Identifying an Injured Squirrel
If you are unsure whether a squirrel is injured, the first step is observation. Signs of an injured squirrel include limping, cuts or abrasions on its body, and abnormal behavior such as not fleeing from humans or staying in one place for a prolonged period.
Other signs may include visible wounds, bleeding, or inability to use one or more limbs. It’s crucial to assess these signs from a distance initially to avoid causing additional stress to the squirrel.
If you notice any of these signs, you might need to intervene. But remember, wildlife rehabilitation regulations vary by location, so consult local wildlife authorities for advice first.
How to Safely Capture an Injured Squirrel
Once you determine that intervention is necessary, the next step is safe capture. Here are some steps to follow:
- Use protective gloves to avoid getting scratched or bitten.
- Approach the squirrel slowly and calmly to prevent causing additional stress.
- Gently place a towel or blanket over the squirrel to minimize movement.
- Carefully pick up the squirrel using the covered towel or blanket and place it in a secure, ventilated box or carrier.
Assessing the Injury
After safely capturing the squirrel, you need to assess the extent of its injuries. Look for visible wounds, broken bones, or signs of internal injury such as swelling or bruising. If you’re unsure about the extent of the injury, it’s best to consult an expert.
Remember, only licensed wildlife rehabilitators should administer medical treatment to wildlife. Your primary goal should be stabilization and transport to a professional.
Providing Initial Care
Before you transport the squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator, there are a few things you can do to provide initial care:
- Keep the squirrel warm by placing a heating pad set to low or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel under one side of the box.
- Provide a soft, quiet environment to minimize stress. Keep the box in a dark, quiet room and avoid handling the squirrel more than necessary.
- Do not attempt to feed the squirrel unless instructed by a professional. Feeding the wrong diet can cause more harm than good.
Transporting to a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Once the squirrel is stabilized, it’s time to transport it to a wildlife rehabilitator. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control for advice on where to take the squirrel. Ensure the transport is safe and smooth to avoid aggravating the injuries.
Make sure the transport box is secure, ventilated, and warm. Keep noise levels low and avoid sudden movements during transport.
Long-term Care and Release
It’s important to follow the advice of the wildlife rehabilitator regarding long-term care. They will instruct you on the necessary steps to ensure the squirrel’s recovery. This may include specialized diets, exercise routines, and check-ups.
Once the squirrel is fully recovered, the wildlife rehabilitator will guide the release back into the wild. The goal is to ensure the squirrel can thrive independently again. Release should preferably be in the same area where the squirrel was found, as they are territorial animals.
Preventing Further Injuries
After the release, there are steps you can take to prevent further injuries to squirrels in your area. Keeping your garden or yard safe from domesticated pets like cats and dogs can significantly reduce the risk to wildlife.
Additionally, safeguarding windows and ensuring bird feeders are squirrel-proof can prevent accidents. Properly securing trash bins and avoiding the use of rat poison can also help in maintaining a safe environment for squirrels and other wildlife.
Recognizing Different Squirrel Species
Understanding the different types of squirrels in your area can assist in providing appropriate care. For instance, the Eastern Gray Squirrel is common in many parts of the United States, while the Columbian Ground Squirrel is typically found in the mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest.
Different species may have specific dietary and habitat requirements, so knowing the type of squirrel you are rescuing can be crucial for its care.
FAQs About Rescuing and Caring for Injured Squirrels
What should I do if I find an injured squirrel?
If you find an injured squirrel, observe its behavior to determine if it needs help. Contact local wildlife authorities or a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on how to proceed.
Is it safe to handle an injured squirrel?
It’s best to avoid handling an injured squirrel unless absolutely necessary. Use protective gloves and cover the squirrel with a towel or blanket before attempting to pick it up.
How can I transport an injured squirrel safely?
Use a secure, ventilated box or carrier for transport. Keep the environment warm and quiet to minimize stress during the journey to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can I feed an injured squirrel?
Do not attempt to feed an injured squirrel unless instructed by a professional. Providing the wrong diet can cause further harm.
Where can I take an injured squirrel for help?
Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control to find the nearest facility that can provide the necessary care for the injured squirrel.
How long does it take for an injured squirrel to recover?
The recovery time for an injured squirrel varies depending on the severity of the injuries. Follow the advice of the wildlife rehabilitator for a proper recovery plan.
What should I do after releasing a recovered squirrel?
Ensure the environment is safe for the squirrel by securing potential hazards like pets, windows, and unsecured trash bins to prevent future injuries.
How can I prevent squirrels from getting injured in the first place?
Take measures such as safeguarding windows, ensuring bird feeders are squirrel-proof, and keeping pets away from potential squirrel habitats to reduce the risk of injuries.
Can I keep a rescued squirrel as a pet?
It’s generally not recommended to keep wild animals as pets. Squirrels are best cared for by professionals who can provide appropriate rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.
