Three Eastern Gray Squirrels Survive Nest Disturbance

The following story about a group of Eastern gray squirrels was shared with us by Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Pennsylvania.

On March 13, 2025, four young Eastern gray squirrel siblings were admitted to Aark Wildlife. Sadly, one was deceased on arrival. The squirrels were the victims of a nest disturbance, and their rescuers had spent five days attempting to reunite them with their mother before seeking help. In the interim, they were fed “puppy formula.”

Upon initial examination, the three surviving squirrels were quiet, weak, and moderately dehydrated. Their eyes were closed, and all were extremely thin — bordering on emaciation — with body weights ranging from 35.3 to 37.1 grams (about 1.2 to 1.3 ounces). Estimated to be around three weeks old, they were noticeably undersized for their age. Due to their compromised condition and malnutrition, their prognosis was guarded.

Rehabilitation staff began rehydration using Electro-Stat until each squirrel was stable enough for nutritional support. Once hydrated, the team initiated a feeding plan consisting of EmerAid IC Omnivore and squirrel formula, starting with a mixture of 30% EmerAid to 70% formula, delivered via syringe and nipple.

Two of the squirrels responded well to this regime. However, the third experienced intermittent soft stool and diarrhea, prompting staff to adjust the blend to 40% EmerAid, which successfully improved stool consistency. Over the next week, the siblings’ strength and activity steadily improved. After eight days, they were gaining weight consistently and were successfully transitioned to 100% squirrel formula.

All three continued to thrive, growing into healthy juvenile squirrels. On May 7, 2025, after completing the rehabilitation process, they were soft released back into the wild.

EmerAid proved to be an invaluable tool in reintroducing nutrition to these severely malnourished and dehydrated squirrels, playing a crucial role in their recovery and successful return to the wild.