Emergency Care

If you find yourself with an injured or orphaned squirrel, Don’t Panic!

Step 1: Keep him/her warm!

Step 2: Do not attempt to feed until he/she is warm. Baby squirrels sometimes fall out of a nest that has been damaged in a storm or by an aggressive male squirrel. The squirrel may not be an orphan at all, but may have just fallen from its nest while learning to root around. If one squirrel has fallen from a damaged nest, others may have fallen out as well.

Step 3: Search the immediate area for more. Watch where you step! Look under bushes and fallen leaves where other babies may have taken cover. If no additional babies are found, continue to warm the baby squirrel in your hands or by holding it close to your body and then place it in a small box at the base of the tree. If the weather is cold, line the box with some towels and a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Lock up any loose dogs and cats and keep watch, from a distance, for one or two hours. Given time, the mother should return to retrieve her baby. The scent of humans will not stop the mother from taking back her baby. If the mother squirrel has not returned for her young within two hours, you probably do have an orphan on your hands.

Step 4: Once the baby is warm, the time comes for feeding; use scalded milk formula. Go to Clarissa's site for recipe – you have all the ingredients in your own kitchen!

Step 5: Go to Clarissa's site for immediate intervention instructions (section entitled Upon receiving a baby squirrel). Follow carefully. We began rescuing squirrels a couple of years ago and I can honestly say that 100% of our rescues have recovered and thrived following Clarissa's instructions. This is the primary reason we do not include nutrition and care information on our site, but instead provide links directly to Clarissa's. The tried and true methods that Sqwirlz endorses are to be found on Clarissa's pages. They are easy to read and easy to follow, and cannot be improved upon.

We here at Sqwirlz try to present information that is helpful in a variety of situations, whether educational or situational. Living in Florida, and having been through Hurricane Season 2004, and most recently, the drought conditions that have prompted record Fire Seasons, we are now working on a section of this site called Environmental Emergencies. The information presented on this page comes from actual experiences of our Sqwirl Moms, emergency preparation particular not to humans, (Red Cross does an excellent job of that) but for our particular issues – wildlife care preparation. While many sites help pet owners prepare their pets for emergency situations, very few address the special preparations that are contraindicated with wildlife that have come into our care. If you have some information and recommendations to share to this end, by all means please contact us. We welcome all input – experience is a valuable thing!

Varieties
While I loathe to use the word “common,” I find it occasionally necessary. I have explained this to the squirrels I work with, and they forgive me, so I hope you will, too. There are three varieties of squirrel common to Florida:

Flying squirrels and gray squirrels are abundant in wooded suburbs having mature oaks, hickory trees, and a supply of cavity trees. They often nest in an abandoned woodpecker hole or a bird nest box. If you notice Spanish moss protruding from your birdhouse, you probably have a flying squirrel in residence. Gray squirrels are active during the day, but flying squirrels are nocturnal animals.

The fox squirrel depends upon the richly diverse landscape of the Flatwoods (more common in Florida than any other plant community and dominated by longleaf pines, slash pines, and low-growing saw palmettos) for shelter and food. Two sub-species of fox squirrel, the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel (Sciurus Niger Avicenna) and the Sherman’s Fox Squirrel (Sciurus Niger Sherman), both now appear on the official List of Florida’s Endangered Species. The Big Cypress Fox Squirrel is listed as “Threatened” while the Sherman’s Fox Squirrel is listed as a “Species of Special Concern” at this time.

Characteristics
We are going to stick with the Big Three here (No, not the Gators, ‘Noles or ‘Canes, people!) Geez. You’d think we were in the SEC and football season around here! We’re talking grays, foxes & flyers!

At the onset of autumn, you may notice that white tufts of fur appear behind squirrels’ ears; this is normal. The “teddy bear ears.” It is a part of their winter coat, and helps to keep them warm. You may also notice changes in the coloration of squirrels’ coats during the year. It is a seasonal occurrence, and helps them to blend in their surroundings. Just because the gray squirrel has taken on some red or gold in his coat does not mean he has been misidentified and is actually a fox squirrel; it just means nature is at work again.

Nuts, seeds, berries, mushrooms and insects make up your basic Floridian squirrel diet. For all practical purposes, squirrels are vegetarians, and I’m only guessing here, but I believe that any insects they consume may be purely coincidental to whatever vegetation they happen to be consuming at the time – much like us humans! (Oh, like you haven’t inadvertently swallowed a bug before!) We have several old citrus groves around here, and I have seen the squirrels devour oranges, tangerines, and some occasional lime. (I have yet to see one try a grapefruit or a lemon!) By the way, peanuts are not nuts. They are legumes. I grew up in the South and have seen my share of peanut farms, but have never seen a squirrel in a peanut field, rooting around like a pig for truffles, then hunkering down for a feast of farm fresh peanuts. I do not mean to imply they do not enjoy peanuts, but peanuts simply are not a natural choice for them. For a comprehensive listing of dietary requirements for squirrels in care, please go to Clarissa's site.