Common Injuries in Squirrels
Understanding the types of injuries that squirrels commonly suffer can help you better assess the situation and provide the necessary care. Squirrels may suffer from broken limbs, cuts, or internal injuries often caused by falls, vehicular accidents, or attacks by predators.
Another frequent issue is entanglement. Squirrels can get stuck in netting, string, and other man-made materials. In such cases, carefully cutting away the entangled material can provide immediate relief, but follow-up with a professional is still critical.
Types of Wildlife Rehabilitators
When dealing with an injured squirrel, it’s helpful to know the types of wildlife rehabilitators available. Some specialize in small mammals, while others might focus on birds, reptiles, or large mammals. Identifying a rehabilitator who specializes in squirrels will ensure the animal gets the best possible care.
Facilities like wildlife rehabilitation centers often have the resources and knowledge to handle complex injuries and provide long-term care if needed. Local veterinarians might also be able to offer initial care and help you find a suitable rehabilitator.
What to Expect at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Taking an injured squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitation center is an essential step for its recovery. These centers provide medical attention, food, and a safe environment for rehabilitation. Upon arrival, the squirrel will be assessed by professionals, and a treatment plan will be put in place.
Expect the rehabilitator to ask for details about how the injury occurred, which can help in understanding the context and extent of the injury. Follow-up visits might be necessary depending on the severity of the case.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior Post-Recovery
Post-recovery behavior in squirrels can vary depending on the extent of the injury and the care they received. Initially, squirrels may exhibit cautious behavior or be somewhat hesitant to return to their natural habitat. However, with time and proper rehabilitation, they often regain their normal activity levels.
If you’re involved in the release, make sure to observe from a distance to ensure the squirrel can adapt effectively but intervene if any immediate danger presents itself.
Communicating with Wildlife Authorities
Effective communication with wildlife authorities can help ensure you follow all legal requirements related to handling and rescuing wildlife. Regulations may vary by location, so always check local guidelines. You can usually find this information on the official website of your local fish and wildlife department.
Keeping a list of contacts, such as local wildlife rehabilitators and animal control, can be extremely useful in emergency situations.
Educational Resources
Several educational resources can help you become more knowledgeable about rescuing and caring for injured wildlife. Books, online courses, and community workshops often provide detailed information and practical tips on animal rescue.
Organizations like the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) offer a wealth of resources and can guide you on best practices for wildlife care.
Preventing Squirrel Injuries in Urban Areas
Urban areas pose a significant risk to squirrels due to traffic, lack of natural habitat, and human-related dangers. Simple measures like planting more trees, creating green spaces, and safely disposing of trash can go a long way in creating a squirrel-friendly environment.
Public awareness campaigns can educate residents about the importance of wildlife conservation and the steps they can take to reduce risks to urban squirrels.
Legal Considerations
Handling or caring for injured wildlife often comes with a set of legal considerations. In many places, only licensed wildlife rehabilitators are allowed to care for injured animals. Make sure to familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid any legal issues while trying to help an injured squirrel.
Consulting with local wildlife authorities before taking action can provide the legal framework necessary to proceed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Rescue
How do I know if a squirrel truly needs rescuing?
Observe for signs of injury such as limping, visible wounds, or inability to move. If unsure, consult local wildlife authorities.
What should be included in a rescue kit for squirrels?
A rescue kit should include protective gloves, a towel, a secure ventilated box, and a heating pad or warm water bottle.
Can I use over-the-counter medications on an injured squirrel?
It’s best to avoid over-the-counter medications as these can be harmful. Always contact a wildlife rehabilitator for appropriate treatment options.
What is the best time to release a recovered squirrel?
Releasing a squirrel in the early morning or late afternoon is ideal as it allows them ample time to find food and shelter before nightfall.
Why should I avoid feeding an injured squirrel?
Feeding an injured squirrel can cause additional stress and potential complications. Always consult a wildlife professional before offering food.
What roles do volunteer programs play in wildlife rehabilitation?
Volunteer programs provide essential support in areas like rescue, transport, and initial care, thus playing a critical role in wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
How can I educate my community about preventing squirrel injuries?
Hosting local workshops and distributing informational brochures can help educate your community about preventing squirrel injuries.
Are there specific traits to look for in a good wildlife rehabilitator?
Look for rehabilitators who are licensed, experienced, and have a good reputation for caring for small mammals like squirrels.
Can I monitor the progress of the squirrel’s recovery?
Many wildlife rehabilitators will provide updates on the squirrel’s progress, but it’s best to minimize frequent check-ins to avoid stressing the animal.
What is the importance of keeping the environment quiet for a recovering squirrel?
Squirrels are easily stressed by noise. A quiet environment aids in faster recovery and lessens the likelihood of stress-related complications.
