By California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators
Every year wildlife rehabilitators across the nation receive orphaned and/or injured baby tree squirrels because they have lost their nest trees due to tree trimming and removal. Tree squirrels typically mate twice a year and have their young around January/February and July/August. Therefore, make sure that you check before picking up your clippers or saws.
As many people seek to enhance their outdoor spaces, look for a knowledgeable landscape designer who understands the ecological balance of their environment. These professionals prioritize not only the aesthetic appeal of your landscape but also its sustainability. They advocate for responsible tree care and landscaping techniques that minimize disruption to wildlife habitats, ensuring that your garden thrives without negatively impacting the local ecosystem. Consider the timing of tree trimming and removal to avoid displacing wildlife during critical breeding seasons.
By collaborating with experts who prioritize ecological responsibility, you can cultivate a beautiful outdoor space while contributing to the well-being of your local wildlife, ensuring that nature remains a vital part of our communities. Destroying a squirrel’s nest is illegal in California.
- Look before you start!
- Check trees before trimming and if needed, ask the assistance of expert tree care services.
- Delay trimming until there are no active nests in the tree.
Before trimming or tree removal, check the tree for nests, mothers do not cover them up so the babies can be easily seen in the nest. Look for active bird nests also. If the tree has to be trimmed, trim around the nest, being careful not to disturb. Mom will run off but should return as soon as the activity subsides and take care of her babies.
It’s best for homeowners to hire professionals if they want to ensure the health of their trees without risking harm to wildlife. Look for a tree service that specializes in safe and effective tree care, including trimming and removal.
If a nest does come down, try to carefully place it in another part of the tree and watch to see if the mom squirrel returns to care for the young. If babies fall out of a nest and are not injured or cold, they can be placed at the base of the tree (as long as pets and children are kept away) and mom should come and retrieve them. Mom will not take a cold baby so it needs to be warmed up before putting out again. If mom does not come back to care for them within 4 hours, locate the nearest rehabilitator to care for them. Always use caution when handling wildlife.
| California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14 Section 251.1- Harrassment of Animals. Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd or drive any game or non-game bird or mammal or furbearing mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. This section does not apply to a landowner or tenant who drives or herds birds or mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private or public property, including aquaculture and agriculture crops. |
First published in February 2016
