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Squirrels

Squirrels will retrieve their offspring when they fall or wander from the nest. They also have alternate nest sites if one nest is destroyed.  Give the mother squirrels plenty of time to find and rescue their young.

If you have found a baby squirrel in your yard, more than likely it has fallen or was blown out of its nest.  Look up into the trees to see if there are any cavities or leaf nests nearby. 

If the infant squirrel appears uninjured (no blood, scratches, punctures, bruises) then place the infant in the crook of a large branch or at the base of the tree.  The baby squirrel will be safer from predators if it is off the ground, but this may not be possible if the branches are up high.  If it is a cold or rainy day, then place the infant in a box turned on its side.  When the mother finds her infant, she will carry it back to the nest or to a new nest, since mother squirrels often have alternative nest sites. 

If the mother has not collected her young by nightfall, bring the baby inside and keep it in a box with a towel or rag.  Place the box half on and half off a heating pad set on the lowest setting; that way the squirrel can find its own comfort zone.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FEED THE SQUIRREL ANYTHING!  At this point, the goal is still to reunite the infant with its mother. Never give a squirrel cow’s milk, or formulas intended for human infants, puppies, kittens, etc., as these products can cause gastric distress and diarrhea.

The next morning, put the infant back out by the tree.  If the mother has not collected offspring by mid-day, then (and only then) should you bring it to our hospital.  Although well-intentioned, humans are always the poorest possible substitute for the natural parents.  Please note: it is illegal to possess any wild animal unless you are transporting it to a licensed rehabilitator.  

IF THE YOUNG SQUIRREL SHOWS SIGNS OF INJURY (bleeding or having been attacked by a cat or dog), bring it IMMEDIATELY to OWC’s hospital. OWC relies on individual donations; we would greatly appreciate a monetary donation to help with the animal’s care.

Our Hospital is located at 2661 Billingsley Rd., Columbus, 43235.  We are open from 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday and from 9am to 3pm on weekends

Thank you for caring about Ohio’s wildlife!
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