Baby squirrels are here! Here’s what to do if you find one.

Playing squirrel noises on YouTube can be surprisingly helpful. The post Baby squirrels are here! Here’s what to do if you find one. appeared first on Popular Science .

6 April 2026 at 06:06 pm

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Baby squirrels are here! Here’s what to do if you find one.

As spring arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, the New England Wildlife Center in Massachusetts has welcomed its first baby squirrels of the season. The early appearance of these tiny creatures, often around St. Patrick’s Day but sometimes as early as late February, marks the beginning of a busy period for the center’s staff. This year, the first batch of baby squirrels has just arrived, according to the center’s CEO, Greg Mertz.

The arrival of baby squirrels signifies a significant workload for the wildlife center. The staff must feed these young animals specially formulated milk every half an hour, a task that requires dedication and precision. Mertz explains that baby squirrels arrive in waves, with a spring wave currently underway, followed by another in the summer, and a final one at the start of October.

Baby squirrels may fall out of their nests due to various reasons. Strong winds can dislodge them from their tree homes, or the nest may become too small to accommodate the growing young. Human activities, such as yard work involving tree trimming or cutting down trees, can also disturb the squirrels and cause them to fall. In some cases, the mother squirrel may be injured, killed, or frightened away, leaving her babies vulnerable.

If a person encounters a baby squirrel, it’s crucial to understand that the mother squirrel may still be nearby. She will typically return to the nest to care for her offspring. Therefore, it’s essential not to interfere immediately. Instead, Mertz advises observers to monitor the situation from a distance for at least 12 hours, even if it means keeping watch overnight.

In addition to allowing the mother squirrel a chance to return, pet owners should take precautions to protect the baby squirrel. If indoor-outdoor cats are present, keeping them indoors is advisable. Similarly, dogs should be kept away from the area to prevent them from scaring off the mother squirrel. Predators like hawks or raccoons also pose a threat, so it’s important to ensure the safety of the baby squirrels.

The New England Wildlife Center’s mission is to care for these vulnerable creatures, providing them with the nourishment and protection they need to thrive. As the season progresses, the center will continue to welcome baby squirrels, ensuring they receive the necessary care and attention until they are ready to return to the wild.

In an unexpected twist, playing squirrel noises on YouTube has been found to be surprisingly helpful in understanding the communication patterns of these animals. By studying the sounds made by squirrels, researchers can gain insights into their behavior and better assist in their rehabilitation process.

As spring unfolds, the arrival of baby squirrels serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature. By being aware of their presence and understanding how to interact with them, the public can play a crucial role in protecting these small, yet important, members of the ecosystem.

Source: Popular Science

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