Tips for Saving a Squirrel Baby That Fell From Tree

A new law 'The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019' means that it's no longer possible for wildlife rehabilitators to rear young grey squirrels that have become separated from their mums, therefore reuniting infant squirrels with their mothers is their best chance at survival.

Keep baby squirrels where found

If you take the infant away from where it was found, such as to a vet or wildlife rescue centre, the new law prohibits returning the young squirrel to the wild. Luckily, in many cases, if given the opportunity, even in cases where their nest and tree have been destroyed, female squirrels will collect and relocate their babies to an alternate nest site.

The best thing to do is to keep the infant exactly where you found it, keep pets away and follow our step by step guide below. Check the area for any other siblings which may also need help.

More information

Helping a baby squirrel step by step guide

If the baby squirrel injured

The squirrel nest has fallen to the ground

If a baby squirrel or their nest has fallen to the ground, put them back in the tree for the mother to collect. The safest way to do this is to use a basket or pot you can put the nest in and hang or place in the tree.

If the nest hasn't fallen with the squirrel you can find leaves and small twigs to keep in the basket with the squirrels. Using a basket and securely placing it in the tree will be the best way to protect the baby squirrels from predators.

If the baby squirrels can't be placed back in the tree, female grey squirrels can also collect their offspring from the ground.

Check to see if the mum returns

Observe the fallen nest from a distance - if the parents don't return for over a few hours they're likely not to come back, so the baby squirrels may need to be relocated or rescued - however, the new law makes this difficult for grey squirrels.

Disturbing grey squirrel nests

Whilst we don't suggest disturbing grey squirrel nests containing babies, a video by The Humane Society provides a good example of a female collecting and relocating her offspring following them being removed from a roof cavity and placed in a temporary nest box attached outside the roof.

If a baby squirrel isn't reunited with their mother

Unfortunately, in cases when reuniting is unsuccessful, the infant has been moved away from where they were found, or the infant is injured or sick, humane euthanasia may be the best option to prevent the animal suffering.

Contacting your local vet is usually the quickest way to get help as our officers may be out attending other calls. If they're unavailable, please contact us and we'll do our best to help.

If you're asked to contain the infant this should be done wearing suitable gloves, and by quickly placing the baby squirrel into a secure box with ventilation holes, lined with a towel or newspaper. Please don't give the baby squirrels food or water, as this does more harm than good.

Tips for Saving a Squirrel Baby That Fell From Tree

Source: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/orphanedanimals/babysquirrels

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