WARNING:
If you find a squirrel in distress, please don’t contact the RSPCA. Their official policy is that grey squirrels are ‘vermin’ and the chances are that your squirrel will be euthanised, even if it is perfectly healthy.

ADULTS

A wild adult squirrel that allows you to approach it (excluding tame ones found in parks) is quite possibly in need of attention. This does not mean that it will let you handle it safely. Those teeth and claws will still work! However, don’t be heavy handed as squirrels can easily be hurt.

If the squirrel is not very mobile and you want to help, keep calm and get organised! Have a squirrel-proof container ready. A cat travel basket or similar would be suitable - preferable made of metal. Arm yourself with thick gloves and then try to pick up the squirrel by covering it with a large towel or blanket. Scoop it into the container and leave the blanket in with it. Unless it appears to be an emergency, we suggest that you keep it warm, quiet and dark to allow the squirrel time to calm down if necessary.

Don’t try to force the squirrel to eat or drink, especially if it may be suffering from shock. When the time is right, see FEEDING

Try to get some idea of the problem. Are there obvious external injuries? Can you see any swelling (particularly around the head)? Are all limbs working? It may well be necessary to take the squirrel to a VET. Make sure the journey is as stress-free for the squirrel as possible. Keep the container covered with an old blanket for warmth and shade.

If you notice a mobile squirrel in your garden that shows sign of illness or injury and you think it needs treatment, the hard bit may be catching it! It may take many hours or even days. Basically you need to find a container which the squirrel can be tempted into with nuts or other goodies (see FEEDING). Be patient until the squirrel will enter the container regularly and when then devise a way of trapping the animal inside. Humane squirrel traps can be purchased at some hardware and country stores, but they aren’t cheap.

If you do catch the squirrel, please beware as it may well become aggressive. As soon as possible, take it to a VET, bearing in mind the advice about transportation above.

BLIND SQUIRRELS

We have encountered a few cases of blind squirrels. These have been easy to spot, as they tend to hop around in circles trying to get their bearings, and will often bump into things. A blind squirrel may even have a sore nose for this reason! In our experience blind squirrels tend not to be aggressive (in fact can be quite docile) if handled gently. Be careful obviously just in case. The cause of blindness may need some investigation by a VET especially if the eyes (or ears) look unhealthy, but a blind squirrel can lead a long and happy life in the right hands.

See Finding a home

YOUNG SQUIRRELS

We describe a young squirrel as one that is not fully weaned, so probably less than 10 weeks old.
See What age is this squirrel?

The majority of young squirrels ‘found’ by people have been caught by a cat (or sometimes a dog or other animal) or may have fallen from its nest. If the squirrel is unable to find its way back home, it is likely to need help. Handling youngsters is usually easily as their inexperience makes them unlikely to try to make a rapid escape or to be aggressive. As a general rule, if a squirrel hasn’t yet grown a full tail, then its teeth and claws are unlikely to be fully developed, but exercise caution and handle the creature very gently.

It is vital to check the squirrel carefully for any signs of injury (especially puncture wounds) or illness, particularly if caught by a cat. Injuries from their teeth and claws (and saliva in the bloodstream) can prove fatal. It is likely that in this instance the squirrel will need to visit a VET very soon. Please ensure that the squirrel is provided with a warm ‘nest’ before and during the journey (see below).

Minor injuries should be cleaned with a lukewarm saline solution (half a teaspoon of salt in half a cup of water) on a cotton bud or cotton wool and treated with a very small dab of Savlon or similar.

There is a fair chance that your squirrel may be in shock and/or rather cold. It is unwise to try to feed the youngster until it has recovered. Young squirrels can’t generate body heat and can get cold quickly when out of the nest. We advise providing warmth as soon as possible. A small cardboard box or animal travel basket with an old towel or small blanket (or even an old woolly hat!) will help to provide a warm nest. Try to put the container somewhere warm and peaceful, preferably away from the light. If the squirrel feels really cold, it might be wise to put it near a radiator or put a hot water bottle wrapped underneath the bedding you have provided.
see Warmth and rehydration

Looking After Young Squirrels advice sheet

HANDLING YOUNG SQUIRRELS

Baby squirrels (those with little or no fur) can’t bite and youngsters rarely do, unless out of playfulness or curiosity. As they get older, they usually emit a warning ‘chatter’ if they are feeling aggressive or defensive. If in doubt wear gloves, but be gentle and patient as squirrels can easily be hurt. Don’t squeeze their bodies and don’t try to catch them by the tail. The scruff of the neck can sometimes be lightly gripped as long as the body is supported. In our experience, most young squirrels are not aggressive.