In the chart, the age at which squirrels are sexually mature does not necessarily mean that is the age at which they will “go forth and multiply.” Like humans, just because the physical body is prepared to do such, the reality of the situation is more frequently than not quite another story! In a discussion with someone in the position to know such things, it has come to my attention that most gray squirrels (the boys and the ) do not breed until they are over a year old, and fox squirrels are two years old before they are actually able to breed. Just because Harry or Sally is old enough to date does not mean either is ready for marriage and family! And just like people, there are times when a particular squirrel – male or female – never does “hook up” with another squirrel; perhaps other matters, such as career or travel, take precedence in these squirrels’ lives, or maybe the urge just never strikes. (You go girl, Minnie! And thank you, Clarissa!)

Gentlemen squirrels with romance on the brain are quite ardent in pursuing intimate liaisons with lady squirrels throughout mating seasons. Lady squirrels, on the other hand, are ready to mate only one day out of each season. I personally have observed a certain lady squirrel in our yard who gave every appearance of boxing the ears of an overly affectionate gentleman squirrel, however, this is not always the case; the lady squirrels can breed with up to thirty different partners in a 24-hour period!

The figures provided in the above chart are somewhat flexible. Again, just as in humans, not all babies develop at the same age; some are precocious, some develop at the textbook rate, others a little slower. Just like the human baby who was slow to learn to talk but began walking very early, some baby squirrels may open their eyes earlier and dawdle around getting weaned.

When lady squirrels become mother squirrels they usually deliver two litters a year. The babies are born hairless, blind, and only about two inches from nose to tail. My husband once remarked that an orphaned baby we received looked amazingly like a baby hippopotamus with a long skinny tail, and he insisted on calling the baby “Hippo-Man.” He even questioned that the baby was indeed a squirrel, but Benjy soon grew hair and proved to his foster dad once and for all what baby squirrels look like!

Soon after the fuzz and the fur start to come in, the babies’ eyes open. Squirrel mothers are strict and very careful that their babies do not leave the nest until several more weeks. Unfortunately, many things can happen along the way and that’s how folks find themselves fostering baby squirrels. (Remember! If you do happen to find an orphaned baby, be certain to search the surrounding area for other babies since there may be more than one baby from that litter who needs your help!) Once Mother Squirrel gives the babies permission to leave the nest of their own accord, no time is lost in the gathering of the nuts and other assorted goodies found! One can only liken it to handing the car keys over for the first time to a 16-year old with a new license and Dad’s car.

Gentlemen squirrels are solitary creatures and usually leave the lady squirrels immediately after The Liaison not of their own accord but because the ladies simply seem to prefer not to have the gentlemen underfoot, leaving dirty socks on the floor, and hogging the remote. The squirrel mother is very protective and will usually not allow the father to return to stay with the babies, even after they are grown, because he may harm the children. Apparently, this allows the mother to go back into heat sooner. (Can the power of the almighty acorn ever lure his thought away from romance?) However, I have heard that occasionally the situation is a little different up North and the father squirrels are sometimes are allowed to winter over with the family during the coldest months…Of course, he IS expected not to hog the electric blanket!

Domestication

It ain’t happenin’.

I would like to take this moment to advise that squirrels are not meant to be domesticated pets, and nowhere, nor for any reason, do we endorse their being kept as pets.

Squirrels have the capacity to nip and scratch quite ferociously, and this can be most alarming to the unsuspecting caretaker. Sometimes a case of mistaken identity can occur: Your finger for the nut. But I myself can advise you that a trip to the emergency room for stitches and x-rays can occur. Tendons and veins can be torn, tooth and bone fragments must be checked for. Antibiotics may be prescribed. While this scenario was necessitated as the result of the rescue of an injured squirrel by the side of the road, I have also verified it can happen “within captivity.” Are you prepared for this, and the ensuing responsibilities? Look hard within yourself at your own motivations.

Space can also be an issue. I refer directly to the Florida Administrative Code, Standard Caging Requirements, Rules 68A-6.003(2)(e) and 68A-6.004. I also heartily recommend reading Florida Statute Chapter 372 and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 68A-6 If you do not have the time to read these, how on earth will you find the time to properly care for a wild animal?

Like all babies, they are so adorable when young, but like all babies, they do grow up. We understand that it is hard not to become attached, but though you have saved their lives by bringing them in, you are taking away their lives by trying to keep them in a cage rather than give them their freedom if they are healthy and releasable. Do not misconstrue this site, or anything within its pages, as an endorsement for keeping squirrels as pets.

I will not go into details as every case is individual, but there are releasable squirrels and those who require long-term, lifelong care; these are the unreleasables. Simply loving a squirrel too much to release it does not determine the squirrel unreleasable. But releasing a squirrel who is unreleasable, rather than finding a suitable, licensed home for its long-term care if you are unable provide it, is tantamount to a death sentence for that squirrel. If you are going to “interfere with nature” then at least be prepared to do it properly.

