What to do if you come across abandoned young squirrels
RALEIGH, N.C. – Hurricane season brings the possibility of catastrophic weather to North Carolina. Additionally, grey squirrels, the official animal of North Carolina, are raising their second litter of the year at this time of year.
Young squirrels and their nests may fall off of high perches as a result of storms that bring strong winds and heavy rain as well as tree cutting and pruning activities. In such cases, N.C. The Wildlife Resources Commission is inundated with calls from concerned residents who have discovered juvenile squirrels who are grounded and are wondering what they can do to assist.
“A wise practice is not to presume rapid involvement is the best way to help,” adds Falyn Owens, extension biologist with the Wildlife Commission. Before transporting or caring for the animal, take the time to speak with a wildlife expert. This will significantly improve the animal's chances of surviving.
The Wildlife Commission website contains a list of certified wildlife rehabilitators that specialize in providing care for sick or orphaned wildlife. These experts advise individuals on the proper course of action to follow in a wildlife encounter, including when it's better to stay out of the way. They will often advise giving the mother some time to collect a baby squirrel that has fallen out of the nest.
The statement made by Owens was that "baby animals discovered by themselves are not always abandoned, and humans are just not as good at caring for young wildlife as their moms."
She explained how a female squirrel searches quickly for her young and carries them back to the nest when the nest is disturbed and the young fall out. If the nest is damaged, she will first construct a new nest before moving the animals there. The likelihood of a young squirrel surviving is greatly decreased if it is taken from the area before the female retrieves it.
Despite the best intentions, petting wild animals, especially those that are very young, can cause more harm than good, and bringing one home is against the law.
The possession of live, native animals is prohibited in North Carolina, with certain exceptions that often call for a license or permission, according to Owens. "A wild animal is best left where it was discovered, or in the care of a certified wildlife rehabilitator," the statement reads.
For instance, while providing food or water to a young animal is sometimes a person's first reaction, doing it improperly can be very detrimental or even fatal to the animal. Because they have received this training, licensed wildlife rehabilitators are qualified to take in wildlife and care for it until it can be successfully released back into the wild.
Owens suggests phoning a wildlife rehabilitator once and leaving a message if they don't pick up the phone immediately away. They frequently have their hands busy caring for and monitoring the species they are currently caring for, so it can take them a while to get to the phone. When in doubt, even a rehabilitation specialist from a different state can offer wise recommendations on what to do immediately.
For guidance on how to assist wounded or orphaned animals, handle wildlife conflict situations, and more, people may also get in touch with the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 or hwi@ncwildlife.org. It is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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