“They freeze, almost like little mimes.”
Nine Orphaned Baby Ground Squirrels Play the Cutest Game of Freeze Tag at Wildlife Center
Nine baby thirteen-lined ground squirrels were rescued from a woman’s backyard and brought to Oaken Acres Wildlife Center — just in time. The tiny animals had been lingering around an underground den where their mother had sadly passed away, and they were far too young to survive on their own.
By the time rescuers arrived, the babies were cold, dehydrated, and dangerously weak.
“We do what’s called a ‘body score’ on intake of each of our patients,” said Kathy Stelford, founder of Oaken Acres. “Their scores were in the 1+ to 2- range — very serious.”
Each squirrel weighed barely more than a tablespoon of water. On top of that, they were covered in fleas. The wildlife team immediately sprang into action: they treated the fleas, gave the squirrels fluids, and gently placed them into a warm incubator.
Soon, the babies began to recover — and show their personalities.
Adjusting to their new environment took some time. Surrounded by unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells, the little squirrels were understandably scared. That’s when their natural instincts kicked in.
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are known to freeze in place when frightened — a defense mechanism designed to evade predators. And although they were perfectly safe at Oaken Acres, the babies didn’t know that yet.
The result? A game of freeze tag like no other.
“They always act like this — as soon as you open their incubator, they freeze, almost like little mimes,” the center wrote on Facebook. “Then, after a few seconds, in their trance-like state, one will move, and the others all start reacting.”
One supervisor managed to capture a hilarious video of the squirrels freezing and unfreezing in perfectly awkward poses — much to the delight of the entire team.
Despite their heartbreaking start, the nine siblings are now thriving. They’re growing stronger every day and will stay at the center for another six weeks or so before being released back where they were found.
Until then, their caregivers are soaking up every funny, adorable moment.
“We’re just so happy they’re doing well,” said Stelford. “Watching them be silly is one of the best parts of the job.”