Squirrel staying on my window screen for maybe 24 hrs+

[Bklyn730]

All day yesterday a squirrel scrabbled around on the screen of my basement office window. She(?) was still there this morning, then left that screen to come down the adjacent stairs to my basement door, and is currently between that door and the screen door (screen door has a big hole in it). I looked at her through the glass door, and when I came back she was still there but hunched into the corner and harder to see. She may not be fully grown, but I'm no expert. She seems fully mobile. I don't know whether she has had anything to eat or drink or left at all during the night.
Should I leave her alone? Put out water? Food (what kind)? Try to trap her and bring her to a rehabber?
Thank you!

[Bklyn730]

I took photos and sent them to a wildlife rehabber who said she is about 12 weeks old and needs help, but I wasn't able to trap her and now I can't find her. Thanks anyway.

[Buddy]

Hope he or she united with his/her family. :Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

Poor baby was obviously orphaned and asking for help, unless she was taken
by a predator she couldn't have gone far. I'd show some compassion and look
for her or ask the rehabber to come look.

[Bklyn730]

Big wow to the assumptions and judgment there.
I searched and searched for her. Found her once, tried to trap her, and she escaped again, and I searched more. After snooping around tons of people's property, I posted an email to my block's listserv hoping that she will hide out in front of a neighbor's house and they will let me know. If you want to know why I sent it only to my block, that is because this is Brooklyn, there are hundreds of people on one block, and the block is ridiculously long. I am heartbroken about failing this little squirrel. If that isn't enough compassion for you, come fix it yourself.

[CritterMom]

Heartbreak may not be warranted here. We have a thread here about a person who had a squirrel build a nest between his screen and window in the city and they got to watch and photograph the baby right through weaning and leaving the nest, all from their living room. This may be a viable spot for females looking to build a nest. Perhaps you simply ran into a squirrel scoping out the area?

[Buddy]

Hi! You obviously feel really bad about this, which I totally understand. I don't think there was a judgement in Stepnstone's note.

The admins on this forum help so many people and squirrels day and night, 24*7, sometimes sending medicine from their possessions for free and do everything they can to help.

We're all here to care for squirrels (or some other animals) and help, support each other. Please don't take things personally. People can only respond to what's been shared.

Also, this is a rather really safe space. People make mistakes and fail squirrels. As far as I can see, everyone here tries to help as much as they can; without judgement.

[Bklyn730]

Thanks for that. As someone who went vegan for the animals and is surrounded by people who eat animals and their bodily products, I bristle when people imply that I lack compassion.

[Buddy]

Nice! :w00t I'm a vegan myself too (and yes, for the animals). Been for over 10 years.

Emotions always run high when it involves a baby animal. :Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

Big wow to the assumptions and judgment there.
I searched and searched for her. Found her once, tried to trap her, and she escaped again, and I searched more. After snooping around tons of people's property, I posted an email to my block's listserv hoping that she will hide out in front of a neighbor's house and they will let me know. If you want to know why I sent it only to my block, that is because this is Brooklyn, there are hundreds of people on one block, and the block is ridiculously long. I am heartbroken about failing this little squirrel. If that isn't enough compassion for you, come fix it yourself.
Point taken!

Your first post sounded a little hesitate not knowing if /when to help the baby and I have been on the side of too little too late too often lately.
I apologize if you perceived it to be more then what it was, it was not my intention.
I was only trying to convey a desperation to feel sorry for it and help it but obviously with a bad choice of wording to express it.
I bleed for the babies, there was no personal judgement intended.
Thank you for trying to help, hopefully it will be alright and can stay safe.

[Bklyn730]

Point taken!

Your first post sounded a little hesitate not knowing if /when to help the baby and I have been on the side of too little too late too often lately.
I apologize if you perceived it to be more then what it was, it was not my intention.
I was only trying to convey a desperation to feel sorry for it and help it but obviously with a bad choice of wording to express it.
I bleed for the babies, there was no personal judgement intended.
Thank you for trying to help, hopefully it will be alright and can stay safe.

Thanks.

