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Abandoned chipmunk

What Should I Do if I Find an Orphaned or Abandoned chipmunk?

Finding an abandoned animal can soften anyone’s heart. There is a likelihood that the animal you come in contact with is wild and is not domesticated. In that case, you  should handle it differently. If you come across a stranded or an orphaned chipmunk and are not sure what you should do about it, then here are a few tips for you.

Give it some time
It is very common to believe that if an animal is seen lying helpless, it is orphaned or abandoned. However, this may not be the case. Sometimes baby chipmunks crawl out of their nests on their own. It is also possible that a predator carried it away and that is the reason why it is left by itself. In this case, the best approach would be to give it some time. The mother of the chipmunk might come searching for it and take it back. If you make a quick decision without much thought, you can strip the chipmunk away from its mother and home. It is best to give it space and time before taking any further steps.

Check for any injuries
The first thing you should do is check the chipmunk for any sign of injury. Since it has been outside it could be hurt. If you notice any bleeding, gently pick up the chipmunk and place it on an old, soft towel. This would provide warmth. Next, call your local wildlife center or removal service. They will come and take care of it as required.

Basic care

It could be a while until rehabilitators come to pick up the abandoned chipmunk. If you have time on your hands, it is advised to use it to help the little chipmunk. Your priority should be to make it comfortable. It is best to place it in a warm room or under a 100-watt bulb if you think it requires extra warmth. Furthermore, offer Pedialyte through a syringe to rehydrate it.
Moving
If you are taking the chipmunk to your wildlife center, you should take the proper precautionsand safety measures. The steps to do so are mentioned below.

  1. Pick out a shoebox and place the chipmunk inside.
  2. At the bottom of the box, place a warm cloth. Place a lid on top of the box.
  3. Make sure the lid is not airtight. There should be enough breathing space and capacity.
  4. Warm a bottle of water and place it underneath the cloth. This should be on one side.
  5. Gently, place the chipmunk inside the box.
  6. Wear gloves when handling the box and chipmunk.

Finding an abandoned animal can be heart-wrenching. However, it is advised to keep a clear head and handle thinks carefully to ensure the safety of the chipmunk and yourself.