Reunite

How To Reunite Baby Squirrels with their Mom

First things first, mother squirrels usually have back up nests in case their current nest is threatened or destroyed.

There are several reasons why a baby squirrel may be separated from their mother. Some of these include trees being cut down, storms blowing them out of the tree, losing their balance and falling, or an attempt to be taken by a predator.

There should always be an attempt to reunite UNLESS the conditions outside are too dangerous to attempt a reunion. Some situations to avoid are cold weather, rain, high human transit areas and outdoor cats.

The steps to take to reunite:

Do not feed or give water to the baby squirrel(s).
Keep them warm!!! You can place them in a box with dry hand towel and a sock baby. To make a sock baby fill a sock with rice, tie off the end, and microwave for 30 seconds.
Check for injuries. If they are injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Place the box at the base of the tree or attach the box to the trunk of the tree with rope or wire. If the tree has been cut down, please the box near where the tree was, as that is likely where the mother will look for her babies.
Play baby squirrel calls to help the mother locate her babies faster. These can be found on YouTube and there is a link are provided below. Do not linger around to after playing the sounds as she will consider you (and pets, and children) a threat and will not return. A bluetooth speaker is ideal, but if you have to use your phone, play the sounds a couple of times and leave.
Observe from a nearby place for her return. It can take 6-8 hours for their mom to return. Reheat the sock every 2 hours.
Bring the box inside if it gets dark out and try again in the morning. If the mother does not return within 24 hours of finding the baby, call a wildlife rehabilitator.