[Bklyn730]

THE SQUIRREL IS BACK. Or maybe a sibling? Anyway, I NEED HELP. The rehabber's instructions for trapping the squirrel didn't make a lot of sense to me and didn't work for me. How can I trap her? (Remembering that she is fully mobile and has super squirrel speed.)
I'm going outside to get some photos of where she is so you can see the obstacles & escape opportunities.

[Bklyn730]

THE SQUIRREL IS BACK. Or maybe a sibling? Anyway, I NEED HELP. The rehabber's instructions for trapping the squirrel didn't make a lot of sense to me and didn't work for me. How can I trap her? (Remembering that she is fully mobile and has super squirrel speed.)
I'm going outside to get some photos of where she is so you can see the obstacles & escape opportunities.

Argh! She left before I could get outside. I checked all hiding places in front of several neighbors in both directions.
I would still appreciate trapping advice in case she reappears. The photos show the basement windows she likes, the stairs down to the basement gate, which you open, turn 90 degrees, and are facing the basement screen door and glass door. Note the mini-step up to the basement door which made it impossible yesterday to pop a box over her cleanly -- the box winds up on a slant.
Thank you in advance!

[CritterMom]

Try to get a picture of the squirrel if you see it again. If it is an adult it may very well be looking for a good place to live. The ability to come and go is a positive one.

[Bklyn730]

Try to get a picture of the squirrel if you see it again. If it is an adult it may very well be looking for a good place to live. The ability to come and go is a positive one.

That would be nice! Unfortunately, I sent several pics of the squirrel to the wildlife rehabilitator, who said she is 12 weeks old and probably has been separated from her mother.

[Rock Monkey]

If you haven't already, put out some water and some food. Try cooked sweet potato or butternut squash, some avocado (no skin or pits), apple, raw carrots. Preferably put these things at some ledge where the squirrel would be off the ground some and feel a little safer.

With the water, put out a dish with shallow sides not more than 1/2" tall. They aren't very good at drinking when they are young and we want to prevent their noses from going underwater and water getting up their nose. Place maybe 1/8" of water in the dish. You could use the lid from a jar or small Tupperware container.

[Rock Monkey]

Squirrels are very observant and sensitive and quick to react, don't look at it directly or stare. (It is these qualities that keep them from getting eaten.) Look indirectly and then look away. Just stand at a distance and talk soothingly, in a relaxed manner. If you are relaxed, this will go a long way to making them relaxed. Don't close distance, just work on establishing some trust. You are working to demonstrate that you aren't a predator and that you want to help.

[Bklyn730]

If you haven't already, put out some water and some food. Try cooked sweet potato or butternut squash, some avocado (no skin or pits), apple, raw carrots. Preferably put these things at some ledge where the squirrel would be off the ground some and feel a little safer.

With the water, put out a dish with shallow sides not more than 1/2" tall. They aren't very good at drinking when they are young and we want to prevent their noses from going underwater and water getting up their nose. Place maybe 1/8" of water in the dish. You could use the lid from a jar or small Tupperware container.

Thanks! I will.
If that brings her back, what do I do next?

[Rock Monkey]

Thanks! I will.
If that brings her back, what do I do next?

That depends on what the objective is and the animal's overall health.

Do you want to assist it and have it live outside? Or are you willing to undertake the burden of assisting it by taking it in until it gets bigger and stronger? (It is a very demanding undertaking.)

If you could get a picture that would greatly help the members of the board to assess this animal's health and the gravity of its plight.

[Chirps]

Hi! And wow! That IS a tricky area. Even if you managed to pop a box over her(?), it looks very challenging to maneuver something under it to finish the job. Do you have any actual traps, like the Havahart, or can you get/borrow one? I'm thinking just set it and bait it and hope the squirrel does the rest. Are there rats in the neighborhood that might get caught instead though?

Is it possible the squirrel is fine and just exploring, and checks in with Mom for feeding or to sleep for the night? Maybe the day spent at your window was just confusion, like she'd gone too far afield and was unfamiliar with the area, and your window looked or smelled like "home"?
:thinking

If it doesn't risk drawing undesirable diners, maybe get some rat food if a local pet store carries the better stuff just for the sake of getting some decent nutrition into her, or if you get a trap go ahead and use junk food like peanuts just to get her caught so you can really help her with proper feeding after.

