10/16/2025
Hello supporters! Due to an influx of eastern gray squirrel patients this season, we are pausing intakes on orphaned squirrels. We will update as soon as we can continue accepting again! We are currently over capacity and straining our resources to keep the several hundred in our care safe and healthy.
Please go to the FWC website myfwc.com for a list of Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators by County.
You can also search on Facebook for the “Central Florida Squirrel Rescue” .
Join, post a picture, a brief description and your location. There are several licensed rehabbers on this page who may be able to help.
➡️ STEPS TO REUNITE 🐿️:
If you find a young squirrel on the ground that appears healthy and the nest has been destroyed, the squirrel can still be returned to its mother. Squirrels use two or more nests concurrently throughout the year. Follow the steps below and allow the young squirrel a second chance at being raised in the wild by its mother.
Just like young birds, young squirrels frequently fall out of their nest and do not always need to be rescued. It is always in the best interest of the squirrel to be raised by its mother. If you find a young squirrel on the ground that appears healthy (no blood, bruising, or wounds), place the squirrel in a small box with low sides in the location where you found the squirrel. Put a warm blanket or a hot water bottle in the box to keep the squirrel warm. The mother will not take back a cold baby. Keep all domestic cats and dogs away from the area. Leave the box and observe from a hidden area for 3-4 hours. You can use a smart phone and YouTube app to search “Baby Squirrel Call’. By playing this sound, you can alert the mother squirrel to come to her young. The mother will not approach if she feels threatened in any way so please stay away from the area. If after 3-4 hours the mother has not come to collect her young, the squirrel may need to be rescued. If the squirrel(s) is found in the evening hours, bring inside for the night, keep it warm, and try again early in the morning.
If you find a young squirrel on the ground and there are signs of blood, broken bones, or it has been attacked by a domestic cat or dog, place the squirrel in a covered box or carrier with a towel. Keep it in a warm, dark and quiet place and contact a licensed rehabber as soon as possible.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and greatly appreciate the support we have continued to receive during this time! ❤️
