Squirrels and Chipmunks

If you have found squirrels or chipmunks that you believe need help please read this page and contact us so we can advise you. Never handle wild animals without gloves. These species can bite very hard. Use appropriate protective items and common sense. For injured or sick animals scroll to the bottom of this page.

If you have a squirrel nest that you need moved (in an attic, tree removal, etc.) please click here.

Tree-dwelling Species

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Red Squirrel

Northern and Southern Flying Squirrel (nocturnal)

Ground-dwelling Species

Eastern Chipmunk

Franklin’s Ground Squirrel

Woodchuck

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Orphaned?

Below is a list of signs to determine if the young are orphaned and need to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator:

  • They will start exploring outside the nest as they age, but will be alert and have fluffy tails.

    If they are clumsy, sleek fur/tails and the mother does not return within a few hours they may be orphaned and searching for her. Contact us before intervening.

  • Orphaned babies will start approaching humans or pets when they are hungry and mom hasn’t returned. Usually these babies are orphaned. Don’t feed them anything. Contact us.

  • If the baby has a wound, fell from a high nest, has nasal discharge, etc. contact us.

  • If a baby has flies, fly eggs (look like tiny grains of rice), fleas, many ticks, mange, etc. on it then it likely is orphaned and needs to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

  • If a young squirrel or chipmunk has been under human care or has been fed anything from a human caretaker a permitted wildlife rehabilitator needs to be contacted.

  • Babies should be warm and wiggly. If they are cold and/or lethargic they may need help.

  • Younger babies are easy to check for dehydration. Gently pinch the skin over the shoulder blades. If it takes 2+ seconds to return to normal or stays tented, then the baby is dehydrated and likely orphaned.

  • Cats create tiny puncture wounds that seal over quickly and can create pockets that become infected.

    Dogs create crushing injuries when they bite. Internal injuries may not present for a couple days.

  • If you see a dead squirrel/chipmunk it does not mean that mom has been killed. Mother animals will have visibly enlarged teats. If you are unsure contact us.

Most of these species have 2 litters each year. The first in early spring and the second in late summer/early fall.

Tree-dwelling squirrels have multiple nest sites. If you see a baby on the ground keep your distance. Mom may be moving it to her other nest. She will do this if she feels threatened in any way. It can take her until dark to move them. If she sees you or an animal by the baby she will not retrieve it. Please give her space. Snap a picture and contact us while you wait.

Don’t Be A Kidnapper!

1. Ensure that the baby(ies) is not orphaned. Contact us if you’re unsure.

2. Take a quick picture of the baby.

3. Get a shallow box that is too deep for the baby to climb out of but not too deep for mom to get into.

4. Put a hand towel or fleece on the bottom with another to snuggle in (no big/thick towels or blankets).

5. Using gloves, gently place the babies into the box.*

6. Put the box where you found the baby or as close to the nest as possible.

7. Put a warm rice sock or Hot Hands pack underneath half of the box.

8. Eastern Gray Squirrels – Play on a loop from YouTube “Baby Squirrel in Distress”. Make sure that the speaker is near the box. Be aware that this may also attract predators.

9. Back far away from the box. If mom feels threatened, she will not retrieve the baby. Threats include: you, pets, children, neighbors, construction/workers, tree trimming, lawn mowers, chainsaws, etc.  If it is not an option, she will likely return in the evening and take the babies to a new nest once activity has calmed down.

If the tree that the nest was in fell or was cut down the babies may have injuries. Contact us right away so we can talk through the situation with you. If they are not injured continue with the process.

Mom will retrieve one baby at a time. This may take her all day. Please have patience, especially if it’s a busy area.

10.  If the sun has completely set and all of the babies are still there and you haven’t seen any sign of their mom contact us and please bring them inside for the night.

11. Keep them in the box with a heating pad on low underneath half of the box.

12. Put them in a spare bedroom or bathroom away from pets, people and noise.

DO NOT give any food or liquids to the animal(s)!

DO NOT talk to, cuddle or handle them.

Reunification

Containing Injured & Orphaned Animals

If you believe that the animal needs help, please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it/them. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):

  1. Contact us so we can discuss the situation with you.

  2. Get an appropriately sized box for the animal. You may also use a pet carrier or container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.

  3. Put a towel or thin fleece blanket on the bottom of the box and another small piece of fabric for the animal(s) to snuggle in.

  4. Babies: Using gloves, use the hand towel to gently pick up or scoop the young into the box. Older juveniles may bite. Please be cautious of their mouths. If the animal is old enough to be walking/weaning and is alert do not handle it. Tip the box on its side. Place a small towel over the animal. Use a snow shovel to gently push the baby into the box. Slowly tip the box upright.         Adults: Assume that it will try to bite you. Use the shovel technique. Do not handle the animal.

  5. Secure the lid well.

  6. Put a heating pad underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the animal can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns. Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place water bottles or Hot Hands packs inside the box with the animal.

  7. Wash your hands.

  8. Bring the animal to us immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area of your home or garage that is away from pets, children and noise.

DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE ANIMAL!

DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal. Keep away from pets.

Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries occurred from you handling wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.