02/22/2022
PUBLIC SQUIRREL ANNOUNCEMENT: Even though it's cold outside, squirrels are breeding, some squirrels are pregnant and some have already given birth. (Yes, you have read this correctly.) We have received neonatal Eastern Gray Squirrels at Wild Care as early as Feb. 10th one year, though most of our squirrel babies arrive in March.
PLEASE HELP US TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ORPHANED SQUIRRELS THIS SEASON, by following these simple steps:
-If you have a car or a piece of machinery that has not been moved for a while - open the hood, or move the vehicle frequently, to discourage squirrels and other rodents from nesting. Rodents do not want to move into a home that is unpredictable and "unsafe". (This goes for lawnmowers and grills too!) If there is already a nest under the hood, call us. We can provide tips for encouraging momma squirrel to move her young. 508-240-2255.
-Dead trees and snags. Eastern Gray Squirrels will nest in tree cavities, but also build large round nests of dead leaves. If you must trim or remove trees this winter, please check carefully to ensure that they are not inhabited by squirrels, owls, or other roosting birds. Call us for advice. 508-240-2255. No dead tree is ever really dead. Save a tree, save a life!
-If you find a squirrel nest on the ground with babies in it, place them into a shoebox with gloved hands, and provide a heating aid. Do not give them food or water. Note where the nest fell, and watch for activity from momma squirrel. Please call us. 508-240-2255. Eastern Gray Squirrels build SEVERAL nests, and we can often reunite them with their young. Squirrels are very attentive mothers.
May your February be squirrely, and squirrel free. 😅
Neonatal Eastern Gray Squirrels. Photo from 2017.
Executive Director, Stephanie