An influx of orphaned baby squirrels have been accepted this week at Greenwood Wildlife, a nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center that treats injured, sick, and orphaned animals. Squirrels are particularly vulnerable starting in early March due to high numbers of spring births, weather events, human activity, and more. Due to high winds this week, the center had 12 new baby squirrel intakes in just one day.
“Spring is a critical time for wildlife,” said Mysti Tatro, the community relations manager at Greenwood Wildlife. “Many animals are born during these months, and it’s not uncommon for young ones to become separated from their parents or injured because of human activity.”
Baby squirrels may fall from nests, their mothers may be injured or killed, or well-meaning individuals might mistakenly rescue a healthy young animal, Tatro said. Squirrels that are separated from their parents can sometimes be reunited with their family instead of being rescued, she said, which leaves space in the nursery for those animals that truly need rehabilitation.
“Our team is dedicated to providing these animals with the compassionate care they need to return to the wild, but we need the public’s help to prevent needless kidnappings,” Tatro said.
If you see a baby squirrel alone, Tatro instructs, observe first — its mother may return. If the baby is injured, cold, or was handled by a pet, call Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation at (303) 823-8455. Not feeding the animals, keeping pets leashed, and avoiding branch trimming during spring months can also be helpful in preventing harm to wildlife.
“Every year, we care for hundreds of orphaned wildlife,” Tatro said. “Over 70 percent of our caseload includes orphans each year. We rely on the compassion of our community to help us find orphans in need.”