If you can afford to you could order from Henry's Healthy Pets, but I'm thinking time is of the essence here so you may not be able to wait for a delivery. Thinking a pellet rat food for the now if she shows up again, then that or something even more enticing as bait for a trap.

[Chirps]

Heh, didn't see Rock Monkey's posts as I was typing myself. Ah yes, should have thought of water too. Thanks, Rock Monkey!

[Chirps]

That depends on what the objective is and the animal's overall health.

Do you want to assist it and have it live outside? Or are you willing to undertake the burden of assisting it by taking it in until it gets bigger and stronger? (It is a very demanding undertaking.)

If you could get a picture that would greatly help the members of the board to assess this animal's health and the gravity of its plight.
:yeahthat

[Buddy]

They also love avocados, and that has a lot of calories/fat. No pit or skin though. Pit or skin is toxic for them.

Yes, especially, if it's hot, water would be really helpful!

Can you share some of the photos of the squirrel? Does he/she seem to be healthy? Do you see any other squirrels in the neighborhood?

[Bklyn730]

Apple & water are out per instructions.
Does replying to an email notification from this thread work? I emailed a reply with pics of the squirrel, but don't see it here yet.

[Rock Monkey]

Chirps is right about that other creatures may be attracted to any food you put out and you have no way of knowing who ate the food unless you had a security camera pointed at the dish.

Alternatively, you could gently toss some (plain, no salt, not smoked) almonds towards it after you have established a relaxed rapport for a few minutes. Of course, this assumes that you are in the same place at the same time.

[Rock Monkey]

Apple & water are out per instructions.
Does replying to an email notification from this thread work? I emailed a reply with pics of the squirrel, but don't see it here yet.

When you "Reply to Thread" you should see in the box that opens up you should see a paper clip icon and then there are several steps to select and upload the photo into your comment. Hit "preview post" to see that it looks the way you want it to before hitting "Submit Reply"

[Bklyn730]

Thanks all. I put out the apples & water (it's cool and raining, not hot) b/c I am hoping she will come back, I will manage to trap her, and I can take her to the rehabber who will raise, then release her.
There are lots of squirrels around.

[Bklyn730]

When you "Reply to Thread" you should see in the box that opens up you should see a paper clip icon and then there are several steps to select and upload the photo into your comment. Hit "preview post" to see that it looks the way you want it to before hitting "Submit Reply"

Sorry, I was unclear. I got a notification in my email, and sent a reply email. Looks like that didn't work, so I'll upload pics and attach here.

[Bklyn730]

They also love avocados, and that has a lot of calories/fat. No pit or skin though. Pit or skin is toxic for them.

Yes, especially, if it's hot, water would be really helpful!

Can you share some of the photos of the squirrel? Does he/she seem to be healthy? Do you see any other squirrels in the neighborhood?

She seems healthy. Certainly agile and fast. Didn't see any bugs on her.

[Bklyn730]

318231318232

[Rock Monkey]

It looks healthy. Based only on these photos, absent any other information, I don't think it needs to be trapped and assisted. As you say, lots of squirrels live around there, probably snacking on an assortment of human leftovers.

It may just be looking for a place that might be a home. (Squirrels usually have 3-4 different homes. It's good to have a back up if a predator is lurking near one home or one home is lost to high winds or human actions.)

Maybe you could buy a squirrel house online and attach it to a ledge somewhere.

[Chirps]

Those are the ones you sent the rehabber, right? From yesterday or day before? Squirrel looks good. I would say just support with food/water unless s/he comes back and asks for help. If you get a chance to observe it when it goes elsewhere maybe you can see whether it interacts with other squirrels. One of my wilds who has raised three litters that I have observed is pretty much done with them by the time they're that age, so maybe you are just seeing a youngling learning about its world.

