There are three species of squirrels in Massachusetts; the Eastern gray squirrel, red squirrel, and Southern flying squirrel. Red and gray squirrels build nests in trees, while flying squirrels tend to use tree cavities and will sometimes enter into attics or wall spaces.
Found a baby squirrel?
Squirrels are able to be reunited with their mothers if they are otherwise healthy and uninjured and you have a general idea of where the nest might be.
To attempt reuniting, the squirrel should be placed in an open box or basket with a piece of fleece (no towels, since their nails can get caught in the loops!) and a supplemental heat source.
> A hand-warmer, bottle filled with hot water, or a sock filled with rice and microwaved for ~30 seconds would work well in this situation. Make sure to periodically check the heat source to ensure it stays warm.
> The box or basket should be tall enough that the baby cannot get out, but not so tall that the mother can't climb in to retrieve the baby.
> Mount the box near the base of the tree you believe the nest is in.
> If the baby is crying, stand back and observe from a distance.
> If the baby is not crying, place a bluetooth player or other sound device in the box with the squirrel and play a loop of squirrel sounds, linked here
Red and gray squirrel mothers will not collect their babies after dusk. Do not leave a baby squirrel outside overnight.
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Do any of the following apply?
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the baby has an obvious injury
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the baby is dehydrated and/or very thin
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the baby has been in the mouth of a dog or cat (even if it does not appear to be injured)
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flies are swarming around the baby and/or it is covered in fly eggs, which look like tiny grains of white rice. Flystrike is most often seen around the face and under the tail.
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the baby is cold, wet, and/or lethargic
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the mother is confirmed dead
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attempts have been made to reunite the baby with the mother and it has been more than 24-48 hours
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If you answered YES to any of these prompts, call a licensed rehabilitator for advice.
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If the answer to all prompts is NO, attempts should be made to reunite the baby with its mother. If you're not sure, call a rehabber.
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​Squirrels are not considered a rabies vector species, but should still be handled carefully with gloves or a blanket.