I Found a Baby Squirrel... Now What?

Whether you found a baby that has fallen out of a tree, or your cat brings you an injured one, everyone who finds an orphaned or injured baby squirrel asks the same question: "What do I do now?"

What Should I Do With a Baby Squirrel That Is Visibly Injured?

If a baby is brought in by a pet or is clearly injured, it will need expert care. The best thing you can do is to contact an experienced wildlife rehabilitator or a veterinarian who treats wildlife

📞 Call or text (203) 214-7427 to speak with a rehabilitator and find expert care for injured baby squirrels.

I Found a Baby Squirrel That Seems Healthy but Is Alone — What Next?

The best thing for healthy baby squirrels is to be reunited with their mother. If not, keep the baby warm and call a rehabilitator before providing hydration or food, as improper feeding can be fatal.

Many squirrels found on the ground have fallen from a tree and are trying to find their mother. To help with a reunion:

1. Keep the baby warm and safe.
2. Place it in a visible spot while you observe from a distance.

🕔 Dawn and dusk are the best times to attempt a reunion.

Between attempts keep the baby inside, wam, hydrated (see below!), and safe.

Steps for Reuniting:

• Use a box filled with fleece, flannel, or old t-shirts..
• Make a "rice buddy" for warmth: microwave  dry rice in a sock until very warm.

A Rice Buddy

• Place the baby on top of the fabric (make it visible) with the rice buddy next to it.
• Play a video of baby squirrel cries on your phone every 15 minutes to attract the mother.

Stay far enough away so the mother feels safe but close enough to ensure predators don't steal the baby.

⚠️ If there is no sign of the mother after 36-48 hours, she may be gone, and the baby will need to be hand-raised.

Mom Is Nowhere To Be Seen... What Now?

Step 1: Warm the Baby Up

Wrap the squirrel in a soft towel or t-shirt and place it on a heating pad or next to a warm rice buddy.

Step 2: Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator

To locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, you can:

1. Search Online: Use a search engine to find your state's list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators. most state wildlife agencies maintain updated directories.
   
2. Call or Text for assistance: You can contact (203) 214-7427 via call or text. Please include your town and state, and indicate that you need help locating a local rehabilitator.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to safely care for injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife, and reaching out promptly ensures the best possible outcome for the animal.

Step 3: Hydration

Any baby separated from its mom is likely dehydrated, and hydration must come before any milk replacer. A dehydrated baby cannot digest food properly.

What Can I Use to Rehydrate the Baby?

Make a homemade hydration solution:

• Option 1: 1 part pedialyte + 1 part warm water (approximately 95°F/35°C)
  
• Option 2: 1 cup warm water + 1 Tablespoon sugar + 1/4 teaspoon salt
  

How Do I Get The Baby to Drink?

You'll need a small syringe (1mL to 3mL) or a clean eyedropper.

• Feed very slowly to avoid aspiration.
• Place the tip in the side of the mouth and squeeze out one drop at a time.
• Let the baby drink at its own pace — never force it.

Young or weak babies may only take a few drops at a time. Be patient.

How Do I Prevent Aspiration?

Aspiration pneumonia (fluid in the lungs) is a common cause of death in baby squirrels.

• Always use a syringe, not a bottle.
• Hole the baby on its belly or upright in your hand (like it would nurse in the wild).
• Never feed the baby on its back

Proper Feeding Technique

How Will I Know If It's Rehydrated?

Clear, regular urination is the main sign.

• Dark or strong-smelling urine = dehydration.
• Frequent, clear urination = ready for milk replacer.

Stimulate the baby to urinate by gently flicking a damp tissue or toilet paper over its genitals -- just like a mother squirrel would.

What Do I Feed a Baby Squirrel?

Never give cow's milk — it can be fatal.

There is no universal milk replacer for wild mammals. Until you can get proper squirrel formula, use a substitute:

Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer (Powder)

• Widely available at per/farm stores.
• Not perfect, but high quality and digestible.
• Use short-term until proper squirrel formula arrives.

Best Squirrel Milk Replacers

• Fox Valley Formula 20/50 for Baby Squirrels
• Wombaroo Squirrel Milk Replacer

Both are available in our Baby Squirrel Kits. Read the product descriptions and consult a wildlife rehabilitator to choose the right one.

Transitioning to Squirrel Formula

Switching too quickly can cause digestive upset. Transition slow:

• 2 feedings: 75% Substitute / 25% Squirrel Formula
• 2 feedings: 50% Substitute / 50% Squirrel Formula
• 1 feeding: 25% Substitute / 75% Squirrel Formula

If diarrhea or constipation starts, text or call (203) 214-7427.

Keep Them Safe & Warm

You'll need a safe sleeping setup:

• A large plastic tub works well and is easy to clean.
• Use soft fleece or old t-shirts as bedding.

The perfect setup

• Keep pets away — even friendly ones can harm a baby squirrel.

Warmth Is Vital

Baby squirrels can't regulate their body temperature and will die if they get cold.

• Use a rice buddy temporarily.
• Long-term, use a heating pad under one half of the box, so the baby can move away if it gets too hot.

⚠️ Most heating pads have 2 hour auto-shutoff timers.

We recommend Henry's Heating Pad or a No-Auto-Shutoff Heating Pad for overnight warmth.

Looking Ahead

Baby Squirrels need:

• Milk Replacer until about 16 weeks of age
  
• To be weaned slowly — let the baby lead

At 6-7 weeks, you can introduce solids — but only healthy foods:

✅ Try Henry's Blocks (nutritious starter food) and approved vegetables from our Healthy Diet Guide.

🚫 Never give nuts, seeds, or fruit early on — they'll become addicted and refuse healthier options. Always remove pits and seeds to prevent choking.

Release & Overwintering

Squirrels raised in human care need a gradual release process. They don't have a mother to teach them squirrel survival skills.

Most are ready to begin release around 5 months old.

If the baby isn't ready before fall, it must be overwintered indoors — a major commitment. If that's not possible, contact a rehabber.

More Resources

If you are caring for a baby squirrel, please read our free:

• Baby Care Guide
• Weaning Guide
• Healthy Diet Guide

📞 Call us at (540) 745-3334 for help!