Stephen Rex Brown A flyer alerting locals to the squirrel.

New details have emerged about the orphaned baby squirrel that is reportedly approaching passersby in a desperate attempt to feed. A woman who said she had posted the flyers alerting locals to the squirrel contacted The Local this morning and shared her saddening first encounter with the critter on Monday on East Seventh Street between Second and Third Avenues.

“This precious little squirrel — literally the size of my hand — was looking at people beseechingly and trying to climb up their pant legs,” said the woman, who did not wish to give her name.

The next day, the woman saw the squirrel again, this time rummaging around in a trash can on East Seventh Street. That’s when she realized the squirrel must be hungry. “It probably cannot crack nuts,” she said. “It is very small!”

The woman theorized that the baby squirrel’s mother had either died or abandoned it, leading to its sorry circumstances. According to her, employees at Jimmy’s No. 43 and D.L. Cerney have also spotted the tiny creature.

A licensed wildlife rehabilitator in the neighborhood said that anyone who sees the squirrel should not be nervous about capturing it.

“Juveniles that approach people for help should be picked up and taken to a rehabilitator,” said Vicki, who did not wish to give her last name because her landlord likely would not approve of her wildlife rehabilitation endeavors. “Squirrels almost never have rabies, as many fear.”

Vicki suggested contacting the Wild Bird Fund if anyone rescues the animal.