Squirrels in need: drought threatens our little friends!

In the past few weeks, several cases of dehydrated squirrels have been reported, which have fallen from trees due to extreme dryness and high temperatures. Karin Petra Freiling reported that three such animals were reported to Bremen over the squirrel. Regions in Berlin and Brandenburg are particularly affected, where the current drought leads to a dramatic location for the animals. The German Weather Service (DWD) described April 2025 as a month with "pronounced heat anomaly", which recorded temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and only half of the precipitation compared to the reference period 1961-1990. It was decided that the period from the beginning of February to mid -April 2025 has been the driest since 1931.

Freiling, which leads the donation -financed animal protection association "Connection between the species", has taken over the squirrel emergency call from Jürgen Conrad. Every year the association maintains about 80 to 90 squirrels. The care costs amount to an average of 100 euros per animal before they are released into freedom. The number of nursing cases is increasing, even if Freiling does not speak of a massive trap of the squirrels.

First aid for squirrels and tips for improving your living conditions

For first aid for squirrels, the following applies: On contact you should not run away because the animals are looking for closeness to people. A warm place, such as a box or a pillowcase, as well as something to eat, such as local vegetables, fruit and nuts (except peanuts) are important. Water should be offered in flat peel, while a forced nutrition should be avoided.

In addition, there are some tips for improving the living conditions for wild animals: flat drinking shells should be filled and cleaned daily, lawn cuts and mulch can help prevent soil drying, and the use of lawn sprinkles should be avoided to save water. The squirrel emergency call Bremen can be reached on 0179/7424479.

The widespread distribution of such cases shows the common problem that squirrels are currently confronted with. According to a report by T-Online, they are increasingly exposed to man-made threats, including not only the persistent drought, but also the general climate crisis and the system of sterile-looking gardens. Another example is a reception center at Berlin, which can receive dozens of emergency calls daily via weakened squirrels.

Tanya Lenn, the chair of the Eichhörnchen-Hilfe Berlin/Brandenburg, describes the situation as dramatic and warns of the slow start of the extinction of these animals. While squirrels in Europe are not considered threatened, there is a risk from the loss of habitats, such as the cutout of forests. In addition, warm winter lead to a fault of the winter rest of the animals, which increases their susceptibility to diseases.

The drought also affects the storage collection of the squirrels in autumn. Moreal robots also pose a danger because they can violate smaller animals, while cats are the greatest threat to squirrels. Many gardens and parks are no longer suitable for them due to tree felling and stone gardens.

The reception center in Teltow has recorded about 3,500 squirrels in 18 years. However, the exact number of squirrels in Germany remains difficult to determine why citizens are encouraged to report sightings.