Q. Is It Illegal to Keep a Baby Squirrel?

Posted by Mia Carter Oct 4, 2008

On October 3, 2008, a reader of Care for an Orphaned Baby Squirrel posted the following question: "...My dad found a baby squirrel at a job site that had fell out of a tree and was wandering around, he brought it home, and now we aren't sure what to do with it. He wants to keep it, but isn't that illegal? We're keeping it in our hamsters old cage, with a shoe box and blankets, and their is one of those water bottle things in it, but I'm pretty sure the squirrel doesn't know how to use it, and all it has for food it dry cat food and nuts, which I'm pretty sure it doesn't know how to eat it either, I'm afraid it'll die without proper food/water.. We also haven't taken it to the vet, because dad thinks they'll take it away... it seems healthy..but.. Help?"

The Legalities of Keeping a Baby Squirrel

So, generally speaking, it is not illegal to rescue a baby orphaned squirrel. Laws do vary depending on state and county, but most areas have a provision that allows people to rescue and care for baby squirrels without a permit. Even in locations where a permit is required to care for even a baby squirrel, it's highly unlikely that you'll end up getting fined or otherwise penalized as you attempt to seek help for wildlife in need. Typically, once the squirrel reaches a certain age (i.e. six months), a special permit is required to keep the squirrel, but again, this varies depending on state. The essence of these laws is to prevent people from snatching wild animals from their wild parents so the animal can be kept as a pet - these laws are not designed to discourage animal lovers from helping an orphaned or injured animal in need. Nevertheless, these are all questions that a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator in your region will be able to answer more specifically, as laws do vary greatly from region to region.

As for concerns about the veterinarian taking the squirrel away, this is not something that I would be overly concerned about. No ethical veterinarian who treats squirrels would remove it from a capable caretaker without their consent. Veterinarians aren't typically in the business of patrolling squirrel caretakers on the legalities of keeping these wild orphans - they're more concerned with seeing the animal get proper care and veterinary treatment.

Proper Food & Baby Squirrel Care

The more pressing issue involves the food and water situation for this baby squirrel. It is doubtful that the baby squirrel is able to use a water bottle on his own. Depending on his age, it's also unlikely that the food you've provided is suitable. You will likely need to rehydrate this little guy, either with subcutaneous fluids or with Pedialyte. This must be fed separately from the food, as discussed in this article. Depending on his age, you will also need to hand feed him, and then gradually switch over to solid foods as he grows.

So, I would get to work immediately learning about the care requirements for this baby squirrel if you're interested in caring for him. Otherwise, if the responsibility is one that you'd rather not take on, I would actively attempt to locate a wildlife rehabilitator for him. But he will need food and water in the meantime and you will need to provide that by hand.

I have all the basic information that you will need posted on my Baby Squirrel Care Page. You will first need to determine the baby squirrel's approximate age, so you'll want to read Squirrel Age and Development - Weeks 1 to 5 and Squirrel Age and Development - Weeks 6 to 12. These articles will also guide you in providing proper age-appropriate foods and care.

In addition, I would also recommend reading the following articles for information on getting started with baby squirrel care:

• Orphaned Squirrel Basics
• Caring for an Orphaned Squirrel
• Feeding a Baby Squirrel

Warming a Baby Squirrel

Tokeep the baby squirrel warm, I would recommend placing a heating pad under this little guy's cage to keep him warm. They make wonderful reptile heating pads that stick to the bottom (underside) of the cage to provide warmth, without exposing the baby to wires. In the meantime, a heating lamp can be utilized, along with a Squirrel Buddy.

Make a Squirrel Buddy by filling a large sock with uncooked rice or uncooked beans. Then, place the Squirrel Buddy into the microwave for a couple of minutes to heat it. This non-toxic Squirrel Buddy can then be placed in the orphaned squirrels cage for warmth and comfort - he'll cuddle up to it, as it feels like another squirrel's body. It will need re-warming once every 60 to 90 minutes.

I would also recommend a vet visit for this little squirrel ASAP, to help maximize the baby squirrel's chances for survival.

Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian.