If healthy or uninjured juvenile squirrels are found, how should they be housed to give the mother an opportunity to retrieve them?

• A. In a deep metal crate with no heat.
• B. In a closed plastic bag outdoors.
• C. In a shallow cardboard box out of direct sunlight with supplemental heat.
• D. In the original nest in the tree.

Answer: (C)

When healthy juvenile squirrels are found, the goal is to keep them in a warm, nest-like space that allows the mother to sense and retrieve them. A shallow cardboard box, placed out of direct sunlight and equipped with a gentle heat source, provides just that: a safe, breathable, nest-like environment that isn’t intimidating or suffocating, and warmth to prevent chilling while the mother decides to return. Cardboard is preferable to metal or plastic in this situation because it’s more like a natural, scent-friendly den and reduces stress on the animal. The heat helps maintain body temperature since the mother may not arrive immediately. Nesting material inside and proper ventilation support comfort and safety, and placing the box near the area where the mother was last seen gives her the best chance to find and retrieve the young.