I found an injured squirrel

Check the chart below to see if you have a Fox or Grey tree squirrel or a California Ground Squirrel, what age and sex. Juvenile tree squirrels are old enough to be on their own if they have a big fluffy tail like an adult. Ground squirrels have white around the eyes, shorter less fluffy tails, are smaller and have white spots on their shoulders. These are the common squirrels in California.


Tree Squirrel 1.5 wk pinky fm.	Tree Squirrel 3 wk.- Fox	Tree Squirrel 4 wk.- Fox	Tree Squirrel 5 wk. male-Fox	Tree Squirrel 7 wk. male-Fox
Tree Squirrel Adult - Grey	Tree Squirrel Juvenile - Fox	Tree Squirrel Adult - Fox	GroundSquirrel 5 wk. baby	Ground Squirrel Adult

1. PICK THE SQUIRREL UP. Get a small box, a small pet carrier, a large Tupperware container or another suitable container. Place some soft fabric at the bottom but not towels as they can get their claws stuck in the loops. Put on some thick leather gloves just to be safe. Gently scoop up the squirrel with a dust pan, edge of the box, piece of cardboard and slide the squirrel into the box. Take this opportunity to look at the squirrel to check for injuries, parasites, bleeding, bumps, puncture wounds. If they are bleeding quite a bit or you see obvious broken bones or serious injury, take them to a veterinarian ASAP.

If you can't scoop up the squirrel because he's moving too quickly, you may have to catch him with a towel. Only do this if you can handle animals. Throw a towel over him then pick him up. Try to get as much towel in between you and his mouth and claws. When they are injured they may bite or scratch because they are scared.

If the squirrel is indeed obviously injured but you cannot catch him safely, you may need to rent or buy a hav-a-hart squirrel trap from your local hardware store. Bait it with peanut butter. Check the trap at least twice a day. When the squirrel is in the trap cover it with a towel to calm down the squirrel. Quickly take the squirrel to the veterinarian or rehabber.

2. GET THE SQUIRREL WARM. Hopefully you have a heating pad or electric blanket handy. Put the heating pad or blanket on low to medium depending upon type. Place the container on top of half of the pad. This way if it's too hot, they can crawl off. When squirrels are injured they may go into shock and need external heat to stay warm. Be sure to check to make sure the container or squirrels don't get too hot. Also check to make sure they're warm. Some heating pads have automatic safety shut offs after so many hours. Place a towel over the top of the container to keep the heat in. If it's a hot day, they may not need the towel over the top. If you don't have a heating pad or blanket, you can use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Don't let their skin touch the bottle or they can be burned. You can also use a latex exam glove filled with water, knotted and microwaved for about 30 seconds depending upon your oven power. Wrap the glove in a thick sock.

4. LOOK FOR A SQUIRREL REHABILITATOR. Call your local vets, animal shelters, humane societies, Fish & Game, Fish & Wildlife, Wildlife groups to get a referral for a local wildlife rehabilitator that takes in squirrels. Try these links for local rehabbers also http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm http://www.wildlifecare.org/list.html You can also search online http://www.google.com Put in "squirrel rehabilitation" and your state and city. Do not feed or give fluids to an injured squirrel. Wait for instructions from the rehabber.