First steps
Start here
- Move the baby only if it is in immediate danger, such as traffic, fire, flooding, or an active threat from another animal.
- Look for urgent warning signs: injury, coldness, weakness, bleeding, ants or flies, or contact with a cat or dog.
- Keep pets and children away.
- Keep the baby warm, quiet, and contained.
- Do not feed the baby or give it water.
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
If the baby looks healthy
If the baby is warm, uninjured, and alert, reunification with its mother may be possible. Get guidance from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or one of the professional resources below before attempting it.
Do not assume that a baby found alone has been abandoned.
Professional guidance
Find help
These resources provide next-step guidance and can help you understand when professional care is needed.
The squirrelrehabilitation.com homepage contains some older or broken sections, but this specific baby-squirrel page is a commonly referenced resource.
Additional immediate guidance and help deciding what to do next.
California
Wild squirrels are not pets
This is a California-focused site. Wildlife possession and rehabilitation are regulated in California. Do not try to raise or keep a wild squirrel; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.