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Baby squirrels are some of the smallest babies born in the animal kingdom, but that doesn’t mean they are the most helpless! The odds are high against them, but being born both blind and naked isn’t enough to stop them! Let’s find out five facts about baby squirrels.
#1: Squirrel Kits Are Born Completely Blind
Nothing about being a little baby born in the wild is easy, but can you imagine being born blind? That’s the reality for newborn baby squirrels. Until baby squirrels are about 5 to 6 weeks old, their eyes are closed. This makes them extremely vulnerable to predators that prey on their weaknesses.
The blind babies keep themselves as safe as possible by staying out of reach of nests their parents built for them in trees, abandoned houses, parks and more. Building a house high above the ground in the trees makes it harder for predators to get to the little one squirrel babies.
#2: Some Squirrel Babies Can Fly
There are quite a few different types of squirrels, and believe it or not, of those, some can actually fly. Okay, they may not actually fly, but they do glide, and they do it extremely well. About 50 species of squirrels are born with a loose flap of skin that connects their wrists to their ankles. This is what is used to “fly”.
Unlike humans, squirrels mature and mature relatively quickly! Squirrels are considered adults when they are about eight to 10 weeks old. Plus, they are fully capable of making a full 90 degree turn while in the air!
#3: Baby squirrels cry for their mothers
Most of us know that babies cry because they have needs that are not being met. However, squirrel kits do not have advanced means of communication developed. We know this is true for human babies, but did you know the same can be said for the baby squirrel?
When mommy is out of the nest and busy finding herself a meal, the baby squirrels will cry that she has to come home and feed them. These cries are said to be very soft, but if Mommy is around, she will come running when she hears it.
#4: Squirrel Kits Are Born Naked
We talked about how baby squirrels are born without sight and how hard that must be. But can you imagine being born both blind and naked? Correct; baby squirrels are born bald. They start to grow a little hair when they are about a week old, but it only starts around their face and head.
It takes about a month for baby squirrels to see fur growing on their bodies, which is right around the time their teeth come through. But by a month and a half, the squirrels usually have their permanent fur coat on and their eyes have just opened.
#5: Orphaned Baby Squirrels Are Adopted
Just like all the others animal in the wild, baby squirrels are no strangers to misfortune. Sometimes things happen that leave newborn squirrels alone in the world with seemingly no chance of survival. Fortunately, squirrels are a species that cares for their young. However, this is not purely out of the goodness of their hearts.
If a newborn squirrel is in a position that requires them to be adopted, they can usually only rely on consanguineous relatives. The more resources there are, the more family is willing to raise the poor orphaned baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do baby squirrels weigh?
Depending on what kind of baby squirrel it is, they usually weigh 15 to 20 grams at birth. That means it takes a minimum of 20 baby squirrels to earn a pound! Baby squirrels nearly double their weight just six short weeks after birth.
What do baby squirrels eat?
If a baby squirrel lives with its mother in the wild, the mother will feed them until they are between 6 and 11 weeks old. When people raise them, they are often given a special milk-replacement formula. When they start eating solid foods, they like to start with fruits and some vegetables like grapes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, many kinds of nuts and more. Squirrels maintain a typical rodent diet.
Where do baby squirrels live?
Baby squirrels are born in nests their mothers built for them to live in. To protect her babies, the mother squirrel usually builds at least one extra nest in a separate location that is easily accessible in an emergency. When the baby squirrels are about 6 to 7 weeks old, their mother builds a brand new nest for all of them to migrate to.
What are baby squirrels called?
Baby squirrels are called kits or sometimes kittens. When a squirrel is pregnant with several babies, it is called a nest, and a group of squirrels is called a free-range. Baby squirrels are no longer babies when they are about nine months old.
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