Every year, thousands of people encounter a situation where they need to know how to save a squirrel. Whether it is a fledgling on the ground or an adult trapped in a backyard hazard, the impulse to help is natural. However, the best approach is rarely the most intuitive one. Understanding the nuances of squirrel behavior and safety is essential to providing effective assistance without causing further harm.
Assessing the Situation: Baby vs. Adult
The first critical step in how to save a squirrel is determining the animal's age and condition. A baby squirrel, or kit, has specific needs that differ vastly from an adult. Observe from a distance to see if the squirrel is vocal and moving. If it is sitting still in one spot, it might be a nestling that requires immediate intervention. An adult squirrel, conversely, that is running or jumping is likely healthy, even if it looks injured at first glance.
Handling Orphaned or Injured Juveniles
Locating the Nest
If you determine the kit is orphaned or truly injured, the goal is reunification with the mother. Squirrel mothers will often retrieve their young if given a safe chance. Wear gloves to protect against disease and place the baby in a small box lined with a soft cloth. Create a makeshift nest with a heating pad set on low underneath half the box so the infant can move away if it gets too warm.
Reunification Techniques
Hang the box securely in the tree near where the nest was located. Mother squirrels rely on scent, so avoid excessive handling of the kit beforehand. Check back periodically; if the mother has not retrieved the young by dusk, you may need to seek professional wildlife rehabilitation. Never attempt to feed the animal cow's milk or human formula, as this can be fatal.
Assisting an Adult Squirrel
When learning how to save a squirrel, one must also consider adults that are grounded due to injury or illness. These animals are wild and capable of biting when cornered. If an adult squirrel is bleeding, has a broken limb, or is clearly distressed, contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to chase or handle a frightened adult without proper training and protective gear.
Creating a Safe Environment Preventing Future Hazards Part of understanding how to save a squirrel involves preventing the need for rescue in the first place. Secure trash bins and remove access to bird feeders that might attract them into dangerous areas. Check your attic and chimney for entry points, as these spaces can become traps for nesting mothers. By making your property less inviting, you reduce the risk of squirrels needing rescue. When to Call the Professionals There are scenarios where the question of how to save a squirrel resolves into a simple answer: call the experts. If the animal is in a hard-to-reach location, such as behind walls or deep within a structure, professional removal is necessary. Additionally, if the squirrel is acting erratically, displaying signs of rabies, or if you are allergic to dander, do not attempt DIY methods. Wildlife experts have the tools and vaccines to handle these situations safely. Long-Term Squirrel Deterrence
Preventing Future Hazards
Part of understanding how to save a squirrel involves preventing the need for rescue in the first place. Secure trash bins and remove access to bird feeders that might attract them into dangerous areas. Check your attic and chimney for entry points, as these spaces can become traps for nesting mothers. By making your property less inviting, you reduce the risk of squirrels needing rescue.
There are scenarios where the question of how to save a squirrel resolves into a simple answer: call the experts. If the animal is in a hard-to-reach location, such as behind walls or deep within a structure, professional removal is necessary. Additionally, if the squirrel is acting erratically, displaying signs of rabies, or if you are allergic to dander, do not attempt DIY methods. Wildlife experts have the tools and vaccines to handle these situations safely.
After successfully resolving a rescue situation, the final step in coexistence is prevention. Squirrels are persistent creatures, so sealing gaps larger than half an inch is vital. Use metal flashing around bird feeders and trim tree branches that overhang the roofline. These measures ensure that the solution you implement today prevents the need for how to save a squirrel tomorrow.
