True or False: Sometimes mother squirrels will attempt to retrieve young that have fallen out of the nest.

• A. False. Mothers never retrieve.
• B. True. Mother squirrels will often attempt to retrieve their young that have fallen out of a tree.
• C. True, but only if the nest is close.
• D. False. They always abandon young.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is that mother squirrels commonly try to retrieve offspring that have fallen from the nest, reflecting their active maternal care. This behavior is observed in the wild: a mother will often come back to look for and attempt to carry or guide a fallen pup back toward the nest. It’s not a guaranteed outcome, and it isn’t limited only to situations where the nest is very close, but it is a typical and expected part of their parental behavior. That’s why saying mom will often attempt to retrieve is the best description.

Understanding this helps when assessing fallen kits in rehab or field settings. If you encounter a young squirrel on the ground, it’s important to recognize that a mother may still be nearby trying to reunite with the pup, so giving space and avoiding unnecessary handling can be the right course while observing for signs of a return. The other options are too absolute or incorrect in asserting that mothers never retrieve or always abandon.