Why the hole must stay open
The mother goes out to feed and comes back. If the opening is sealed while she is out, the young starve inside and she tears into the roof or the wall to reach them. If it is sealed while she is in, she chews a new way out.
Signs young are inside
- Crying, chirping or chattering, often at the same times each day
- An adult going in and out several times a night
- Activity that started in late winter or spring
How we take them out
We find the den, check for young and take the family out together, the young by hand where we can reach them. Only then is the opening closed.
If you find babies
Do not move them unless they are in danger. A mother usually comes back after dark. If a baby is hurt, or you are sure the mother is dead, call the Wildlife Clinic at the Schuylkill Center at 215-482-7300.