Baby squirrels, often hidden from human view in their nests, communicate through a variety of high-pitched squeaks and chirps. These vocalizations are their primary means of interacting with their mother and siblings, especially during their vulnerable early weeks. Understanding these sounds can offer insights into their needs and behaviors.
Understanding Baby Squirrel Squeaks: The Reasons Behind Their Calls
Baby squirrels use squeaks to convey a range of messages, reflecting their immediate needs and surroundings. These sounds are an innate survival mechanism, designed to elicit a response from their mother. The specific pitch, volume, and pattern of squeaks can vary, providing clues about the young squirrel’s condition.
One common reason for squeaking is distress or separation. A baby squirrel that is lost, cold, injured, or has fallen from its nest will often emit persistent, high-pitched calls to signal its plight. These cries attract the mother to retrieve her young and return it to safety.
Squeaks also serve as a direct communication for hunger or thirst. Young squirrels use soft, repetitive “muk-muk” sounds or whines to indicate their need for food and water from the mother. This communication is crucial for their survival, as they develop rapidly and require frequent nourishment.
Beyond immediate physical needs, squeaks can also be a call for maternal attention and comfort. Within the nest, these sounds help maintain contact between the young and their mother, ensuring warmth and reassurance. Baby squirrels might also use chirps or soft chatters to interact with their littermates.
While less common in very young squirrels, squeaks can escalate into alarm calls if they sense danger. A piercing screech or rapid high-pitched squeaks can warn other squirrels of a potential threat, such as a predator nearby. This indicates discomfort or fear.
What to Do If You Encounter a Squeaking Baby Squirrel
When you encounter a squeaking baby squirrel, observing the situation from a distance is the initial step. The mother squirrel often leaves her young temporarily to forage for food and may be nearby. Immediate intervention can sometimes do more harm than good, as human presence might deter the mother from returning.
Next, assess the squirrel’s condition to determine if it is truly in distress or orphaned. Look for signs such as injury, shivering, or the presence of flies. If the baby is uninjured and appears healthy, give the mother a chance to return for several hours, especially during daylight.
Avoid direct contact with the baby squirrel whenever possible. Handling wild animals can cause them stress, and there’s a risk of disease transmission or being bitten. If you must move the squirrel, wear thick gloves and place it gently into a shallow, open container like a shoebox lined with a soft cloth.
If the baby squirrel is cold and unfurred, provide temporary warmth. You can place a warm water bottle or a chemical hand warmer wrapped in a towel next to the squirrel in the container. Ensure a barrier between the heat source and the squirrel to prevent burns. Do not offer food or water, as incorrect feeding can be harmful.
For an orphaned, injured, or sick baby squirrel, contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization. These professionals have the expertise and resources to provide proper care. Search online for rehabilitators in your area; they can offer specific guidance or arrange intake.