“I hoped they didn’t get hurt in the fall.”
Baby Squirrels Rescued After Tree Falls in Storm: A Tale of Instinct, Kindness, and Second Chances
Auburn, California — When powerful storms swept through Auburn this past March, the chaos wasn’t limited to roads and rooftops — it reached deep into the trees, where countless wild animals call home. One such tree came crashing down into the backyard of Sallysue Stein, Executive Director of Gold Country Wildlife Rescue. But for four tiny fox squirrels, what could have been a tragedy quickly became a tale of rescue and hope.
“I watched the tree fall from inside my house,” Stein said. “As soon as it was stable, I started to look for nests.”
With years of wildlife rescue experience behind her, Stein knew to look for the characteristic basketball-sized clumps of twigs that fox squirrels call home. Sure enough, nestled inside one such nest were four baby squirrels, shaken but unharmed.
A Gentle Touch and a Quick Response
Stein gently collected the nest and brought the babies to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue’s intake center, where experts confirmed their good health. The next step: trying to reunite them with their mother.
Back in Stein’s yard, rescuers carefully placed the babies in a safe, open box near the fallen tree. But despite their best efforts and patient waiting, mom never returned.
“We always hope for a natural reunion,” Stein explained. “But when that’s not possible, we step in to make sure the animals get the care they need.”
Growing Strong and Ready for Release
The little fox squirrels have thrived under the rescue center’s care and are now almost ready to return to the wild. They currently live in a protected outdoor release enclosure, learning to climb, forage, and prepare for their second chance at life in the treetops.
“The babies have done very well!” said Stein. “They’ll soon be heading back into the wild where they belong.”
Nature, Nurture, and the Power of Kindness
This story is more than just a rescue — it’s a reminder of how small acts of awareness and kindness can make all the difference. In the aftermath of storms, fallen trees may hold homes, not just branches. While it’s not always safe to leave them undisturbed, wildlife experts urge the public to check for nests and call trained rehabilitators when in doubt.
As for the four baby squirrels, their story is nearly complete — a story of a storm, a fall, and a helping hand.