When encountering a tiny creature, the question of what a baby squirrel looks like often arises. Understanding their appearance at various stages of development can help with identification. This guide details their changing looks from birth to juvenile stages and how to distinguish them from other small rodents.
Appearance at Different Developmental Stages
A baby squirrel’s appearance changes significantly with age. During the newborn stage (0-2 weeks), they are tiny, weighing around 0.35 to 0.63 ounces. These kits are pink, hairless, and have their eyes and ears closed. Soft fur may begin to form around their mouth and nose by five days old, and their skin might start to turn gray as fur develops underneath by the end of the second week.
During the nestling stage (2-5 weeks), significant changes occur. Around two weeks, sparse, peach-fuzz-like fur emerges. By three weeks, a thin layer of gray-silver fuzz covers their bodies, though their bellies might remain mostly hairless. Their ears begin to open around the third week, and their eyes typically open by the fourth or fifth week. At five weeks, they are fully furred, including their belly, and their tail starts to become noticeably bushier.
During the weanling or juvenile stage (5-10 weeks), baby squirrels develop more adult-like features. By six to seven weeks, their fur and tail resemble those of an adult squirrel. They become mobile, capable of climbing and exploring outside the nest. By eight weeks, they look like miniature adults, with a full, bushy tail by ten weeks. They also transition from milk to solid foods around six to seven weeks, becoming fully weaned and independent by ten to twelve weeks.
Key Distinguishing Features
Differentiating a baby squirrel from other small rodents like baby rats or mice involves observing specific features. The tail is a key distinction. Even if not yet fully bushy, a baby squirrel’s tail is typically thicker and rounder compared to the thin, scaly tail of a rat or mouse. As they mature, the tail becomes increasingly fluffy and prominent.
Their toenails are another identifying characteristic. Baby squirrels consistently have dark or black toenails, a helpful indicator even for hairless newborns. In contrast, baby rats often have pink toenails. Head shape also differs; a newborn squirrel’s head is generally more rounded on top with an oblong shape, while a baby rat’s head tends to be flatter and tapers more sharply towards the snout. Baby squirrels also have shorter, thicker snouts compared to the longer, more defined snouts of baby rats.
What to Do If You Find One
If you encounter a baby squirrel that appears orphaned or in distress, observe it from a distance to determine if intervention is truly needed. Often, a mother squirrel may be nearby and will return to retrieve her young. Keep pets and children away from the area to allow the mother to approach without feeling threatened.
If the baby squirrel is cold, injured, or clearly abandoned, provide warmth and contact a professional. You can place the baby in a small container, such as a shoebox, lined with soft material and a warm source like a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. However, feeding the baby squirrel food or water should be avoided, as improper feeding can cause harm. The most appropriate action is to immediately contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization, as they possess the expertise and resources to provide proper care.