Instructions
Hydrate adult squirrels by offering water, or feeding water with an eye dropper. For baby squirrels, feed Pedilyte, an oral electrolyte replacement solution, as a milk substitute.
Feed baby squirrels Pedialyte until they are about 6 weeks old. Adult squirrels require a varied diet consisting of fruits, nuts, and other nutrients. A small-rodent food mix can be supplemented with fresh fruit or vegetables.
House your fox squirrel in a cage large enough for it to climb and jump. Large bird cages or cages meant for other climbing mammals, such as sugar gliders, work nicely. Fox squirrels are accustomed to an environment with fewer trees, so only a few climbing ropes or branches are needed.
Take your fox squirrel to a veterinarian or animal rescue facility to have it checked for disease, parasites, and injuries.
Release your fox squirrel when it is healthy enough to survive in the wild, according to your animal specialist or vet. For fox squirrels that are permanently injured and cannot be released, continue their care.
How to Care for a Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels live in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They primarily live in areas where trees are sparse, such as prairies. Fox squirrels are usually gray on top, with a reddish-orange belly. In the winter their fur becomes thicker and they get tufts on the tips of their ears. Like all squirrels, fox squirrels are not domesticated animals and do not make good pets. However, if you find a squirrel that requires rescuing, you can care for it until it can be re-released.