The Second Baby Boom: What to Do if You Find a Baby Squirrel
Late summer through early fall isn’t just back-to-school season—it’s back-to-the-nest season for gray squirrels. Yup, these acrobatic little nut hoarders often have a second litter this time of year. Their nests, called dreys, are round bundles of leaves about the size of a basketball, tucked high in the branches.
But storms, tree trimming, and construction work can sometimes turn those treetop nurseries into eviction zones. And when that happens, you might just find yourself face-to-face with a tiny, closed-eyed, nearly naked squirrel baby.
Here’s what to do—and what not to do—if that happens.
1. Check Before You Chop
If you can delay major tree work until after baby season, do it. (Timing varies by region, so it’s best to do an internet search to find out when baby season is in your area). But if pruning or removal is a must, always look for nests first. Dreys can be surprisingly camouflaged, so scan carefully for those leafy basketball shapes before you fire up the chainsaw.
2. Give Mom a Chance
If a nest falls but the babies seem uninjured, resist the urge to scoop them up right away. Squirrel moms are dedicated (and surprisingly efficient) parents. Mom may move her young to a backup nest within hours—if they’re warm, safe, and undisturbed. (Yup, most squirrel mamas create backup nests just in case, ‘cause they are smart like that.)
3. Step In if They’re Cold or Injured
If the babies are clearly hurt, cold, or crying nonstop, it’s time for human intervention—but not DIY squirrel parenting. Place them in a shallow box lined with a soft cloth (no terrycloth or loose threads that could tangle tiny toes) and keep them warm. Then immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. You can usually find one through your state’s Department of Natural Resources or local wildlife rescue organizations. (This is a good number to find ahead of when you may need it and store it in your mobile phone for easy and quick reference.)
4. Keep Pets and People Away—Always
Even the gentlest pets or kids can accidentally injure or stress out baby wildlife. If you’re holding a rescued squirrel for a rehabber, keep it in a quiet room away from cats, dogs, and curious kids. Baby squirrels are so cute, and it will be tempting to cuddle them and watch them, but the stress from that can lead to their deaths. Take a few photos (rehabbers will often ask for these to assess next steps) and you’ll be able to share those pictures to your heart's content.
5. Remember: Raising Them Yourself Isn’t an Option
Squirrel care requires specialized diets, medical attention, and release plans you simply can’t replicate at home. Inexperienced care often leads to illness, injury, or an animal that can’t survive in the wild. The most loving thing you can do is connect them with the professionals. And, if you are in a position to do so, offer a financial contribution to the rehab organization to help with the care. Many rehabs are volunteer-run non-profits with (very) tight budgets. Any donation you can provide will be appreciated. If a monetary donation isn’t in the cards, you may have supplies on hand that can be useful for essential care. Think: soft baby blankets or burp cloths, fleece fabric, locking totes (which rehabbers can drill air holes into), small animal carriers, and even dog crates or bird cages, which are essential to help baby squirrels learn to be outdoors (safely) with room to learn climbing and leaping skills.
Our trees are more than just shade providers—they’re nurseries for the next generation of wildlife. A little awareness and a pause before you prune can mean the difference between a squirrel growing up wild and free… or not at all.
