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wildlife frequently asked questions

This is one of many common questions we receive every year. However, to some extent, each situation is unique and different. Often, you will need to take the information provided here and adapt it to your individual situation. Feel free to call the Wildlife Staff for more specific advice. We have 24-hour voicemail and will return your call as quickly as possible.

5. I have a baby squirrel that walked right up to me. It’s not afraid of me at all. What should I do with it?

Put it right back out in the yard where you found it because this is actually quite normal. For some reason, baby squirrels don’t seem to be born with the same innate fear of people as most other wild animals. Fearing humans seems to be something they need to learn, so teaching them this fear is the only thing we should do for them.

A baby squirrel that is unafraid of humans does not need any human care, as this will actually make the situation worse. The only thing this kind of squirrel needs from humans is to be scared by us. While it may seem mean-spirited on the surface, scaring the squirrel by chasing it, clapping your hands, even spraying a hose at it, is the nicest thing you can do for it. This also may keep it safer from other dangers like cars and dogs. Instilling this fear is just one more way for the squirrel to develop into a natural, wild animal.

Always, feel free to call the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Wildlife Staff at (440) 871-2900, ext 204 for more information.

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