Urban cohabitation with wild animals is often very difficult for them. You have probably already observed squirrel nests in unusual places like on balconies or on the edge of a window. Mother squirrels must set up their nests to bring their young to safety, but forests are razed to make way for streets, leafy trees are cut down, and they are left with few options. Let us be patient and indulgent with these mothers who are doing as best they can while waiting for the trees to be covered in leaves in the spring and for them to be able to settle elsewhere more comfortably.
Did you find a baby squirrel?
Baby squirrels are regularly carried from nest to nest by parents. It is therefore not unusual for a youngster to be dropped on the ground or lost in motion. If it is within easy reach of predators, it can be relocated to a nearby shrub or temporary nest. They must be observed from a distance so as not to deter parents from coming back for them or continuing to take care of them. The baby squirrel will only need assistance if it shows signs of general weakness or if the mother has not returned within 24 hours:
1. Watch your surroundings
Is the baby in a nest, but it fell to the ground? Does the baby cross the street, away from the trees? Is the baby alone? Check the surroundings as they rarely are. Note the location of the discovery and check if you see any nests nearby (in crevices, nests in branches and holes in trees, for example). Note the places.
2. Check if the baby is injured
Is there blood? Does the baby appear to have been bitten? Are there fly eggs (small yellowish grains of rice stuck to the fur)? Is it dehydrated? If so, contact Écureuil Land quickly: http://m.me/ecureuillandqc
3. Warm the baby immediately
Very important and to be done quickly, even in summer. You can take a fleece blanket and put the baby against you while you find a suitable heat source. Then use a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth or magic bag to help baby maintain adequate body heat (they don’t regulate their own temperature until about 8 weeks). Put it in a plastic box (avoid cardboard) with fleece blankets and the chosen heat source when you are at home.
4. Try to reunite him with his mother
Early morning or early evening are ideal times to attempt a reunion. If the baby is NOT injured, has no fly eggs, and appears healthy, an attempt to reunite with the mother should be made. This will always remain the best solution for them. A mother will take her baby back even if you have touched him with your hands.
5. Should I feed the baby squirrel?
The short answer is NO. But the baby can be dehydrated, he will then need lukewarm Pedialyte, and this, only when the baby is warmed up and with a suitable syringe. NEVER GIVE COW’S MILK OR FOOD to a baby squirrel.
You will find the complete care procedure in the emergency care guide for baby squirrels, available here: http://bit.ly/ecureuilland
6. Give him a dark, quiet shelter
Place a plastic box in a quiet location, away from young children and pets. Do not disturb him more than necessary.
Read This Before Picking Up A Baby Squirrel That Seems Lonely
If you find a baby squirrel, it is not always necessary to pick it up and bring it home. When the good weather returns, some babies begin to venture out of their nest, sometimes a little far.
>> If the baby has closed eyes, is injured or climbs on you by himself, this indicates that he needs help and that you must act to help him quickly.
>> BUT… If he is having fun, mobile and playing, just watch him from a distance to make sure predators don’t attack him and make sure the mother comes back for him. We avoid feeding them, especially with nuts, fruits or any form of milk (cow’s milk and infant milk are to be avoided, among others).
If the day is over and the sun is about to go down and the mother still hasn’t come back then, yes, take him home for the night. Give him warmth and hydration (as per instructions above).
But you must try to reunite him with his mother early the next morning. You take it to the place where you found it and wait for a while, watching it from a distance, to see if the mother comes back for it. In many cases, it comes back.
The mother will take her baby back even if you touch it. Try several times throughout the day, returning to the same place with the baby. If she doesn’t come back, the baby is probably alone. You can then contact Écureuil Land. But you must try the reunion with the mother first.
To sum up
Creating “false orphans” is not a winning solution, for the mother, the babies and us. Patience is required if you have found babies (healthy ones). Moms will usually move their young within days. Sometimes it’s within the hour, sometimes 3 days later. Also, it’s okay if you’ve touched the babies with your hands. Moms recognize their babies’ cries.
Sources @Ecureuil Land
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