Sir Rodney with sore paw

[Sir Rodney]

Greetings. I'm a new member, a squirrel mother. I raised an abandoned baby male fox squirrel 4 years ago and he's come in the window to visit and shake us down for nuts on a regular basis ever since. He brings his girlfriends in, too, so now we have 4 squirrely friends. However, about 5 days ago, Sir Rodney came in favoring his right front paw and my examination only revealed the tiniest puncture, insect bite sized, with a small, slightly swollen, bare area around it. It looked very minor, but he avoided putting weight on it. I dripped Bactine on it and decided not to confine him, as he gets very indignant and angry when I've had to previously, like when he had hawk puncture wounds several years ago. However, when he left, he had some difficulty climbing up the branch I have leading to the window. I regretted my decision.

Anyway, he came again the next day and seemed better. He jumped on my back to eat, in order to avoid me clucking over his paw, no doubt. However, he hasn't returned for about 5 days (unusual for him) and I'm quite concerned. I suppose it's possible that he's off eating wild food and my garden produce (I've planted things squirrels like to eat around here), but it's very hot and, even though I have 3 waterers, I'm quite concerned about him. Am I being too nervous? We love our little Sir Rodney, Knight of the Order Rodentia. Does anyone have any ideas about what might be going on with him? Thank you very much.

[Sciurus1]

No, you are not too nervous. I would be concerned too, but then not to worry over what does not presently to be a problem. I have had ones like this too, if you see him and it should be more swollen, or he is not walking on it, then do tender trap him and take him to a rehabber, for that would then need treatment up close, being likely then an absesses. Let us know if you see him again. S1

[TexanSquirrel]

:Welcome I hope you see him again soon!

[adoptedmom]

We love our little Sir Rodney, Knight of the Order Rodentia.
:Welcome Love the name and title you gave to your guy!

[Loopy Squirrel]

I hope your little guy is o.k.. I would be worried too. I hate it when they hide out for a few days. When he tried to climb, was it just the foot he was having difficulty climbing with or was it the whole leg? Did he seem stiff with any of his other limbs or his back end?

[Sir Rodney]

Thank you all for being so wonderful.

It's very weird -- all of the squirrels are being very scarce right now. We usually have thunderpaws on the roof all morning and squirrels scratching on our screen or chittering at us to let them in, but nobody seems to be coming around. We're having a serious (early) heat wave, with temperatures past the century mark. I suppose the black walnuts might be early this year too and hopefully they're all just out getting their little chins blackened. I'll have to do some bushwhacking to find out. I hope there's a benign reason and not something like a neighbor using poisons.

Loopy: Thank you so much for your concern and query. Only the paw was favored, and his climbing was impaired the first day only due to his reluctance to use it on the upward climb on the branch. That was what really worried me -- he usually never slips. But the second day I saw him, he was much better and jumped onto my shoulder like always and perched on my back to eat. I think he sometimes does that to prevent me from examining him, which would indicate his paw was still tender. He seemed OK when he went across the room to the window. However, he took an alternate way out the window to avoid the climb and took off. I wish I had kept him in! He's had three veterinarian/rehabber events before and he hates it so much.

What disorder could send paralysis or stiffness to the rest of the body or limb? There have been cases of West Nile Virus in this area. Maybe I should give all the squirrels a drop of Advantage?

Gammas: You might be onto something. I just went outside at the sound of squirrel cooing and lo and behold was a mating pair. This would be three mating seasons in 6 months, however. I suppose we might be increasing the frequency of mating seasons here with our major squirrel feeding station and wildlife-friendly plantings. We sometimes get 10 squirrels at a time at the station.

[Sciurus1]

Welcome Fellow Californian! :multi

[4skwerlz]

The fact that most of your other squirrels are MIA right now suggests that there's something tempting them to another area right now--squirrel girls, food, or maybe just a cooler place to rest during the day. I worry more when all the regular crew is still there and just one is missing. Since Rodney seemed better the second time you saw him, his foot is probably okay. Seems like with wild squirrels, once they start to get better they keep on getting better. I hope you see him soon. :grouphug

You asked about what could cause paralysis.....have you seen a squirrel that seems unable to use his limbs?
:Welcome to TSB!

[Sir Rodney]

4skwerlz: Thank you so much for cheering me up. I've been so heartsick. There are other attractions -- girls in estrous, black walnuts, my almond and stone fruit trees. But this is twice as long as he's ever been away before, so I have a terrible sense of dread. Our little Jasmine is also missing -- she was so adorable -- she'd come in and lay on the bed with us in the morning! Such a little sweetie. I hope we see them both again soon.

Your quote "It's a tragic thing to love a wild creature. It's always a tragedy because in the end, you can't protect them" is so painfully, painfully true.

The paralysis question came in response to Loopy's question regarding Rodney's symptoms. He didn't have any signs of paralysis or stiffness, thankfully. I was curious, because the tiny wound on the top of his hand could have been an insect bite (I thought maybe it was a bee sting) and wanted to rule out West Nile Virus. I think WNV kills them, but I don't know enough about the symptoms. If it seemed like WNV could be a threat, I would try to get a drop of Advantage on the backs of the necks of my remaining friendly squirrels.

