What to do if you find…

Baby Squirrels

Orphan Alert: If you find one or more baby squirrels lying on the ground, they have most likely fallen from their nest and the mother may be nearby. It might be possible to reunite the babies with the mom which would be the best possible outcome. Do not try to feed the baby or give it water.

If the baby or babies are injured or being stalked by a predator or the weather is poor, please immediately bring the baby or babies to Native Animal Rescue or the wildlife rescue center nearest you. See transport instructions below and click on the map below for directions to Native Animal Rescue.

If the baby or babies are uninjured, not being stalked by a predator, and weather permits, you can try to reunite babies with the mother following these steps.

• Gently touch the baby to see if it’s warm. If it is cold, it will need to be warmed up. Please call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726 for advice on how to do this.
• Leave the baby or babies on the bare ground near where you found them or at the base of a nearby tree.
• With your cell phone near the baby and the volume turned up, click here to play squirrel baby cries. We recommend you stand back and out of sight.
• You can try this several times, but you don’t want the baby to get too cold or too hot, and you definitely don’t want to do this at night. 
• If your attempts to reunite the baby and mother are not successful, please take the baby to Native Animal Rescue or your nearest wildlife center. If you are uncomfortable handling the baby squirrel, or want advice, please call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.

Transport Instructions

• Warm a soft cloth in the dryer or a microwave; it should feel warm on your skin but not hot. Place the cloth in the bottom of a box that has air holes.
• Carefully lift the baby and place it in the box.
• Close the box and bring it to Native Animal Rescue at 1855 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, following the directions below. Or take it to the nearest wildlife rescue center.

Injured Adult Squirrels

USE CAUTION: Always wear thick leather gloves when handling mature squirrels. Get help from another person if possible. 

1. Place a box with ventilation holes over the squirrel.

2. Gently slide a piece of cardboard underneath the box until the piece of cardboard is completely under the box.

3. Secure the piece of cardboard to the box before lifting the box.

4. Slowly and gently rotate the box until the piece of cardboard is on the top.

5. Bring the injured squirrel to Native Animal Rescue following the directions below.

6. If you do not feel up to handling the squirrel, cover it with a box with ventilation holes and call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.

Native Animal Rescue    1855 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062