How to Provide Care for a Wild Squirrel

Squirrels in the wild often suffer injuries, especially young ones. If you find yourself in a position to help a wild squirrel, ensure it has access to proper nutrition, shelter, and veterinary attention. Prioritize transferring the squirrel to a wildlife rescue facility promptly. It's crucial to note that keeping wild squirrels as pets is discouraged due to their unsuitability for captivity and legal restrictions in most regions. Familiarize yourself with the relevant laws before taking action.

Familiarize yourself with local regulations first. Regulations concerning the care of wild animals vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Prioritize understanding whether creating a habitat for a squirrel is permissible in your area before proceeding.

Ensure your squirrel enjoys a nutritious diet.

• Feeding a baby squirrel requires special care to provide essential nutrients. Avoid using regular milk or formula to prevent harm. Seek assistance from a veterinarian or wildlife rescue promptly. If you decide to care for the baby at home, online resources like TheSquirrelBoard.com can guide you.
• Specialized squirrel food may be available at pet stores, but accessibility varies. Online options exist, although delivery may take time. In emergencies, temporary formula recipes are available on TheSquirrelBoard.com.

Ensure an adequate water supply.

• Keep a water source within the squirrel's enclosure, using either a bowl or glass bottle. Ensure the bottle's stability to prevent accidents, especially for baby squirrels. Adding rocks or marbles to the water bowl can prevent drowning incidents.

Check for injuries or wounds.

• Assess the squirrel carefully for any signs of injury, especially if found in the wild. Handle the animal cautiously, wearing protective gear to avoid harm. Cleanse any wounds gently and observe for signs of parasites.
• Examine limbs for any abnormalities, particularly in baby squirrels vulnerable to falls. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for injured squirrels.

Promote physical activity.

• Allow your squirrel to exercise in a designated area of your home daily, removing any hazards. Encourage running, climbing, and play to maintain muscle strength.
• Restrict outdoor access without proper protection to prevent accidents or predation. Additionally, consider installing perches in the squirrel's cage for enrichment.

Ensure prompt wildlife rescue for your squirrel. Avoid attempting self-rehabilitation for injured squirrels. Prioritize finding a nearby wildlife rescue for immediate assistance.

Consider veterinary care if wildlife rescue isn't accessible. In areas without nearby rescues, opt for regular veterinary checkups for your squirrel's recovery. Locate an exotic veterinarian for comprehensive care and commence preparations for release cage construction with guidance from TheSquirrelBoard.com.

Verify the legality of squirrel ownership in your state. Familiarize yourself with state regulations regarding squirrel ownership and rehabilitation. Some regions prohibit ownership or removal of squirrels from the wild without proper permits. Consult your state's government website for detailed legislation.

Evaluate the challenges of domesticating wild squirrels. Keeping wild squirrels as pets is discouraged due to their non-domesticated nature and potential for destructive behavior. Prioritize transferring squirrels to wildlife rescues for proper care. Be prepared for significant financial investment before releasing the squirrel.

Consult with a wildlife rescue, if available. Releasing an injured animal back into the wild requires expertise. Contacting a local wildlife rescue before attempting rehabilitation ensures proper guidance. Even a brief conversation with a rescue worker can offer valuable insights into safe release practices.

Transition the cage outdoors. To preserve a wild squirrel's natural instincts, relocate the cage outdoors once the squirrel shows signs of recovery. This prevents excessive domestication and prepares the squirrel for eventual release.

• Shield the cage with a tarp for weather protection and shade.
• Consider a cage with a feeding door to prevent premature escapes.
• Place the cage within reach but away from human activity to avoid habituation.

Minimize human interaction. While providing necessary care, reduce daily interaction with the squirrel over time. Advise others to refrain from disturbing the squirrel to promote its wild behavior.

Release the squirrel at least five miles from its original location. Prevent potential pest issues by releasing the squirrel at a considerable distance from your home. Choose a release site with minimal predator presence and ensure the squirrel's safety during readjustment to the wild.

Select a suitable release site. Before releasing a squirrel, evaluate the location carefully.

• Research the local wildlife population and predator activity to choose a safe area.
• Ensure the presence of other squirrels for natural habitat integration.
• Avoid releasing near hazardous areas like busy roads or intersections.
• Confirm the legality of release in your chosen area to comply with regulations.