Finding a baby squirrel alone can be concerning, as these young animals are highly dependent on their mothers. Their early days involve significant developmental needs, making separation a serious challenge. Understanding the conditions that impact their survival helps in assessing the situation.
Factors Influencing Survival
A baby squirrel’s survival without its mother depends on biological and environmental factors. Young squirrels born hairless with closed eyes cannot regulate their body temperature and are vulnerable to hypothermia without their mother’s warmth. Without consistent nourishment, they quickly become dehydrated and starve. Their tiny bodies have limited energy reserves, requiring regular milk intake from their mother.
The squirrel’s age influences its resilience during separation. Neonates, or “pinkies,” are entirely dependent on maternal care for warmth, feeding, and waste elimination. As they develop fur and open their eyes, they gain some mobility and can withstand short periods without their mother. However, even older, furred babies remain unweaned and dependent on their mother for milk and learning survival skills.
Typical Survival Timelines
The duration a baby squirrel can survive without its mother varies by age and prevailing conditions. A newborn squirrel, hairless and with closed eyes, might only survive for a few hours without its mother’s warmth and milk, especially in cooler temperatures.
Slightly older squirrels, with fur and open eyes, can survive for a day or two, particularly if weather conditions are mild. However, prolonged absence of the mother leads to dehydration and starvation, as they cannot yet find their own food or water. Baby squirrels are typically weaned around 10 weeks of age and become fully independent between 10 to 12 weeks.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Squirrel
Upon finding a baby squirrel, first observe it from a distance to determine if it is truly orphaned or if the mother might return. Mother squirrels often retrieve their young, even if they have fallen from the nest. If the baby appears cold, injured, or is crying nonstop, it likely needs immediate assistance.
If intervention is necessary, gently place the baby squirrel in a small container lined with a soft cloth. Provide a warmth source, such as a chemical hand warmer, a hot water bottle wrapped in fabric, or a sock filled with warm rice, placed beneath the cloth. Avoid giving the squirrel any food or water, as improper feeding can cause severe health issues like aspiration pneumonia or digestive problems.
It is best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local animal control immediately. These professionals have the specialized knowledge and resources for proper care, ensuring the squirrel has the best chance of survival. Attempting to raise a baby squirrel yourself is generally not advisable due to their specific dietary and environmental needs.
Common Reasons for Separation
Baby squirrels become separated from their mothers for various reasons, often beyond the mother’s control. Natural events contribute to these separations, such as severe storms or strong winds that can dislodge nests, known as dreys, from trees. The destruction of a nest leaves the vulnerable young exposed on the ground.
Human activities also play a role in separating young squirrels from their mothers. Tree trimming, construction, or other disturbances near nesting sites can frighten a mother squirrel, causing her to abandon her young or inadvertently drop them while attempting to move them to a new location. Accidental falls from the nest can also occur, especially as young squirrels begin to explore their surroundings.