4 Ways To Take Care Of A Wild Squirrel

For example, while red squirrels are a protected species in the UK, it is illegal to rehabilitate an injured grey squirrel because they are considered an invasive species. Anyone who finds an injured grey squirrel in the UK is required by law to humanely destroy the squirrel. In some states in the US, you may only be allowed to provide care for a wild animal if you have a permit to do so. You may also be required to alert the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. [1] X Research source Try calling your local animal control center to ask about whether or not it is legal for you to care for a wild squirrel.

Injured squirrels found in the wild tend to be babies. They often fall from nests or get lost from their mothers. A baby squirrel can be comfortable housed in a small box, such as a shoe box. You should leave the shoebox outside, away from other predators, and keep it open. This way, if he’s lost his mother will be able to find him and retrieve him. However, you can keep the shoebox in your garage or a closed off room in your home if leaving the squirrel outdoors is not an option. [2] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If you intend the keep the squirrel long-term because a rehabber or wildlife rescue is not an option, you’re going to need a lot of time and money. The first step is to get a cage. Adult squirrels need tall cages so they can move around and play. Baby squirrels need smaller cages so they don’t climb and end up falling and hurting themselves. If you have an old cat cage or pet carrier, you could use this for a baby squirrel. If it’s plastic, the squirrel will chew through it quickly. An old bird cage, at least 3 feet tall, might work very temporarily for an adult squirrel. You can also purchase animal cages of a variety of shapes and sizes at your local pet store. Critter/Ferret nations are recommended for the small bar spacings and size. [3] X Research source

Squirrels enjoy building a nest for sleeping. Do not use cardboard as it dries out the skin and mucous membranes. Many pet stores sell nest boxes for birds for relatively low prices. These could work to keep your squirrel feeling warm and safe. [4] X Research source Squirrels need to have a lot of bedding and padding to keep warm. However, be careful of what kind of materials you’re using. Use old clothing, like old cotton or fleece shirts. However, stay away from towels or other items made of terrycloth or something similar. Squirrels can easily get their claws stuck in such materials, leading to injury. [5] X Research source

Small stuffed toys for children can be great toys for squirrels. Just make sure to remove any plastic parts, like plastic eyes or noses, before letting the squirrel play with it. Only give a squirrel stuffed toys that use natural stuffing. Squirrels can choke on beans or bead-like materials sometimes used to stuff toys. [7] X Research source Hanging toys, like mobiles or cat toys with feathers on the end, can also be fun for squirrels. If you’re keeping your squirrel until release, consider installing some kind of perch in his cage if he’s older. Squirrels like to be able to climb. You can buy bird perches at a local pet store and install them in your squirrel’s cage. [8] X Research source

Do not attempt to feed a baby squirrel on your own. Baby squirrels need specific vitamins and minerals. Feeding a baby squirrel formula or milk could result in the squirrel dying. Take your baby squirrel to a vet or wildlife rescue as soon as you can. The workers there will know how to feed him properly. In the event you take him back home with you, you can learn how to care for the baby online at TheSquirrelBoard. com. [9] X Research source They do make specially designed food for squirrels. It can be tricky to find, however, as it may be sold at your local pet store. Some states do not allow people to keep squirrels as pets. You may be able to order squirrel food online, but it might take a few days. In the event you cannot get squirrel food quickly, TheSquirrelBoard. com has recipes to make temporary formula. [10] X Research source

If you’re giving water to a baby squirrel, make sure any bowls you use are not too big. You would not want a baby squirrel to accidentally drown in his water bottle. You can place rocks or marbles at the bottom and fill the bowl to just halfway up to the marbles so he doesn’t drown.

Find a safe spot in your home with good lighting. Stay away from children or other pets. Wear heavy, protective gloves when handling a wild animal. You should also wear a long sleeve coat. If a squirrel has not been handled before, he may bite or scratch. Squirrels are cleaner than most other animals. Just rinse out the cut and go about your business. [12] X Research source Keep a basin of warm water and a few clean washcloths on hand. Check the face, nose, and mouth for dried blood. If you see any parasites, like fleas or ticks, remove them. Parasites should be killed if still alive to avoid infecting other pets in your home. If you need to wash any blood, wring out the rag thoroughly and move it gently over the squirrel’s fur. [13] X Research source Pay attention to your squirrel’s limbs. Lets and feet may be twisted awkwardly or limp. Baby squirrels are especially prone to injury from falling out of a tree or nest. [14] X Research source If your squirrel is injured, contact a wildlife rehabber and/or vet IMMEDIATELY.

Allow your squirrel access to one room of your house for at least an hour a day. Make sure you remove anything breakable or anything you do not want damaged. Allow your squirrels to run, climb, and play in this room. [15] X Research source Do not allow the squirrel outside without a cage. Hawks and other predators are faster than you and can make a meal out of the baby before you can react. Also, the baby may get spooked and run away, to never return, and thus die due to not knowing how to fend for himself. [16] X Research source If you’re keeping your squirrel longer than a week or so, install some perches in his cage. As stated earlier, bird perches work well for a squirrel cage. They should come with manufacturer’s instructions for set up.

Place a tarp over his cage. This will provide him protection from the rain as well as shade from the sun. [21] X Research source You might want to transfer him to a cage with a feeding door if you’re not already using one. You do not want to release your squirrel prematurely. He may escape during feeding without the proper door. [22] X Research source Keep the cage in a place that’s easily reachable for you. However, keep it far away from other humans. If your squirrel gets too used to human contact, it may be difficult to release him back into the wild. [23] X Research source

Do a little research on the type of animals typically found in the area you’re considering. You should choose an area with a low population of potential predators, like house cats. Even if his injuries have healed, it may take your squirrel a few days to readjust to the wild. This can make him vulnerable to predators. Make sure there are other wild squirrels in the area you choose. You want to release the squirrel into his natural habitat. You should not release a squirrel near a busy street, intersection, or highway. You should also double check the legality of releasing a squirrel in the area you chose. Some states may have restrictions on re-releasing wild animals in certain regions.