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Squirrels
Baby squirrels are usually seen with their mothers, but it’s not odd for them to be cavorting around on their own. It’s possible that they strayed away from their nest or got chased off by a predator if they were out exploring on their own. They can and do fall out of their nests.
If you’ve found one that did take a tumble from its nest and you see it is not injured, place the baby in a container and line it with a soft non ravelling cloth. If at all possible, attach the container up off the ground to avoid direct predation by domestic animals and children who may be curious. Attach this container in a nearby tree or to a pole or porch railing, very near to where you found it.
If you found the baby stumbling around your yard, or on a sidewalk, try looking up to find the nest. Their nest can be a leaf nest (looks like a big ball of leaves high in a tree) or in or on the eaves of a house. Check nearby houses for openings and building faults that indicate squirrels might be living in there, e.g. decaying or crumbling sections of roof, areas where soffit has been loosened or torn off, corners of roofs, etc. Place the makeshift container nest near that area.
Remember that wildlife view us as predators, and as the enemy. If you stand there under the box and in plain view of the mother, she will likely avoid coming to claim the baby. Go inside the house (or sit in a parked car very quietly) and watch carefully to see if the parent returns. Generally a mother squirrel will do this within a few hours time. If she hasn’t returned by dusk, she’s not likely to do so - that day. You’ll need to try again the following day. Follow the instructions for keeping the baby warm and call your nearest authorized wildlife custodian or wildlife centre.
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