Older babies wandering around, no mom?

[Minaluvri]

Found four babies wandering around when I was out talking to the neighbor this evening. They were just sitting in the grass a few feet away eating some mushrooms and were not scared of us at all. I immediately noticed how small they were and that there was no mom around. They look to be about 8-10 weeks, eyes open, tails starting to bush out and they can climb. They walk right up to people, and I grabbed them easily, except for the fourth one who ran up a tree and won't come down I've stuck them in a recycle bin near the bottom of the tree, they were crying earlier but no mom anywhere in sight. It's starting to get dark and I'm fearing they've wandered down out of some tree because their mom hasn't been back. There was a dead adult squirrel in the road a few days ago and I'm praying these are not it's poor babies. I'm sort of at a loss as to what to do as I don't want to take them too soon if they have a mom, and they're older and seem to be climbing well/getting food on their own. BUT these babies look like they should still be on milk and staying on the tree/close to their nest to me. I know that wild babies go out exploring sooner than the babies we release but could these babies really be old enough to be doing that?

[Mel1959]

Not likely they would be out on their own at that age if mom was around. I hope other more experienced olds chime in with their recommendations. I'm not sure if it would be advised you bring them in or offer food to them while they are out in the trees.
Can you post a picture of them?

[redwuff]

Please bring them in. Any baby that seeks out humans are desperate and begging you to help them. I guarantee that any squirrel doing well will not let a human touch them.

They are in grave danger by themselves .

[UDoWhat]

Totally agree. If they were standing in the yard crying out they were calling for their mom. They are hungry and will not last long. Baby squirrels only approach people when desperate for help. Yes bring them in.

[stepnstone]

Please bring them in. Any baby that seeks out humans are desperate and begging you to help them. I guarantee that any squirrel doing well will not let a human touch them.
They are in grave danger by themselves .

...and please don't give up on the forth one, he'll come down again.

[Mel1959]

Do you have all the babies inside? How are they doing? Were you able to get the fourth one out of the tree?

[Minaluvri]

This is the fourth one!
Saw her wandering around in the neighbors yard from my window this morning and went sprinting across the street to catch her!
Sadly I believe these must be the babies of the squirrel that got hit several days ago, and they must have been on their own for some time. This little gal weighs 134 grams and they were all pretty skinny and dehydrated. I've got them all started with rehydration, they look to be pretty healthy otherwise so I'm hoping they make a quick recovery! What do you guys estimate on age? I think they look younger than I originally thought, so I'm amazed by how far along they are developmentally. They can hold solid food while standing up, jump between branches, and they are FAST.

[redwuff]

I would guess between 7.5-8.5 weeks judging by tail development but that is a tiny wt for that age. I got two in a few days ago that is between 6.5-7 wks and they weighed 78 g on intake.

Poor babies

Thanks so much for the sprint on that last one!

[Minaluvri]

Here's more pictures for reference + a dose of cuteness

I know they have an unusually small weight for their age, Im assuming thats due to the fact that they've been surviving off of food they've found on the ground for the past several days. They're doing great now that they're all together and getting hydrated!

[Nancy in New York]

You are the hero of the week rescuing all these babies.
How very fortunate for them, that you were at the right place
and at the right time.
They are precious beyond words. Enjoy!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[UDoWhat]

Nancy beat me to it!!! You are my hero too. I can't thank you enough for saving these darling babies. This rescue has made my day!!!

I am thinking about 7-8 weeks too.

[Mel1959]

I agree! Great job getting them all! They are so lucky to have you! . They look great! . They are cute, cute, cute!

[lennysmom]

Oh I was holding my breath when I read this story, knowing what danger those little ones were in wandering around like that with no mom, but then I came back on to see these updates!! What a wonderful rescue! Thank you for caring and for rescuing those adorable little sweeties.

[crazy4squirrels]

How cute

[Mel1959]

It makes my heart happy to know they are all together and safe.....because of you.

[Rexie]

good job. they will get strong again with your care and love