So, you’ve stumbled on a baby chipmunk—what now? Don’t rush in and scoop it up. Honestly, the best move is to hang back and watch for a bit. Sometimes the mom is just out of sight and comes back soon.
But if the baby looks hurt or the mom doesn’t show up after a few hours, reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator or a professional for help.
Chipmunks aren’t pets—they’re wild, and experts know how to care for them properly. If you try to feed or raise a baby chipmunk on your own, you might actually hurt it.
Just focus on keeping the little one safe and warm while you wait for advice. That’s really the best way to help.
You might feel anxious or a bit lost, but simple actions like offering shelter—without poking or prodding—go a long way. This guide’s here to walk you through what to do, so the chipmunk has its best shot.
Immediate Steps When You Find Baby Chipmunks
When you spot baby chipmunks, check them out carefully before you do anything else. Figuring out if they actually need help—and how to handle them safely—can make a huge difference.
How to Assess If the Baby Chipmunk Needs Help
Take a good look around. Can you see a den nearby? Sometimes, baby chipmunks outside aren’t really abandoned. If the baby seems warm, moves around, and its fur looks clean, the mom might just be close.
But if the baby is tiny, cold, or looks weak and tired, it probably needs help. Try gently pinching the skin—if it doesn’t snap back, the chipmunk may be dehydrated.
Don’t feed it anything yet. The wrong food can do real damage.
If you notice wounds or odd behaviors like head tilting or strange movements, the chipmunk needs a wildlife rehabilitator right away.
Identifying Signs of Distress in Baby Chipmunks
Watch for clear signs the chipmunk’s in trouble. These include:
- Shivering or feeling cold
- Too weak to stand
- Missing fur, or covered in fleas, ants, or maggots
- Obvious wounds—cuts, bruises, or bleeding
- Alone and far from the den for over two hours
If you spot any of these, the baby probably can’t make it alone. Act quickly if it looks skinny or doesn’t respond.
Skip food and water for now unless an expert says otherwise. Just focus on warmth and keeping things quiet.
Safely Handling and Containing the Chipmunk
If you decide to help, put on gloves to protect both yourself and the chipmunk. Use a small towel or cloth to gently scoop it up. Handle it carefully—baby chipmunks are super fragile.
Set the chipmunk in a small container with air holes, like a shoebox. Put a soft cloth on the bottom for comfort.
Keep the container in a warm, quiet spot away from pets and noise.
For warmth, use a warm rice bag or a low-heat heating pad next to the container, not directly under or on the chipmunk. Don’t give it food or water right now—it could do more harm.
If the chipmunk doesn’t get back to its den after a few hours, or if it looks hurt or distressed, call a wildlife rehabilitator right away. For more details, check out Operation Wildlife’s guide on chipmunk rescue.
Contacting Wildlife Rehabilitators and Providing Short-Term Care
If you find baby chipmunks that seem lost or hurt, you’ll want to be cautious. It’s important to know when to call a pro, how to find one nearby, and what you should do until help arrives.
When to Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if the baby chipmunks look injured, really weak, or have been alone for a long time. If you see bleeding, broken limbs, or if they’re cold and don’t respond, make the call right away.
Don’t try to raise or treat wild animals at home. It’s not just risky—it’s usually illegal. Licensed rehabilitators have the right training and permits to care for these animals and get them ready for release.
Finding and Reaching Out to Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
Check your state or local wildlife department websites or animal rescue directories to find a wildlife rehabilitator. You can also search “licensed wildlife rehabilitators near me” for quick help.
Pick someone who’s allowed to care for small mammals. When you get in touch, describe the chipmunks’ condition and where you found them. Follow their advice while you wait.
How to Keep Baby Chipmunks Safe and Warm Until Help Arrives
Put the baby chipmunks in a small box or container lined with soft cloth or tissue. Skip the cotton—trust me, it just sticks to their tiny bodies.
Set the box somewhere warm, quiet, and dark. Keep it far from pets and loud noises.
Don’t feed them food or water unless a rehabilitator gives you specific instructions. Try not to handle them much; honestly, stress can really hurt them.
Focus on keeping them safe and calm until an expert can step in.
If you need help finding a skilled wildlife rehabilitator nearby, check official directories to make sure they get the best care.
