Newborn to 1 week old (“pinkie”) You can see that squirrels are born without
fur, but they already have tiny fingernails and toenails:
Whenever you make the
decision to handle wildlife, you are doing so at your own risk. If you decide to
do so, please follow instructions carefully and take appropriate precautions. Do
not contact wildlife with bare hands, and do not allow children or pets near
baby wildlife! Many wild babies may look healthy, but can harbor fleas, internal
parasites, or illnesses that can cause harm if proper sanitation is not
observed. Always wash hands thoroughly immediately after handling the baby or
its container, as well as any item that comes in contact with the baby squirrel.
Discard used disposable items away from where people or pets may come in contact
with them.
Tell the rehabber if you have
accidentally fed milk or any other formula, so they know that the squirrel has
it in its system and can treat the squirrel accordingly.
Leave that part up
to the rehabber you contact. In the meantime, keep the baby away from pets and
children.
Look around the area to see if there are other orphaned baby squirrels that may
have been part of the litter.
-Rescuing older baby (“juvenile”) squirrels such as the size shown below:
Protect your eyes and use heavy gloves when attempting to pick up a squirrel
this size. Using gloves (heavy gloves and a towel for larger juvenile squirrels
to avoid being scratched or bit), you can put the squirrel in a ventilated
container (such as a small pet carrier or very strong box that they can’t
chew/climb out of). Put in some soft cloths for bedding and security (be sure
the cloths are not stringy or have loops, such as terrycloth, as baby’s nails
can get caught). Put half of the container on top of a heating pad set on low.
This lets the squirrel move toward or away from the heat as needed. Wash hands
thoroughly after handling baby, bedding, equipment, etc. Keep everyone,
especially pets and children, away from the baby squirrel, and put it in a quiet
location. Do not let anyone handle or disturb the squirrel(s).
You can estimate the approximate age of the baby you’ve found, using the photos
in STEP 2.
-Rescuing small baby squirrels: such as in the photo shown below:
You can estimate the approximate age of the baby you’ve found, using the photos
in STEP 2. Use gloves or a cloth to pick up the baby(s). You can put them in
container such as a shoebox, with holes in the lid for ventilation. Place some
soft cloths for bedding in the box. Be sure the bedding is not stringy, such as
terrycloth. (Babies get their toes caught in the loops and can be injured).
Put half of the container on top of a heating pad set on low. This lets the
squirrel move toward or away from the heat as needed. Wash hands thoroughly
after handling baby, bedding, equipment, etc. Keep everyone, especially pets and
children, away from the baby squirrel, and put it in a quiet location. Do not
let anyone handle or disturb the squirrel(s).
These photos can help determine the baby's age, so you can tell the rehabber the
approximate age of the baby.
Newborn to 1 week old (“pinkie”) You can see that squirrels are born without
fur, but they already have tiny fingernails and toenails:
1.5 to 2 weeks old The baby in the next 2 pictures, is being moved by its mother
in her mouth. It is approximately 1.5 to 2 weeks old:
2.5-4 weeks old The following pictures show that at this age, the eyelids are
developing, and thin fur covers the back and tail:
4.5–5 weeks old Here you can see, the baby squirrel has a bit more fur, ears are
open, and its little eyes are either open, or will be opening soon:
Approximately 5-6 weeks old Babies this age have a thin long furred body with
large feet and hands. Usually around 5 weeks the eyes open, but this can vary.
You can see in the 2 pictures below, that this baby’s eyes have opened. The
baby’s tail is thin and not yet bushy. (The syringe in this photo is not filled
with milk. It is a specially ordered squirrel formula mix.). Tails although
still thin, are a bit fuller.
6-7weeks old (juvenile) grey squirrel The next picture shows squirrels
approximately 6-7 weeks old. You can see that their tails are getting fluffier
and fuller. The body is getting stronger and more proportionate to the head and
arm size. They begin to attempt to sit up on their own during this phase. They
are beginning to nibble at soft solid foods, but are still dependent on the
mother. They still sleep a lot, but when awake are very frisky if healthy.
8 week old (juvenile) grey squirrel The next photo shows a juvenile closer to 8
weeks old. Note how the squirrel’s tail is much bushier and the body thicker.
This juvenile can sit up and eat some soft foods and soft nut pieces. He is
still dependent on the mother.
(Caution: at this age only handle with strong gloves or a towel and protect your
eyes. A squirrel this age can jump quite fast and deliver a good nip and
scratch, especially if they are frightened):
Juvenile grey squirrel 9+ weeks old These squirrels are almost weaned from the
mother and are able to eat solid foods to supplement their diet. They are fast
and run away if approached. This one shown below is approximately 9-10 weeks
old. At this point they are able to crack through hard nut shells. A squirrel
this age can deliver a nasty bite, and scratches. When a rehabber handles a
young squirrel this age, they must protect their hands with heavy gloves and a
towel, and protect their eyes.
You can also refer to the following website to see excellent photos of babies to
approximate different ages, as well as other information:)
http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/squirrels/photo1.html
Once the baby is safely contained and warm, immediately find a qualified wildlife rehabber in your area for help.
IF YOU LIVE IN WISCONSIN, CLICK HERE TO FIND A REHABBER IN YOUR AREA.
IF YOU LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE, FIND A REHABBER BY GOING TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:
It is best to just keep
the baby squirrel safe and warm and in a quiet location until help arrives.
However, if you have not been able to locate a rehabber for several hours, or
must keep the baby squirrel overnight until you can get help, you may need to
help a small baby urinate and defecate since it cannot do so on its own.
Dehydration can also be a threat if help cannot be found for several hours. If
you need emergency instructions,
CLICK HERE. Note that these instructions do not take the place of a qualified rehabber. They are provided only to keep a baby alive if several hours have passed until a qualified rehabber responds in your vicinity. Do not attempt to rehab a baby squirrel by yourself!
