Introduction
Have you ever wondered what a baby ground squirrel, or fox squirrel or even a baby tree squirrel is like or why you rarely see them out in the wild? A baby squirrel is one of nature’s most elusive creatures, often hidden away in nests up in the bushes or evergreens, tucked into tree branches with their siblings. These cute little pests stay hidden for about a month and a half after their birth. Unlike adult eastern grey squirrels or red squirrels that scurry around parks and backyards, baby squirrels remain out of sight for a large part of their early development. These tiny animals are born with closed eyes, small ears, and little to no fur, making them look very different from the bushy-tailed grey squirrels, fox squirrels, and red squirrels we’re used to seeing. Their long tails, which are so iconic in adult squirrels, develop as they grow.
Squirrel Baby Season Info. Hands on squirrel removal from Toronto attic
Baby squirrels rely heavily on warmth from their mother or a nest lined with leaves, grass, and other natural materials to stay warm. If they fall from a nest, they can be exposed to predators like chipmunks, raccoons, snakes, or even another pesky squirrel. It’s during this vulnerable stage that humans might spot an orphaned baby squirrel on the ground. An infant squirrel is fragile, and immediate medical attention may be necessary if they appear injured or weak.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the appearance of baby squirrels, their developmental stages, and the reasons behind their secretive lifestyle. By the end, you’ll know exactly when, where, and how to spot them—if you’re lucky enough to catch one in action!
What Do Young Squirrels Resemble?
Baby squirrels don’t look anything like the cute, bushy-tailed adult squirrel pests you see darting through trees. Instead, they start life as tiny, fragile, and hairless creatures that are fully dependent on their mother for survival. They are born blind with their eyes tightly closed, which will open at approximately four weeks of age. Their appearance changes as they grow, with significant transformations in size, colour, and features.
Size and Weight of Baby Squirrels
When a baby squirrel is born, it is shockingly small. Newborn squirrels are about 1 to 2 inches long (2.5 to 5 cm) and weigh just 10 to 15 grams—about the same as a large coin. At this stage, baby squirrels are hairless, with closed eyes and small ears, making them look very different from fully grown fox squirrels, red squirrels, or eastern gray squirrels. They rely entirely on their mother for warmth, food, and protection, staying nestled in tree branches or inside nests high in the evergreens, oaks or maples. Without the warmth of their mother or nest, they struggle to stay warm, which is why orphaned baby squirrels require extra care if found alone.
Unlike mature squirrels with their strong muscles, bushy tails, and agility to leap between tree limbs, infant squirrels have weak limbs and no muscle coordination. Their long tails and larger features, like their large eyes, develop as they grow. This lack of coordination keeps them in the nest for several weeks, safely hidden up in the tree from predators like chipmunks and other squirrels. If you ever find a baby squirrel on the ground, it’s important to act quickly. Our company recommends placing it in a box lined with a soft towel and providing warmth using a heating pad, chemical hand warmers, or uncooked rice heated with hot tap water. Immediate attention may be needed if the squirrel appears injured or weak.
Physical Appearance of Newborn Squirrels
At birth, baby squirrels are pink, hairless, and blind. Their skin is soft and wrinkled, similar to that of a newborn mouse or rat. Because they have no fur, you can see their veins and skin color clearly. Their eyes and ears are sealed shut, making them extremely vulnerable to predators and environmental dangers.
As the weeks progress, fur begins to grow. Around 3 to 4 weeks old, you’ll start seeing a thin coat of soft grey or brown fur. Their fur becomes thicker and fluffier as they grow older, and by 6 to 7 weeks, they start looking like miniature versions of adult squirrels.
Key Features of Baby Squirrels
Baby squirrels have several unique features that change over time. Here are some of the key features to note:
- Eyes and Ears: Newborn squirrels have their eyes and ears closed at birth. Their large eyes begin to open at around 3 to 5 weeks old, giving them the ability to explore their surroundings. Their ears also open at the same time, allowing them to hear and respond to sound.
- Limbs and Claws: At first, baby squirrels have tiny, soft limbs and underdeveloped claws. Over the weeks, their limbs grow stronger, and their claws become sharper, which helps them grip onto tree bark and climb.
