Squirrels: Coexisting with Wildlife
Background Information
- There are three types of squirrels most commonly seen in the urban parts of San Diego: the California ground squirrel, the Western grey squirrel and the Eastern fox squirrel.
- The Eastern fox squirrel is not native to this region but they have several established populations in San Diego.
- Project Wildlife takes in about 500 squirrels each year, the majority of which are California ground squirrels.
- Squirrels are mainly herbivores that eat seeds, nuts and plants but sometimes will eat insects, eggs and small mammals.
- They are a food source for animals like hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, weasels and mountain lions.
When does a squirrel need to come to Project Wildlife for care?
- It's an orphaned baby squirrel. Make sure there is no mother nearby. Keep the baby squirrel in a warm, dark and quiet environment and do not feed. You may be able to renest or reunite a baby fox squirrel. Please refer to this renesting and reuniting resource for more information.
- An adult squirrel who is sick, bleeding or has been attacked by a dog or cat. If the animal is alert, never try to handle them with bare hands. Instead, wear protective gloves and contain the squirrel in a box or container. Keep them in a warm, dark and quiet environment and bring the animal to Project Wildlife as soon as possible for further evaluation.
How you can help:
Abandoned Baby and Juvenile Squirrels:
Please make sure there is not a mother nearby. If the baby is a fox squirrel, you may be able to renest or reunite the baby. Fox squirrels have multiple nest sites, so if their nest is damaged or a baby falls, mom may just need time relocate her babies. Mom spends a lot of time and energy raising her babies, and won’t abandon them simply because you touched them. However, she will not return if you are too close to the baby or nest, as humans are perceived as threats. Always attempt to renest and reunite healthy young unless mom is found deceased.
If you have found a California ground squirrel and you cannot locate a mom or nest site nearby, we recommend bringing them into Project Wildlife as soon as possible for further evaluation.
- Pick up the squirrel with a soft cloth.
- Put the squirrel in a closed escape-proof container, such as a pet kennel or aquarium with a soft ravel-free cloth (no strings), and cover the container loosely with a towel.
- Keep the container in a quiet area, away from children and pets.
- Do not attempt to feed any type of formula or solid foods.
Adult squirrels:
- If the squirrel is alert, do not attempt to handle them without protective gloves. Use a towel or blanket to place or move them into a box or container. Keep them in a warm, dark, and quiet space and bring them into Project Wildlife as soon as possible for further evaluation.
- Do not put food or water into the container.
Coexisting with squirrels:
- Squirrels will readily take up residence in a building if access is available. It is important to block all holes with wood or wire mesh to prevent entry.
- Install only free-standing bird feeders in sites where squirrels cannot get access — keep them away from shrubs and overhanging tree limbs. Put the feeder on a metal pole at least 6 feet high.
- Trim overhanging tree limbs, shrubs and vines that may provide access to attics and other indoor areas.
- Squirrels are excitable and can cause severe damage if they are trapped inside a home. Quickly and quietly open a door or window to the outside and leave the room.
- A squirrel may fall in a chimney while climbing on the roof. Secure a heavy rope from the top of the chimney and drop it down to the fireplace. After the squirrel has exited, remove the rope and properly cap the chimney.