I am sorry if this sounds stern, but these are not hamsters we are talking about. There is a reason licensure is involved.

Sqwirlz has a network of experienced squirrel moms across the state of Florida. Each complies with the dietary requirements set forth in Clarissa's site, each has taken the Nutball Oath, and has a history of successful rescues and releases. If you have found yourself in possession of an injured or orphaned squirrel and need to get this squirrel to one of the squirrel moms, please contact me through the link provided so the squirrel mom in your area can make arrangements with you.

Why Licensure?

As stated in the Florida Wildlife Commission’s memorandum, dated August 9, 2002, “It is unlawful to buy, sell, or transfer wildlife to or from any unpermitted entity in Florida.” Heads up, Squirrel Moms, going to pick up or having someone deliver into your possession an orphaned or injured squirrel, is covered by the Class III Wildlife Permit. The criteria are simple enough, and if you follow the information found within this site, as well as Clarissa's site, you will easily obtain all the information you need to successfully complete your application. I can highly recommend your also including a cover letter along with your application. It allows a personal touch, and lets the FWC get a clearer picture of you as a person!

Trivia

There are some 365 varieties of squirrels around the world.

Squirrels have been clocked in at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. The average squirrel, however, usually scampers about at no more than 12 miles per hour – and that’s without sneakers!

President Teddy Roosevelt kept flying squirrels as pets in the White House.

Arguably, the most popular squirrel of the big screen is Scratch, from the movie Ice Age!

Squirrels do see in color, but are yellow and blue colorblind.

There are no squirrels on the continent of Australia except the Palm Squirrels kept in the Perth and Taronga zoos!

The squirrel family (Sciuridae) comprises approximately 40% of all mammals. The family is divided into seven sub-families, the most common of which are ground squirrels, flying squirrels and the tree squirrels.

There are 18 different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookie zoo and not one is a squirrel!

It is estimated that millions of the trees in the world are accidentally planted by squirrels, which having buried nuts have then forgotten where they hid them.

Squirrels can be considered pre-historic animals. The oldest known fossilized squirrel skeleton is over fifty million years old!

The word "squirrel" derives from the Greek words "skia", which means "shadow", and "oura", which means "tail". The Greeks understood "squirrel" to mean "a creature that sits in the shadow of its tail."

Who’s the most famous flying squirrel ever? Rocky – from Rocky & Bullwinkle (Rocky is a brainy squirrel. He lives with his best pal, Bullwinkle Moose, in Frostbite Falls. )

Magic Kingdom secret: The animals at the Jungle Cruise might be fake, but the critters that call Tom Sawyer Island home are definitely real. Tom Sawyer Island hosts have encountered rabbits, ducks, squirrels, mice, snakes and even alligators while roaming the island.

Common Name / Genus species	Coloration
Eastern Grey Squirrel / Sciurus carolinensis	Back is gray (shading light to dark) and may be tinted with red/gold on hips, feet and head. Underside is white to light gray.
Fox Squirrel / Sciurus Niger	Back is red-brown to black, belly is a pale gold, and they can sport a white blaze on the face.
Southern Flying Squirrel / Glaucomys volans	Back is gray-brown in color, belly is white.

The Squirrel	Lifespan (wild)	Body Length*	Tail Length	Body Weight
Eastern Gray	7- 8 yrs	14”-21”	5”-10”	10.6 oz – 25 oz (1.56 lbs)
Fox	7- 8 yrs	17”-28”	7”-13”	17.6 oz (1.1 lb) – 35.3 oz (2.2 lb)
Southern Flying	5 years	7”- 10”	3”- 5”	1.5 oz – 3.5 oz

The Squirrel	Age at which Sexually Mature		Mating Season	Gestation Period	Maternity Ward most active ~
The Squirrel	Males	Females	Mating Season	Gestation Period	Maternity Ward most active ~
Eastern Gray	10 mos	5 mos	Dec-Feb, May-Jun	44-46 days	Mid-Jan to Mid Apr, Mid-Jun to Mid-Aug
Fox	10 mos	6 mos	Dec-Feb, May-Jun	44-46 days	Mid-Jan to Mid Apr, Mid-Jun to Mid-Aug
Southern Flying	12 mos	6 mos	Jan-Feb, Jun-Jul	40 days	Mid-Feb to Mid-Apr, Mid-Jul to Mid-Sep

The Squirrel	Size of Litter		Start to get Fuzzy/Furry	Eyes Open	Weaning
The Squirrel	Spring	Late Summer	Start to get Fuzzy/Furry	Eyes Open	Weaning
Eastern Gray	1-2	2-5	3- 4 wks	7 weeks	10 weeks
Fox	1-3	2-5	3- 4 wks	6 weeks	8 weeks
Southern Flying	2-3	2-6	3- 4 wks	4-6 weeks	6-8 weeks