How to Raise a Black Squirrel

In many states, it is illegal to have a squirrel as a pet, and it is not healthy for the squirrel to be in captivity in any case. If you happen to find an abandoned squirrel, there are some ways to help raise it until it is ready to be released into the wild. Squirrels, though usually gray in color, can be found in a variety of colors, including black. Squirrels that are black in color are no different than any other squirrel and should be treated in the same manner as any orphaned or abandoned squirrel.

Things You'll Need

  • Box
  • Heating pad
  • Unflavored oral electrolyte solution
  • Eye dropper
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Instructions

  1. Care Before Release

    • 1

      Try to reunite the squirrel with its mother if it is a healthy, baby squirrel. If the squirrel is sick, there is little chance the mother will come back for it. But, if the squirrel seems healthy and you think the mother might be nearby, give the mother a few hours to find the baby. If the reunion doesn't take place, move to Step 2.

    • 2

      Place the squirrel in a box and, if the squirrel is cold, put the box on top of a heating pad.

    • 3

      Examine the squirrel carefully for any injuries. If something doesn't seem right, consult a veterinarian. Treat any cuts with an antibiotic cream.

    • 4

      Provide the squirrel an unflavored oral electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, which can be found in the baby aisle of most stores. The solution will help to rehydrate the squirrel and provide it with essential nutrients. Administer the formula using a small eyedropper or syringe. Only provide a drop at a time, so as not to overfeed.

    • 5

      Continue to feed the squirrel formula until it is about 6 weeks old. Once the squirrel reaches the 6-week mark, you can begin to provide it with tiny pieces of solid foods such as grapes and nuts. However, you should continue to supplement the solid food with the formula until the squirrel is 10 weeks old.

    • 6

      Move the squirrel to a cage or other holding device once it becomes a little more active. Keep fresh water in the cage at all times, and keep the cage stocked with greenery, branches and other aspects of the squirrel's natural habitat.

    How to Release the Squirrel

    • 7

      Slowly wean the squirrel of human contact. It will confuse the squirrel if you just put it outside with no further contact.

    • 8

      Take the squirrel's cage outside when the squirrel shows signs that it is capable of being released and open the cage door. These signs include being able to open shelled nuts on its own and looking healthy.

    • 9

      Keep providing food and water for a few days, as the squirrel will occasionally come back to the cage until it has grown accustomed to the new environment.