Signs that a squirrel is orphaned: If a baby squirrel is alone, do not automatically assume they are orphaned. If the baby is warm and has no visible injuries, leave the baby in the location for a few hours and check to see if the mother came to retrieve the baby (babies often wander off from the nest site or the mother may be moving the nest, so these babies do not need human care). If the mother is clearly dead, becomes weak, shows signs of injury or illness, or the squirrel hasn't been reunited with the mother after a few hours, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.