Squirrels exhibit fascinating parental behaviors, particularly concerning the care and transport of their young. A common question is how these small mammals move their offspring, revealing their dedication to their babies’ safety and well-being.
How and Why Squirrels Move Their Babies
Squirrel mothers do carry their babies in their mouths, a behavior that closely resembles how a cat carries its kittens. The mother gently grasps the baby by the scruff of its neck or sometimes by its belly, ensuring the delicate young are not harmed during transit. This technique allows the mother to move her offspring efficiently and safely.
Squirrels move their babies primarily for safety and survival. One frequent cause is nest disturbance, due to predators, severe weather, or human activity. If a nest becomes damaged, infested with parasites, or too small for a growing litter, the mother will seek out a new, more suitable location. She may also move her young to an alternative nest she has prepared beforehand, sometimes having multiple nests ready for such situations. This ensures the young are protected from threats and moved to a more supportive environment.
Other Aspects of Squirrel Parental Care
Beyond relocating their young, mother squirrels provide comprehensive care for their litters, typically two to four babies, sometimes up to eight. At birth, baby squirrels are blind, deaf, and hairless, making them dependent on their mother. The mother nurses her young for several weeks, providing essential nourishment during this vulnerable stage.
Mothers also engage in extensive grooming, which is important for hygiene and stimulating urination and defecation. They fiercely protect their nest from potential threats, often acting aggressively if danger is perceived. As the young grow, typically around six to eight weeks old, the mother begins to teach them foraging skills, demonstrating how to find and store food. This continues until the young are weaned and can survive independently, usually around 10 to 12 weeks of age.
What to Do if You Find a Baby Squirrel
If you find a baby squirrel alone, the mother is often nearby or will return. Observe the baby from a distance for several hours during daylight, keeping pets and children away. If it appears uninjured, warm, and not crying constantly, leave it undisturbed to allow the mother to retrieve it.
Intervention may be necessary if the baby squirrel is visibly injured, cold, covered in insects, or if the mother does not return after several hours. Gently place the baby in an open container lined with soft material, like a shoebox with a warm cloth or hand warmer. Secure it near where it was found, preferably on a tree trunk, to provide a safe, warm spot for the mother. Avoid feeding or giving water, as this can cause harm; contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.