Locate a Squirrel Wildlife Rehabber
Welcome
To The “Wisconsin Squirrel Connection”
Provided by Susan S. Saliga, Wisconsin
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator - NWRA/WWRA
Specializing in the care of wild infant
and juvenile squirrels.
YOU FOUND A BABY SQUIRREL!
WHAT TO DO NEXT...
Sometimes a squirrel mother moves her
babies from one nest to another, and will place a baby temporarily on the
ground as she moves each baby. In this case, the baby is not orphaned. If the baby does not appear to be ill or
injured, and you think the mother squirrel may be alive, it's best to try to
get the mother to come and get her baby. To find out how to do this, CLICK HERE.
If you are reasonably sure the baby
squirrel is orphaned or injured, or if the mother does not return to get the
baby within 2 hours or before dark, CLICK HERE for instructions on
how to rescue the baby, and contact a wildlife rehabber.
Often people ask if a young squirrel is
old enough to be on its own, or if it is orphaned. An older baby that already has grown a bushy tail,
like the one in the picture below, will usually keep its distance from you.
However, if a young squirrel at this age
follows you, it may indicate that he has lost his mother and is hungry, or may
need medical attention. Contact a
wildlife rehabber for further instructions.
FOR A LIST OF SQUIRREL REHABBERS IN WISCONSIN: CLICK HERE
FOR A
LIST OF SQUIRREL REHABBERS IN ANY OTHER STATE, go to:
http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/
http://www.wildliferehabber.com/
These sites have wildlife rehabbers listed
for each state.
IF YOU
ARE UNABLE TO CONTACT A REHABBER, CLICK HERE.
Note: Never feed a baby squirrel
regular cow's milk, as it can make them very ill! The baby squirrel in the
following photo is eating a specially ordered formula, made for the unique
nutritional needs of developing squirrels – it is not milk. Feeding a baby
squirrel not only requires a special formula that meets their particular
nutritional needs, but appropriate small feeding equipment as well. Improper
feeding technique can cause inhalation pneumonia, which can lead to death of
the baby. In addition, wildlife can have internal parasites and other illnesses
that may not be apparent without an examination by a wildlife rehabber.
Do not attempt to raise baby wildlife on
your own! If you find an orphaned wild baby, call a local rehabber immediately.
Amazing as it sounds, wildlife rehabbers do not charge for their services. Licensed wildlife rehabbers are highly
trained, and dedicated to helping wildlife that need temporary emergency
care. If you would like to become a
rehabber or volunteer, contact some of the rehabbers listed in your area. Wildlife rehab facilities are always looking
for volunteers. It's a great way to learn about wildlife rehab and feels so
good to help! (There are many ways to
volunteer at a rehab facility besides direct animal care as well). This little
squirrel sure is happy he's getting the best care possible...
