Gray squirrels bear their young in nests situated high in trees. The nest, called a dray, looks like a wad of leaves stuffed between the branches. Squirrel mothers are very attentive and will almost always retrieve their young if given the opportunity. If the squirrel is not injured, it should be reunited with the mother.

NEVER feed a baby squirrel, besides the risk of serious illness and even injury that improper feeding can cause, the squirrel will not call for its mother if it is not hungry.

If you find a baby squirrel on the ground:
Keep pets and children away. Line a plastic ice cream bucket or similar container with a paper towel; punch a hole in the bottom for drainage. Attach the container as high as you can reach in the tree with the nest. If the nest cannot be located choose the tree closest to where the baby was found. Place the baby inside and avoid exposing it to harsh elements such as extreme cold or strong direct sunlight. If the mother does not retrieve her baby by nightfall, bring it inside and keep it warm and in a dark quiet place, such as a closet. Do not feed the baby and handle it as little as possible. At dawn, place the baby back in the container outside. If it is not retrieved by 5 pm contact the Wildlife Rescue Center for further instruction.

If a pet brings a baby squirrel home:
If the baby is injured, contact the Wildlife Rescue Center immediately for further instruction. If the baby is not injured, locate the nest and follow instructions above for reuniting with the mother.

If the nest tree has been cut down or has fallen:
Baby squirrels can often survive a fall with little to no injury. If the nest is intact, leave the section of the tree with the nest as close to the original tree location as possible. Clear the area of any activity to allow the mother squirrel to retrieve her young and take them to an alternate nest site. If the nest is destroyed, follow the instructions given "if you find a baby on the ground."

If a young squirrel is on the ground and seems tame or unafraid:
Juvenile squirrels are naturally curious and may venture from the nest when Mom is not around. Do not feed the squirrel or encourage it to approach humans. Clap your hands loudly and shout to discourage the squirrel from approaching unfamiliar animals.

Contact the Wildlife Rescue Center at (636) 394-1880 for instruction on any situation not covered by the preceding information.

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