09/26/2024
In preparation of Hurricane Helene, we are reposting these important instructions on how to reunite baby squirrels with their mothers:
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We cannot stress enough the importance of attempting to re-nest baby squirrels blown out from their nests and reunited back to their mothers after a rainstorm. If they are not injured, we ask that you PLEASE TRY our technique first before scooping them up and calling a rehabber to come take them off your hands. Listed below are step by step instructions on just how easy it is to attempt reuniting babies with their Momma.
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1. If you find a baby during a storm, bring it inside and keep it warm and dry in a dark, quiet place.
*DO NOT handle it other than to put it into a box with some nesting material, blankets or spare rags to keep it warm (Do not use washcloths or towels, they have loops that will snag on tiny toenails).
*DO NOT attempt to feed/water it. (Mother will handle that once she is reunited with baby, or if it ends up with a rehabber, it'll receive a special formula that baby can tolerate).
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2. Once the bad weather has passed, you may go ahead and start your attempt to re-nest, even if it has been with you for an entire day or overnight. Attach a small box with flaps or even a basket to the tree or in the immediate vicinity from where the baby fell. (see photo posted below for example). Make sure to anchor it to the tree (at eye level) using screws, nails or duct tape around the tree if needed for better support. The photo used below is how we have had success with reuniting babies. Make sure the container will not retain water by putting a few small holes in the bottom for proper drainage.
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3. Put a layer of grass, leaves or straw in the box to keep baby warm. (Don't use a washcloth or towel because they can get their little claws snagged in the loops).
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4. Try to entice Mom squirrel to come for her babies by playing baby squirrel cries on YouTube from your cell phone or wireless speaker. (Play the sound for 30-40 seconds from the baby's location at the box and afterwards, walk away so she will be able to come get the babies on her own). Move away from the tree and monitor from a short distance. If no activity is seen after 20-30 minutes, repeat the process again (may need to be repeated several times). Squirrels almost always have a secondary backup nest (drey) if the initial one is destroyed, so most likely she will be busy getting that set up before she comes back to retrieve her young. Make sure all domestic pets are out of the yard, away from the area for safety. If a dog or cat is around, she will not come back until they are gone.
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5. If there is more than one baby, Mama will come back to retrieve them one at a time. She will take the first one, gather baby in her mouth and scamper off and up a tree to put baby in the new nest. She will nurse her baby for a bit, then she will come back for the next one. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes to an hour before she comes back for the rest. It's an exhausting feat, hauling those babies up the tree ever so carefully in her mouth, so that is why we must remain patient!
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6. If after several hours, mother squirrel does not come back for her babies, that is when you will want to call a rehabber or Ahopha Wildlife Rescue for help and for further instructions. Our emergency number to reach us is 386-233-1054.
We hope this answers any questions in attempting to re-nest baby squirrels. If you need more advice along the way, we will happy to help guide you over the phone.
Mother's milk is the best milk for these babies in order to survive, so getting them returned back with Mother Squirrel is #1 priority at this time. Thank you for your help in saving our local wildlife!
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Note: This also works for baby birds.
