What to do if you find…

Baby Squirrels

Orphan Alert: Most often, a baby squirrel on the ground has fallen from its nest, and the mother may be nearby. If possible, check on the baby squirrel from a distance only once per hour to see if the mother comes to rescue her stranded baby. Protect the baby from cats and dogs but stay far enough away to allow the mother to retrieve her baby. This is the best possible outcome.

1. Always wear gloves when handling baby squirrels.

2. First, establish that the baby squirrel needs to be rescued (see above). If there is no sign of the mother, or if the baby squirrel is injured or being stalked by a predator, it’s time to bring the baby to Native Animal Rescue.

3. Warm a soft cloth in the dryer or a microwave over for no more than 30 seconds and place it in the bottom of a box with air holes. Keep the box warm by placing it on a warm towel or on a heating pad set on low.

3. Carefully lift the baby and place it in the box.

4. Close the box and bring it to Native Animal Rescue following the directions below.

5. If you are uncomfortable handling the baby squirrel, call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.

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