Sometimes the most extraordinary rescues begin with an ordinary day. For Kim, a caring woman who stumbled upon a shocking sight in her yard, that day arrived in the form of a fragile, hairless baby squirrel clinging to life. What happened next proved that a little compassion — and a lot of quick thinking — can create the perfect ending.
A Startling Discovery
While spending time outside, Kim noticed something unusual in the grass. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a newborn squirrel, so young that his eyes hadn’t even opened. His delicate, pink skin was bare of fur, leaving him completely exposed to the elements.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Kim immediately reached out to WEST Wildlife Rehab (WWR) for advice. She wanted to do the right thing but knew the best outcome would be reuniting the little one with his mother.
A Clever Plan to Reunite Mother and Baby
Before WWR could even suggest next steps, Kim had already taken initiative. She gently placed the baby in a bucket and secured it to the tree where the nest was located, lifting him off the ground to keep him safe. This small but thoughtful action gave the mother squirrel the best possible chance of finding and retrieving her baby.
The rehab team, though relieved by Kim’s quick thinking, was still worried. They explained that newborn squirrels cannot regulate their body temperature, even on warm days. If the baby became too cold, his mother might reject him instead of bringing him back to the nest.
To prevent this, WWR advised Kim to warm the baby using a sock filled with microwaved rice — a simple but effective way to restore his body heat without direct handling.
The Miracle Moment
Kim followed the instructions and hurried back outside, rice sock in hand. But when she arrived, her heart leapt — the sock wasn’t needed anymore.
The baby was gone. His mother had already returned, carefully carrying him back up the tree to safety.
In just a short time, the reunion was complete. The tiny pink squirrel was no longer alone or vulnerable — he was back where he belonged, nestled in the warmth of his family’s nest.
Why Reunions Matter
For the team at WWR, this was a story that highlighted the importance of community involvement in wildlife rescue. While rehabilitation centers do incredible work, there are far more cases than any single organization can handle. Helping animals get back to their natural families when possible is often the most successful — and least disruptive — solution.
“If you find a baby animal that looks healthy and uninjured, don’t panic,” WWR explained. “Call your local rehabber. Many times, they can guide you through safe steps to encourage a reunion, just like Kim did.”
By understanding that mothers rarely abandon their young and often return if given the opportunity, everyday people can make a huge difference in wildlife survival rates.
Not all rescues go according to plan, but this little squirrel’s tale was a shining exception. Thanks to Kim’s fast action and WWR’s advice, a helpless baby was returned to his rightful place without needing human intervention beyond a helping hand.
