Screaming Baby Squirrel Caught After 40 Foot Fall

Written by Sparrow Marcioni of Georgia (USA)

I live in a very wooded area on a dirt road with many Georgia pines and brush, but I also care for a feral cat colony of 11 on the property. The cats are all properly spayed and neutered, but they do pose a threat to smaller animals nearby.

Upon arriving home a few weeks ago, I heard a high-pitched whistle-like scream coming from above my head. As I looked around in the trees, I saw a little baby squirrel hanging by his two front paws about forty feet up a pine tree. He was so upset that his sibling who was still in the nearby nest was screaming also. Several of my cats were beginning to assess the situtation and I knew I had to act fast.

Seconds Later, He Began Falling

I took off my coat and draped it over my arms sort of like a landing pad for the little guy. About three seconds after that, he lost his grip and began falling. I caught him in my coat and picked him up gently and warmed him in my hands.

Within a few minutes of being warmed up, he fell asleep. I suppose he was just exhausted. I watched for mom to return to the nest but there was really no way for me or her to return this baby to the nest as high as it was and Georgia Pines have very few branches.

I kept the little guy warm and started the search for a wildlife rehabilitator who works with baby squirrels. Fortunately, I found one and was able to take the baby to her within the next few hours. He will be bottle-fed for a bit and when he is ready, he will be released to the wild as he should be. And Mom did eventually return to the nest to care for the remaining sibling. This was a most rewarding experience!

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Lead Squirrel Photo: © Rose-marie Henriksson | Dreamstime.com, Pine Tree Photo Credit: © Dmitrii Fadeev | Dreamstime.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Margie B.

9:17PM PDT on Mar 27, 2012

You were lucky to get there in the nick of time...

send a green star

Yvette T.

11:40PM PST on Jan 16, 2012

I wish he could have been returned to his brother and mo, but, this is so amazing and thank you for loving this squirrel, knowing what to do.

Carole R.

9:36PM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Wow ... sign her up! Great for you!

Barbara T.

1:35PM PST on Jan 16, 2012

An amazing story and an amazing capture! Someone put you in the right place at the right time. It's people like you who warm my heart with their love for animals. I always say, sometimes humans have to jump in and do the right thing, and you certainly lived up to that! Thank you for literally saving the life of another one of our precious animals!

Kim P.

11:52AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Talk about being in the right place at the right time I applaud your care for a feral cat colony and the catch of the baby squirrel.

Kari K.

7:51AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Thank you for sharing!!

Vanessa B.

6:59AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

I love squirrels. so happy you are helping them.

Ann S.

2:45PM PST on Jan 11, 2012

So cool, and very nice catch of the falling baby! Thanks!