Wild squirrels avoid humans and are not domesticated. Wild squirrels taken in by humans are injured or sick or they could not be easily caught. Immediately warm a rescued squirrel with a warm towel if it feels cool; squirrels should have a body temperature warmer than a human's. Hydrate the squirrel with fruit-flavored Pedialyte administered with an eyedropper; many injured squirrels are dehydrated.
Feeding a wild squirrel the correct food is important to keeping it healthy and alive. Infant squirrels can eat Esbilac, a type of baby squirrel food found at wild animal stores, every four to five hours; an infant squirrel's stomach will bulge with food when it is full. Adult squirrels eat a mix of nuts and berries found in the local ecosystem. Feed a wild squirrel a mix of nuts until it can be released.
Squirrels must be released back into the wild once they are rehabilitated. Teach your squirrel not to fear the outdoors by placing it in an outdoor cage equipped with a nesting box in a safe location once a day for two hours. After two weeks the squirrel should be used to the outdoors. Take the squirrel in the cage to a secluded forested area far from roads and predators; release the squirrel and leave.
Squirrels are illegal to keep as pets in most states. When you find an injured squirrel or abandoned baby squirrel, the best course of action is to take it to an animal rehabilitation center. Local animal rehabilitation centers rescue injured wildlife and help protect local species. These locations will have the best chance of saving wild squirrels, as they have the necessary education and experience. Local veterinary offices may help you find a local rehabilitator.