In Ontario, Canada, a simple cardboard box with a handwritten note recently caught the attention of passersby.
Inside were several tiny baby animals — but this wasn’t a case of abandonment.
In fact, it was a carefully planned rescue mission.
The story began when a local mechanic discovered a nest of newborn red squirrels tucked inside the engine of a car. The mother had given birth there but fled when the vehicle was moved, leaving her seven babies behind in a dangerous spot.
Thankfully, the babies were able to be relocated from that unsafe spot — but setting things right would take a bit more effort yet.
Not wanting to leave the babies at risk, the mechanic called the Guelph Humane Society for help. Animal Services Officer Brooke quickly arrived.
After checking the babies and confirming they were healthy, Brooke knew the best chance for survival was to reunite them with their mom.
Instead of taking them to a wildlife rehabilitator, she gently placed the tiny squirrels into a cardboard box, cutting a flap on the side so their mother could reach in.
On the outside of the box, she taped a note to calm any curious humans who might stumble across it:
“Please don’t move me. I’m waiting for my mom!”
The box was set in the same area where the car had been parked, in hopes that the mother squirrel was still nearby.
That first day, the mother didn’t return. To keep the little ones safe, Brooke took them home overnight, fed them, and brought them back the next morning for a second attempt.
This time, it worked.
“The next morning the babies were placed back at the residence in the same spot for reunite attempt number two, which was successful!” the Guelph Humane Society shared. “Mom found her babies and moved them, all of them, to a new nest.”
For Brooke, moments like this are the best part of her work.
“It is an indescribable feeling, honestly, knowing that we reunited a family that is now going to thrive together,” she said. “Nothing is better than when a mom recognizes her young and takes full control. Nature is so beautiful — I am so lucky to be witness.”
Thanks to a cardboard box, a note, and the determination of one rescuer, a squirrel family is together again — safe and sound.
You can support the Guelph Humane Society by making a donation here.
