Lessons from a lost baby squirrel

St. Boniface

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/06/2023 (999 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For some, squirrels are but vermin, annoying little creatures with sharp teeth that grab birdfeed before the birds do, and which chew through cords, lumber, even walls. For others, squirrels are wildlife deserving of protection and care despite their sometimes destructive tendencies. This little story is not about the controversial nature of the value of squirrels but about something else.

A few weeks ago I found two baby squirrels in the back parking spot, both dead. It was an upsetting sight. As I considered how best to take care of their remains, a visiting friend called me back to the yard to show me another baby squirrel — alive and fighting to stay that way. With no idea what to do, I called Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre and left a message.

In the meantime, the little one seemed lost and missing its mother. I went inside, emptied a Kleenex box and lined it with paper towels while my friend interacted with the tiny squirrel. We wondered if it was injured.

I Googled what to do upon finding a baby squirrel: “Keep it warm, dark, and quiet, don’t give it any food or water, and contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away.” Check, check and check. Well, mostly. This baby squirrel was determined to get as much exercise as possible, squirming around the yard seemingly longing to be reunited with family.

“You must try to reunite them with their mother,” various Google links told us. “Put the box near where the squirrel was found, so the mother can come and get her baby.”

We looked around fruitlessly for a mother. The afternoon revolved entirely around that little life, and the kindness of those living nearby. Neighbours soon came around, curious about what we were doing, offering to help. One brought a small cat carrier to provide a shelter and even offered to keep it in her porch through the cool night. We huddled watchfully around the little lost and confused thing. At one point I realized it was making sounds, faint squeaks, chirping almost like a bird.

After several hours of squirrel research and improvising habitats, we decided to make some decisions before nightfall.

Fortunately, our main-floor neighbour had done her own research and learned of a 24/7 veterinary hospital that would take the animal and facilitate its move to the rehabilitation centre. She transported the squirrel in the next-door neighbour’s cat carrier. The next day, she called to check on the status of our community squirrel and was told it was doing really well. There were no broken bones; it was very wobbly because it was so young but they were feeding it formula. It turned out to be their first baby squirrel of the season.

That spring day I learned a lot about neighbours and kindness. I’m so thankful to that little squirrel.