Squirrel not afraid of humans

[Markandsteve]

On my way to work tonight a small squirrel crawled up my leg and onto my chest and buried it's head into my chest.

I am at work all night for twelve hours.

Could this be rabies or distemper?

Looks otherwise healthy.

Beautiful coat.

Seems a little scared but not significantly so.

Will not drink water.

I put part of a granola bar in there but it would not eat.

Thoughts?

[Markandsteve]

Have it in a box in my truck for now.

Checked on it once tonight.

Still alive and still very clingy and wanting to be next to me.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Mark, this is normal behavior for a baby that is orphaned. The baby needs help. This scenario is very common. We hear it all the time. “A baby squirrel just climbed up my leg.” I don’t know if you have access to a microwave or not but a water bottle with warm water wrapped in a T-shirt or similar cloth (Not a towel) would provide warmth for the baby until you can find a rehabber tomorrow. They also like burrowing under cloth. It’s pretty warm outside tonight but usually baby squirrels like a heat source. Make sure it’s not too hot.

I know you had storms tonight in St.Pete and it’s still raining. You might try to reunite with the mom in the morning. There is usually more than one baby. I would look for others in the AM and try to reunite the family. That is the best case scenario.

By the way. :Welcome

[Markandsteve]

Mark, this is normal behavior for a baby that is orphaned. The baby needs help. This scenario is very common. We hear it all the time. “A baby squirrel just climbed up my leg.” I don’t know if you have access to a microwave or not but a water bottle with warm water wrapped in a T-shirt or similar cloth (Not a towel) would provide warmth for the baby until you can find a rehabber tomorrow. They also like burrowing under cloth. It’s pretty warm outside tonight but usually baby squirrels like a heat source. Make sure it’s not too hot.

I know you had storms tonight in St.Pete and it’s still raining. You might try to reunite with the mom in the morning. There is usually more than one baby. I would look for others in the AM and try to reunite the family. That is the best case scenario.

By the way. :Welcome

I am working in Miami overnight.

Heading back to St Pete tomorrow.

I will look for mom in the morning, if not we could rehab the baby but will need very quick instruction.

Will post llater this morning after I look for the mother.

Thank you

[HRT4SQRLS]

I am working in Miami overnight.

Heading back to St Pete tomorrow.

I will look for mom in the morning, if not we could rehab the baby but will need very quick instruction.

Will post llater this morning after I look for the mother.

Thank you

We will teach you everything you need to know.

https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

The most important thing is hydration and warmth. This sounds like an older baby so warmth might not be an issue. The eyes open at 5 weeks so I assume it’s at least that old. On the link above is a hydration fluid you can make with sugar, salt and water. You would need a 1ml syringe. Usually you can get one from a pharmacy. They will usually give you one. Tell them it’s for an orphan animal but don’t mention it’s a squirrel. It would need to be warm. You might find warm tap water to make the solution. They LOVE this solution and usually they will readily take it. We can talk about food later when we determine the age. If the eyes are open, you could give a peeled grape to get you back home. Thank you for helping the baby. When in distress or lost, they usually will seek help from a human. Sometimes they find a compassionate person like yourself. Other times they find a heartless jerk.

[Markandsteve]

Just got back to my Hotel.

Baby has changed completely.

Crawling all over me, chirping, grooming.

Full of energy.

I walked around the perimeter of Hotel.

No signs of any squirrels at all.

So baby comes home with me (I am Steve), and Mark gets to take over : )

[RockyPops]

Thank you for caring!

[Mel1959]

Just got back to my Hotel.

Baby has changed completely.

Crawling all over me, chirping, grooming.

Full of energy.

I walked around the perimeter of Hotel.

No signs of any squirrels at all.

So baby comes home with me (I am Steve), and Mark gets to take over : )

There are some rehabbers in the St. Pete area that might be able to take him if you’d like.

[BigNibbler]

He is Hungry and thirsty! What are you giving him?
How much does he weigh.
Can you post photos.
He needs you!
He can teach you more than any humans can, about squirrels!
But he needs to be safe, and needs the right foods.
They eat and drink a lot more than you may think.

Is he eating solid foods. We need his weight and photos to better advise you.