Believe it or not, it is pretty common to see baby animals in the wild, especially in the spring. The problem is, baby animals often look so cute and helpless that the desire to help them outweighs rational thought. Rather than assuming a baby animal, such as a baby squirrel, is in distress or otherwise orphaned, you should know a few things, first.

Signs of Legitimate Distress

If you come across a baby squirrel, make sure you recognize the signs of distress before assuming it is in danger. If a dog or cat has hold of a live baby squirrel, it is in distress and needs your help. If a dog or cat nears a baby squirrel on the ground, you should do your best to shoot the dog or cat away.

If the baby squirrel appears injured, as invisibly bleeding or has an obvious broken bone, it is also in need of help. If you see an adult squirrel nearby that is dead, the baby squirrel may be legitimately orphaned and in need of assistance.

If you hear the animal crying, see it wandering or shiver, or if you find it hairless and, on the ground, it is likely in distress. It is okay to help a baby squirrel in need of assistance if you can prove the distress is real. Otherwise, you should leave the animal alone and wait for a mother squirrel to come to retrieve her baby.

Finding a squirrel in a nest, especially up in your attic, does not mean you should handle it. Handling a baby squirrel found in your attic is not recommended. Squirrels carry diseases that can pose a health hazard to humans, so you should leave the baby squirrel alone and call a professional instead.

In the Attic

If you find a baby squirrel in your attic, a professional must handle the job. Canada has laws and regulations that you may accidentally violate if you attempt to handle the baby squirrel. A professional can effectively capture the mother squirrel and her babies. Afterward, the pro will move the mother squirrel and her young to a safe location away from home.

Outside Your Home

If you find a baby squirrel outside your home that is legitimately in need of help, do not take it upon yourself to try to help the animal. Instead, call a wildlife rehabilitator or your local humane society for assistance. If that does not work, try contacting a local veterinarian or wildlife agency. Absolutely never touch a baby squirrel without first speaking to a trained squirrel removal professional for advice.