- Tail: One of the most recognizable features of adult squirrels are their big, bushy tails. But baby squirrels start life with a thin tail, almost rat-like in appearance. As these small animals mature, fur gradually grows on their tails, making them fluffier. The tail plays a crucial role in balance and warmth as the squirrel grows older.
The Developmental Stages of Baby Squirrels
Baby squirrels go through multiple stages of growth before they are ready to venture out of the nest. Let’s break down these key developmental milestones.
Newborn Stage (0-2 Weeks)
Newborn squirrels are blind, deaf, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mother for warmth, food, and protection. Their mother nurses them with milk and keeps them hidden in nests made of leaves, twigs, and grass. Their bodies are extremely fragile, and even slight temperature changes can be life-threatening at this stage.
3 to 5 Weeks Old
By the time a baby squirrel is 3 weeks old, its appearance starts to change. Fur begins to grow, and its eyes and ears slowly begin to open. During this phase, they start to recognize light, sound, and movement, but they are still too weak to climb or explore.
6 to 10 Weeks Old
At 6 weeks old, baby squirrels start looking like miniature versions of adult squirrels. Their fur becomes thick and fluffy, and they start to explore the nest. By 8 to 10 weeks old, baby squirrels begin climbing branches and jumping between tree tops. Their limbs and claws have grown stronger, allowing them to move with agility.
When Do Baby Squirrels Start Leaving the Nest?
Around 10 to 12 weeks old, baby squirrels finally leave the nests. At this stage, they are strong, agile, and capable of finding food on their own. By this time, they have full control of their limbs, sharp claws for climbing, and a fully developed bushy tail.
Why You Rarely See Baby Squirrels in the Wild
If you’ve ever wondered why you rarely see baby squirrels out and about, there’s a good reason for it. Baby squirrels are hidden away for most of their early life. Unlike adult squirrels that zip around trees and forage on the ground, baby squirrels stay nestled in their nests for protection, warmth, and survival.
Hidden Nests and Protection from Predators
Squirrels are extremely protective of their young. Mothers build nests, called dreys, in hard-to-reach places like the tops of trees, holes in tree trunks, and even in the attics of houses. These nests are made of leaves, twigs, moss, and grass, forming a soft and insulated space for baby squirrels.
Since the offspring are born blind, deaf, and hairless, they are completely defenceless against predators like hawks, snakes, raccoons, and larger mammals. By hiding their nests high in trees or in enclosed spaces, mother squirrels drastically reduce the risk of predator attacks. This is one of the main reasons why you never see baby squirrels wandering around — they are safely tucked away.
Key predators of baby squirrels include:
- Hawks and eagles
- Snakes
- Raccoons
- Cats and dogs
- Larger predatory mammals (like foxes)
To further protect their babies, squirrel mothers often have more than one nest. If a predator finds the nest, the mother will move her babies to a backup nest to keep them safe.
Natural Instincts for Seclusion
Unlike some animal species that encourage their young to explore early, squirrels are instinctively secretive when it comes to their babies. Baby squirrels stay in their nests for the first 6 to 10 weeks of life, only emerging once they are strong enough to climb, jump, and escape potential threats. Species like grey squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, and red squirrels follow this same strategy. Are squirrels dangerous? While they aren’t typically aggressive, a female grey squirrel may break into your roof or attic to have her babies in a warm, safe place. These pests take advantage of the shelter and insulation to stay warm, but they can also create serious problems. Squirrels chew on electrical wires, gnaw on wooden beams, and contaminate the space with droppings or urine. If you notice signs of a squirrel infestation, like scratching noises or chewed wires, it’s important to act quickly. Our company can remove squirrels safely from your attic and prevent further damage.
This “hide-until-you’re-ready” strategy is a survival tactic. While human babies crawl freely around a home, baby squirrels stay tucked away in their nests built in tree branches, attics, or other secluded spaces until their physical abilities match the dangers of the wild. Without sharp claws, strength, or speed, a baby squirrel wouldn’t last long on its own. Its long tail, large eyes, and small ears develop as it matures, giving it the tools needed to climb trees, evade predators, and join other squirrels in search of food.
