirrel to move around comfortably. Line the container with soft towels or blankets.
* **Provide a Heat Source:** Squirrels, especially babies, need warmth. Place a heating pad set on low under one side of the container, or 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.
* **Create a Dark and Quiet Environment:** Place the container in a dark, quiet room away from noise and activity. This will help to reduce the squirrel’s stress.
**2. Hydration:**
* **Rehydration is Key:** Dehydration is a common problem in injured or orphaned squirrels. Providing fluids is crucial.
* **Electrolyte Solution:** The best option is to offer an unflavored electrolyte solution like Pedialyte. You can administer it using a syringe or an eyedropper.
* **Administering Fluids:** Offer small amounts of fluid frequently. For baby squirrels, gently dribble the fluid into the side of their mouth, being careful not to aspirate them (cause them to inhale the fluid into their lungs). Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, which is often fatal. Never force-feed a squirrel.
* **Avoid Milk:** Do not give squirrels cow’s milk or other dairy products. They cannot digest lactose, and it can cause diarrhea.
**3. Feeding (Only if instructed by a rehabilitator):**
**IMPORTANT:** Do not attempt to feed a squirrel without consulting a wildlife rehabilitator first. Improper feeding can be harmful and even fatal. However, if a rehabilitator instructs you to feed the squirrel, follow their instructions carefully.
* **Baby Squirrels:** Baby squirrels require a specialized formula. The rehabilitator will likely recommend a specific brand and feeding schedule. You will need to use a small syringe or bottle to feed the baby squirrel.
* **Older Squirrels:** Older squirrels can be offered small pieces of fruits, vegetables, nuts (unsalted), and seeds. However, these should only be given as directed by the rehabilitator and should not be the squirrel’s sole source of nutrition.
* **Never Give:** Avoid giving squirrels chocolate, candy, junk food, or processed foods. These foods are harmful to their health.
**4. Hygiene and Handling:**
* **Wash Your Hands:** Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling a squirrel. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
* **Wear Gloves:** It’s recommended to wear gloves when handling a squirrel, especially if it is injured or ill. This will protect you from bites and scratches.
* **Minimize Handling:** Limit handling the squirrel to essential tasks, such as providing food and water. Excessive handling can cause stress.
**5. Observation and Documentation:**
* **Monitor the Squirrel’s Condition:** Closely monitor the squirrel’s condition and behavior. Note any changes in its appetite, activity level, or appearance.
* **Document Your Observations:** Keep a record of your observations, including the date, time, and any relevant details. This information will be helpful to the wildlife rehabilitator.
## Specific Care for Baby Squirrels
Baby squirrels require specialized care, as they are highly vulnerable and dependent on their mother. If you find a baby squirrel, it’s crucial to determine its age and provide appropriate care.
**Estimating the Age of a Baby Squirrel:**
* **Newborn (Hairless, Eyes Closed):** These squirrels are completely dependent on their mother and require round-the-clock care. They need to be kept warm and fed frequently. Their eyes and ears are closed, and they have no fur.
* **Young (Furred, Eyes Closed):** These squirrels have fur but their eyes are still closed. They are still dependent on their mother and require frequent feedings.
* **Older (Eyes Open, Partially Furred):** These squirrels have their eyes open and are partially furred. They are starting to explore their surroundings and may be able to eat solid foods.
* **Nearly Weaned (Fully Furred, Bushy Tail):** These squirrels are almost fully weaned and are able to eat solid foods on their own. They are becoming more independent.
**Specific Needs of Baby Squirrels:**
* **Warmth:** Baby squirrels cannot regulate their own body temperature and need to be kept warm. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to provide warmth, as described above.
* **Feeding:** Baby squirrels require specialized formula, as directed by a wildlife rehabilitator. The feeding schedule will depend on the age of the squirrel. You will need to use a small syringe or bottle to feed the baby squirrel.
* **Stimulation:** Baby squirrels need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate. After each feeding, gently rub their anal area with a warm, damp cloth. This will stimulate them to eliminate.
* **Socialization:** While it’s important to minimize handling, baby squirrels also need some social interaction. Talk to them in a soft voice and provide them with toys to play with.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Overfeeding:** Overfeeding can lead to diarrhea and other health problems. Follow the feeding schedule recommended by the wildlife rehabilitator.
* **Giving the Wrong Foods:** Avoid giving squirrels cow’s milk, chocolate, candy, junk food, or processed foods. These foods are harmful to their health.
* **Keeping the Squirrel as a Pet:** It’s illegal and unethical to keep a wild squirrel as a pet. Squirrels are wild animals and belong in the wild.
* **Releasing the Squirrel Too Soon:** Releasing a squirrel back into the wild before it is ready can be fatal. The squirrel needs to be fully weaned, able to find food and shelter, and aware of predators.
* **Ignoring Legal Regulations:** It’s important to be aware of and comply with all local and state regulations regarding the care and rehabilitation of wild animals.
## Releasing the Squirrel Back into the Wild
Once the squirrel is healthy and ready for release, it’s important to choose a suitable release location.
* **Choose a Safe and Suitable Location:** Select a location that is near a wooded area with plenty of food and shelter. Avoid releasing the squirrel near busy roads or areas with a high concentration of predators.
* **Provide a Transition Period:** Before releasing the squirrel, provide a transition period by placing its cage outside for a few days. This will allow the squirrel to acclimate to the outdoor environment.
* **Provide Food and Water:** Continue to provide food and water for the squirrel for a few days after it is released. This will help it to adjust to its new surroundings.
* **Monitor the Squirrel:** Observe the squirrel after it is released to make sure it is adjusting well. If you notice any problems, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
## Preventing Future Encounters
While helping a wild animal in need is admirable, preventing these situations in the first place is even better. Here are some tips to prevent future encounters with injured or orphaned squirrels:
* **Keep Your Property Clean:** Remove any food sources that may attract squirrels to your property, such as fallen fruit or bird feeders.
* **Trim Tree Branches:** Trim tree branches that overhang your house or other structures. This will prevent squirrels from gaining access to your property.
* **Secure Garbage Cans:** Secure your garbage cans to prevent squirrels from getting into them.
* **Drive Carefully:** Be aware of squirrels when driving, especially during mating season.
## Conclusion
Caring for a wild squirrel is a challenging but rewarding experience. However, it’s important to remember that squirrels are wild animals and require specialized care. The best course of action is always to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you must provide temporary care, follow the guidelines outlined in this article and prioritize the squirrel’s well-being. By working together, we can help to ensure that injured and orphaned squirrels have the best chance of survival and a return to their natural habitat. Remember to always prioritize their safety and well-being, and to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. Your compassion can make a real difference in the life of a wild creature, but informed and responsible action is key.