Baby Squirrel: 5 Kit Pictures and 5 Facts

Baby squirrels are some of the smallest babies to be born in the animal kingdom, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most helpless! The odds are stacked against them but being born both blind and naked isn’t enough to stop them! Let’s find out five facts all about baby squirrels. 

#1: Squirrel Kits Are Born Completely Blind

Nothing about being a tiny 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 around 5 to 6 weeks old, their eyes are shut. This makes them extremely vulnerable to predators that may be preying on their weaknesses.

The blind babies keep themselves as safe as possible by staying out of reach in nests that their parents have built them in trees, abandoned houses, parks, and more. Establishing a home high above the ground in the trees makes it harder for predators to get to the tiny squirrel babies.

#2: Some Squirrel Babies Can Fly

There are quite a few different species 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 this extremely well. Around 50 species of squirrels are born with a loose flap of skin that connects their wrists to their ankle. This is what is used to “fly.” 

Unlike humans, squirrels mature and become adults relatively quickly! Squirrels are considered adults at around eight to ten weeks old. Additionally, they’re fully capable of making a complete 90-degree turn while in the air! 

#3: Baby Squirrels Cry For Their Moms

Most of us know that babies cry because they have needs that aren’t being met. However, squirrel kits have no sophisticated means of communication developed. We know this to be true about human babies, but did you know that the same thing can also be said for the baby squirrel? 

When mom is out of the nest, busy trying to find a meal for herself, the baby squirrels will cry for her to come home and feed them. These cries are said to be very soft, but when mom is nearby, she comes running anytime she hears it. 

#4: Squirrel Kits Are Born Naked

We talked about how baby squirrels are born without sight and how difficult that must be. But can you imagine being born both blind and naked? That’s right; baby squirrels are born hairless. They start growing a bit of hair at around a week old, but it only starts around their faces and heads. 

It takes about a month for baby squirrels to see fur growing on their bodies, which is right around the time their teeth start coming in. However, by a month and a half old, the squirrels usually have their permanent fur coat in, and their eyes have just opened. 

#5: Orphan Baby Squirrels Get Adopted 

Just like any other animal in the wild, baby squirrels are not strangers to misfortune. Sometimes, things happen that leave newborn squirrels alone in the world with seemingly no chance of survival. Luckily, squirrels are a species that take care of their young. However, this isn’t purely from the kindness of their hearts.

Typically, if a newborn squirrel is in a position that requires that they be adopted, they can only count on blood-related family members. The more resources to go around, the more family that’s willing to help raise the poor, orphaned baby.