When and Where Are You Most Likely to See Baby Squirrels?
Although baby squirrels are hidden for most of their early life, there are certain times of the year and specific places where you might be lucky enough to spot one. Here’s how you can increase your chances of seeing one in the wild.
What to do if you have Squirrels in your roof or attic?
Squirrels are considered pests due to the amount of damage they can possibly do, what with chewed electrical wires, holes in your roof or roof vents, etc. It’s important to remember that sometimes its just a mother squirrel that wants to keep her babies safe. AAA Affordable Wildlife Control can evict the squirrels humanely whether it’s tree squirrels or flying squirrels you’re dealing with. One way doors are installed over the entry point, babies in squirrel nests can be removed safely and placed outside, and repairs can be made to your property once the animals are out.
Seasonal Patterns of Squirrel Births
Baby squirrels are most often born during the spring and late summer. Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons each year — one from January to February and another from June to July. The gestation period for squirrels is about 44 to 45 days, meaning you’ll likely see baby squirrels around March to April and again in August to September.
During these months, you might spot baby squirrels venturing out of their nest for the first time. If you’re paying attention, you might even notice a mother squirrel carrying her babies to a new nest. She grips them gently in her mouth, moving them one at a time to keep them safe.
Locations Where You Might See Baby Squirrels
If you want to spot baby squirrels, knowing where to look can increase your chances. Here are some of the best places to find them:
- Trees and tree trunks: Most squirrel dwellings (dreys) are built high up in a tree or inside tree cavities. Look for small round clusters of leaves and twigs nestled in the branches.
- Wooded areas: Parks, forests, and backyards with large treetops are the most common places to spot squirrel families.
- House attics: Occasionally, squirrels make their nest in an attic or a shed, especially in urban and suburban areas. If you hear scratching sounds above your ceiling, it could be a family of squirrels.
- Garden areas: If you have bird feeders, squirrels may bring their babies close to food sources.
If you want to see baby squirrels, your best bet is to look up. Their nest is often high above the ground, well out of reach of predators, pests, and curious humans.
What Should You Do if You Find a Baby Squirrel?
Sometimes, you may come across a baby squirrel on the ground, looking lost or abandoned. But before you intervene, it’s important to assess the situation. Not all baby squirrels found on the ground need help, as mother squirrels may be nearby. However, if you believe they’re orphaned baby squirrels, you should act quickly to keep them safe and warm. A reputable wildlife control company would recommend placing the baby in a box lined with a soft towel to provide warmth. To ensure it stays warm, you can use a heating pad set on low, you can use chemical hand warmers such as hot paws, uncooked rice heated with hot tap water, or fill a plastic bottle with hot water from the tap, all placed beneath the towel. Baby squirrels need a quiet place to feel safe, as too much noise or handling can cause stress. Unlike tree squirrels or ground squirrels, baby squirrels are vulnerable and require immediate medical attention if they appear injured. If you’re unsure how to care for the squirrel or spot signs that it may be sick, our company can help you safely remove it and connect you with wildlife rehabilitation experts.
How to Tell if a Baby Squirrel Is Orphaned
Here’s how to know if a baby squirrel needs assistance:
- Is it cold to the touch? Baby squirrels that have been left too long without their mother will feel cold.
- Is it crying or making high-pitched noises? Baby squirrels make distinct “chirping” sounds when they are hungry, scared, or in distress.
- Are there signs of injury? If the squirrel has visible wounds, broken limbs, or bleeding, it may need medical attention, gently put it in a box and contact animal control or if possible, transport it to your local animal hospital.
- Has it been alone for several hours? If the baby squirrel is on the ground for an extended period and the mother has not returned, it may be orphaned.
If none of these signs are present, the best course of action is to leave it alone. The mother may be nearby and waiting for the area to be safe before retrieving her baby.
