what should I do if I find a squirrel hit by a car

[bluesky]

Hi, I found this site looking for some guidelines on what I should do if I find a squirrel hit by a car but still alive. How can I tell if it can be saved? How to go about picking it up so I don't cause more pain or risk making injuries worse? How to make sure it won't freak out if I pick it up?

I don't have a squirrel at the moment, but I passed one a couple of weeks ago that was hit by a car, still alive but not able to move it's hind legs. I really had no idea what to do, and someone near by said that already called animal control for it. I'm still feeling bad that I didn't try to help the squirrel, so now I'm looking for some info so I can be better prepared if I ever come across another one. Thanks :)

[island rehabber]

:Welcome bluesky. You are definitely one of us -- thanks for caring about squirrels!
It's a good idea to keep a blanket or large fleece 'throw' in the back of your car, as well as some good work gloves (welding gloves are safest :D), and a small carrier as well. (Avoid towels, they snag a squirrel's claws and cause all kinds of problems you don't need) Should you see an injured squirrel, you'll want to approach slowly, throw the blanket over him, and with gloved hands wrap him gently and put him in the carrier. At home, keep the carrier in a warm, dark, quiet spot AWAY from pets and kids, and away from loud steros or TVs. Keep a list handy of trusted rehabbers in your area (I'm one of 'em :wave123, so are NutMeg'sPJ and mudmaiden, for example) and call us ASAP.

Again, welcome to TSB!

[redwuff]

welcome!!!! Aren't you amazing. Thank you for caring so much. Please visit this site alot. There are wonderful peeps here.

Trysh

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Hi Bluesky!!
I just love people from NJ, thats where I grew up!

[JakesLittlePrincess]

:Welcome
Thanks for caring about the little ones!

[stepnstone]

:Welcome ...:thankyou ...:grouphug
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D