Why Do Squirrels Sometimes Raise Orphans?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do squirrels sometimes raise orphans?

The Big Idea

Squirrels sometimes raise orphans because relatives can help each other out! Squirrels usually care for their own young, but sometimes a mother adopts babies that have lost their mother. It is most common when the babies are related.

Usually Their Own

Step one: usually their own. Squirrel mothers usually care for their own young. They keep their babies warm and fed in a nest high up in a tree.

Adopting Orphans

Step two: adopting orphans. Scientists have seen this in red squirrels. An aunt or grandmother may take in babies that have lost their mother.

Family Helps Family

Step three: helping relatives. Helping relatives can help the family's genes survive, which are the instructions that get passed along. Kin often help each other in the animal world.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A squirrel mother usually raises her own babies. Some babies lose their mother. A relative, like an aunt or grandmother, may step in. She brings them to her nest and cares for them. That is a lot of family love.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Kin often help each other in the animal world. Red squirrels live in forests across Canada. Baby squirrels are born tiny, with no fur, and need a lot of care. If you see a baby animal alone, tell a grown-up instead of touching it.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, read a story about a wildlife rescue. Find out who the helpers were. What did they do to help? Remember, if you see a baby animal alone, tell a grown-up instead of touching it.

Outro

Squirrels sometimes help raise family babies. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!