Steps to Take if You Find a Baby Squirrel
If you determine that a baby squirrel is abandoned, here’s what you should do:
- Keep it warm: Use a soft towel, a small box, or a glove to gently place the baby squirrel in a warm, quiet place. If possible, plug in an extension cord and place a heating pad under half of the box. Fill a plastic bottle with hot tap water and place it in the box. Use hot paws if possible.
- Do not feed it: Baby squirrels require specific diets, and feeding it the wrong food can do more harm than good.
- Call wildlife rescue: Contact your local wildlife rescue center, animal control, or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They are trained to care for baby squirrels.
- Avoid direct handling: Squirrels are wild animals, and handling them too much can cause stress.
What NOT to do:
- Do not try to raise the grey squirrel as a pet (in most places, it’s illegal to keep wild squirrels as pets).
- Do not attempt to give tree squirrels, ground squirrels or flying squirrels any milk, water, or human baby formula — it can cause digestive issues.
Fun Facts About Baby Grey Squirrels
Baby squirrels are full of surprises. Here are some fun facts you may not know:
- Born in the Dark: Baby squirrels are born with their eyes and ears closed, similar to puppies and kittens.
- Bushy Tail Transformation: The fluffy long tail doesn’t appear right away. It takes weeks for the tail to become the iconic bushy shape we recognize.
- Twice-a-Year Births: Unlike some animals that only breed once a year, squirrels have two birthing seasons, leading to two batches of baby squirrels every year.
- Amazing Climbers: By 8 weeks old, baby squirrels can climb a tree and leap between branches.
- They’re Always Hungry: Baby squirrels nurse for up to 10 weeks, but after that, they still depend on the mother to teach them how to forage for nuts, seeds, small insects, and fruit.
Conclusion
Baby squirrels are a fascinating part of nature’s circle of life. From their tiny, pink, hairless beginnings to their transformation into fluffy, brown tree-climbing adventurers, their growth is truly remarkable. While you may not see them often, they are there—hidden in a nest, growing and developing in secret.
By understanding what baby squirrels appear to look like, their development stages, and where to spot them, you can appreciate just how resourceful and protective squirrel mothers are. And if you do happen to see a baby squirrel out in the open, you’ll know what to do.
FAQs
1. How long do baby squirrels stay with their mother? Whatever species, whether it’s a ground squirrel or an eastern gray squirrel, all species of squirrels stay with their mom for about 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, they nurse, develop their climbing skills, and learn to forage for food. At around 12 weeks, they leave the nest to venture out on their own.
2. Do baby squirrels have fur when they are born? No, baby squirrels are born hairless and pink. Their fur begins to grow around 3 weeks old and becomes fully developed by 6 to 7 weeks old.
3. Can you raise a baby squirrel as a pet? No, in most places, it is illegal to keep wild squirrels as pets. Baby squirrels have specific dietary and environmental needs that only wildlife rehabilitators are equipped to handle.
4. How can I tell if a baby squirrel is abandoned? If a baby squirrel is cold, injured, or left alone for hours, it may be abandoned, it may have even taken a fall out of the nest. However, you should watch from a distance to see if the mother returns before intervening.
5. What do baby squirrels eat? Baby squirrels drink their mother’s milk until about 10 weeks old. After that, they begin eating solid foods like nuts, fruits, and seeds as their mother teaches them how to forage.
Is there such a thing as a white squirrel? Yes, squirrels that are white do exist! While they may seem rare, white squirrels can be found in certain regions, with one of the most prominent populations located in Exeter, Ontario. Unlike albino squirrels, which have pink eyes due to a lack of pigment, a white squirrel will have dark eyes and white fur. This makes them a unique colour variation of existing species, much like how eastern grey squirrels, brown or red squirrels, and grey squirrels differ in appearance. White squirrels are not a separate species but rather a rare colour morph seen in some populations of eastern grey squirrels and other squirrel species. These striking animals stand out in contrast to the typical gray squirrel, brown, or red-coloured squirrels we see in parks and backyards. Their white coloration can sometimes make them more vulnerable to predators, as they lack the natural camouflage of their darker relatives. If you’re lucky enough to spot a white squirrel, it’s a rare treat!
