How to Help a Hurt Squirrel

Squirrels can be found just about anywhere there are trees. They are excellent tree climbers that belong to the rodent family. Squirrels are wild animals and can harbor pathogens like salmonella that may be harmful to people. If you find a hurt squirrel, immediately contact your local humane society to be referred to a local wildlife rehabilitator. They have the proper permits from state or local government agencies to handle wild animals and will be able to properly care for the squirrel until it's better. In the meantime, help the squirrel feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Thick gloves
  • Protective eye wear
  • Strong box or pet crate
  • Old blankets
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Betadine
  • Gauze pad
  • Food
  • Water
  • 2 jar lids
  • Pedialyte
  • Medicine dropper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on protective eye wear and thick gloves. Even if the squirrel looks defenseless, it can still jump very quickly and cause a nasty bite or scratch.

    • 2

      Retrieve the squirrel and put it in a strong box or pet crate. Put some old blankets in the container for bedding and put the squirrel in a dark, quiet place away from pets and children.

    • 3

      Examine the squirrel for any visible injuries. If you can do so safely, use an antibacterial soap to wash any wounds and rinse with warm water. Apply some betadine, a nonstinging disinfectant solution, to the wound with a sterilized gauze pad.

    • 4

      Place some water and food in jar lids near the animal. Feed the squirrel foods like applesauce, nuts or cheerios. If the animal is too sick to eat, try and keep it hydrated by giving it warm unflavored Pedialyte solution through a medicine dropper. Hold the dropper up at a 30-degree angle and feed one drop at a time up to 1/2 tsp. every four hours until help arrives.