[Bklyn730]

Wow, what a relief. I am so swamped at work and this has been pushing me right over the edge.
The pictures I posted here are the same ones I sent to the rehabilitator. I also told her that I could see the squirrel was breathing fast. That seemed to alarm her, but in retrospect it was probably just fear -- just a pane of glass was separating us.
Thank you everyone for all of your help!!!

[Bklyn730]

Those are the ones you sent the rehabber, right? From yesterday or day before? Squirrel looks good. I would say just support with food/water unless s/he comes back and asks for help. If you get a chance to observe it when it goes elsewhere maybe you can see whether it interacts with other squirrels. One of my wilds who has raised three litters that I have observed is pretty much done with them by the time they're that age, so maybe you are just seeing a youngling learning about its world.

Pics are from yesterday. When she came back (briefly) today, she looked the same.

[Bklyn730]

It looks healthy. Based only on these photos, absent any other information, I don't think it needs to be trapped and assisted. As you say, lots of squirrels live around there, probably snacking on an assortment of human leftovers.

It may just be looking for a place that might be a home. (Squirrels usually have 3-4 different homes. It's good to have a back up if a predator is lurking near one home or one home is lost to high winds or human actions.)

Maybe you could buy a squirrel house online and attach it to a ledge somewhere.

I think these squirrels are eating better than that. The neighborhood is full of vegetation, including oaks and other large trees lining every street -- not to mention the bird feeders in back yards.

[Buddy]

Agree with Rock Monkey. I don't think you need to trap her. She seems healthy and if there are other squirrels and lots of vegetation; she should be fine. I'd keep providing water and yes, you can build a relationship if you provide almonds or avocados or apples when you see her. They learn very quickly! :Love_Icon

[Buddy]

Those are the ones you sent the rehabber, right? From yesterday or day before? Squirrel looks good. I would say just support with food/water unless s/he comes back and asks for help. If you get a chance to observe it when it goes elsewhere maybe you can see whether it interacts with other squirrels. One of my wilds who has raised three litters that I have observed is pretty much done with them by the time they're that age, so maybe you are just seeing a youngling learning about its world.

:goodpost

[Rock Monkey]

I also told her that I could see the squirrel was breathing fast. That seemed to alarm her, but in retrospect it was probably just fear -- just a pane of glass was separating us.
Thank you everyone for all of your help!!!

Yes, when we see fast breathing we start to worry about respiratory impairment, most likely from aspiration pneumonia,
or a crush injury, both of which are very serious. However, as you say fear and "fight or flight" kicking is the more likely source of that.

However, this one looks fine. You can take one worry off your plate.

[Bklyn730]

If you haven't already, put out some water and some food. Try cooked sweet potato or butternut squash, some avocado (no skin or pits), apple, raw carrots. Preferably put these things at some ledge where the squirrel would be off the ground some and feel a little safer.

With the water, put out a dish with shallow sides not more than 1/2" tall. They aren't very good at drinking when they are young and we want to prevent their noses from going underwater and water getting up their nose. Place maybe 1/8" of water in the dish. You could use the lid from a jar or small Tupperware container.

She is helping herself to apples and water, and I am leaving her in peace. Tempted to put out water and some avocado (skinned & pitted!) tomorrow, to give her a little help as she gets her footing in the world. Any reason not to? Risk of dependency?

[TubeDriver]

She is a bit young to be out but if she makes it another couple weeks she will be fine. Because she is young, I would not hesitate to help her with fresh water and food. She will not become dependent on you although she might try to stick around for the treats. If you can help her for a couple weeks, you can wean her slowly off treats/food if she seems to hang around too much.




She is helping herself to apples and water, and I am leaving her in peace. Tempted to put out water and some avocado (skinned & pitted!) tomorrow, to give her a little help as she gets her footing in the world. Any reason not to? Risk of dependency?

[Rock Monkey]

She is helping herself to apples and water, and I am leaving her in peace. Tempted to put out water and some avocado (skinned & pitted!) tomorrow, to give her a little help as she gets her footing in the world. Any reason not to? Risk of dependency?

They are most challenged when they are young, so putting out some food will help tilt the scales in her favor, plus it will make you smile.