Sciurus1: Thank you so much for your kind greeting! I'm in the SFV, where we have fox squirrels and the large California gray squirrels (although I've seen fewer of them in recent years -- habitat loss) and of course, ground squirrels. I wish we had NFS around here. We love the foxes to distraction. They rule the roost! They run up and down the stairs, bury nuts in the couch and everywhere, come into the office when I'm working (and make gibberish out of emails by dancing on the keyboard), climb up our legs, jump onto our shoulders, and lay on the bed. Once I figure out how to post a photo, I'll put up my favorite of Rodney laying over my husband's shoulder.

[Sir Rodney]

Is there a size limit on the photos? I'll try a couple, each about 512 pixels square to see how it works. One is of Rodney when he was young with my husband; one with me.

I'm afraid that the worst has happened. I should have forced the issue and kept him in. Any little decrement in abilities can cause mortality. It just looked like such a tiny wound and he seemed better next day.

I've been crying for days. I don't know what I'll do without him. There's nothing like having an affectionate little mammal on your shoulder. Nothing. I miss him terribly. As Basho once said: I knew this day would come. But what I did not know yesterday is that it would be today.

[secretsmom]

He is adorable! don't despair-I know easier said then done, but there is a good chance he is doing just fine and just stretching his wings. You have to think the best!

[4skwerlz]

I'm afraid that the worst has happened. I should have forced the issue and kept him in. Any little decrement in abilities can cause mortality. It just looked like such a tiny wound and he seemed better next day.

I've been crying for days. I don't know what I'll do without him. There's nothing like having an affectionate little mammal on your shoulder. Nothing. I miss him terribly. As Basho once said: I knew this day would come. But what I did not know yesterday is that it would be today.

Don't give up hope yet. All of my wild squirrels are MIA right now....perhaps it's the weather. My quote that you mentioned, comes from painful experience. We are privileged to get to know a wild creature, but humans "fall in love" and want to hang on when mother nature says everything must die in its turn. That's why the other quote in my signature, about animals being "other nations," is also true. Wild animals live IN nature, where death is truly a part of life. They are OF that world and fully adapted to it; as humans we deny it and believe we have removed ourselves from it. Whatever has happened to Rodney, he was living life as he was meant to live it, and I'm sure he doesn't mind. Which you gave him the chance to do. If he's alive, you'll see him soon; if he's not, then his troubles are over and I'm very sure he wouldn't want you to be so sad. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Sir Rodney]

Theresa, you are such a dear heart. Thank you so much for comforting me. We've been so desolate. He's been the fuzz-love of our lives, the befurred sunshine coming through our window. It was always impossible to be gloomy or depressed around him, he was such a bundle of joy. Missy is the only one left -- I haven't even seen Rapunzel (another of Rodney's paramours and another of our little friends). I'm trying to encourage Missy to climb on my shoulder more -- she gets freaked out when I move. I have to hold still for her to feel safe. Rodney used to love it when I'd run or twirl with him on my back or shoulder -- he'd get a wild look in his eyes, like he was grinning. Oh what fun he was! And what a little darling. How I hope he still lives! He was truly a little bit of magic.

[Sir Rodney]

4skwerlz: Thank you so much for your kindness. How long have your wildlings been gone? Is it abnormally long in comparison to other years? Is there anything particular about the 4th year in males -- I read in North American Tree Squirrels that after 3.5 years of age, males begin what was called the "active pursuit" strategy in mating season where they exploit their dominance to more aggressively pursue the ladies. Rodney's been the hottest alpha male in the vicinity -- he's very handsome, with his rakish ear-tear and pet humans who hand feed him and his girlfriends delectables (and maybe also that he spoke squirrel with an accent, irresistible!), but his paw injury may have really mucked up his chances with the ladies. The other males can be so cruel to anyone who's injured (not to mention hawks). I'm kicking myself about letting him go. What use is it to have a pet human if it doesn't help out?

But you're right; we knew when we released him that we would live with the sword of Damocles of him just not showing up someday. I've saved his life maybe 4 times, but the love and joy he's given us in return so thoroughly outweighs my contribution. I just wish I had come through for him this time, too.

It is a lesson to me. As a biologist, I was trained to try not to intervene. But as an animal lover, I must. It's just hard to know when it's the right amount.

[4skwerlz]

4skwerlz: Thank you so much for your kindness. How long have your wildlings been gone? Is it abnormally long in comparison to other years? Is there anything particular about the 4th year in males -- I read in North American Tree Squirrels that after 3.5 years of age, males begin what was called the "active pursuit" strategy in mating season where they exploit their dominance to more aggressively pursue the ladies......his paw injury may have really mucked up his chances with the ladies. The other males can be so cruel to anyone who's injured (not to mention hawks). I'm kicking myself about letting him go. What use is it to have a pet human if it doesn't help out?

I have to say, this is the first time I recall when virtually ALL my wild fuzzers have disappeared at the same time for a couple of weeks.

From many years of way-too-many hours spent watching wild squirrels, I've concluded that the females are the most reliable about regular visiting, the males are the least reliable, and the older males even more so. Some of my older guys (5+ years) will disappear for a year or more, and then turn up. Once they cut ties with mom and siblings, the males don't seem to remain "home based" like females do, and I think you're right, they go where the females are. I've read they can hear and smell a female in season up to a mile away. As for Rodney's injury, I seriously doubt such a small hurt is going to slow him down much.

I feel for you so much. I have worried and cried over mine to the point where I can't do it any more. Not because I can't take the pain, because if I thought it would really help them, I would take any amount of hurt. But because....well it's so hard to really help them. I mean, to PROTECT them you have to confine them. In the end, it just seems somehow, not right, to interject all of our human emotions and attachments into their world.

I am still trying to sort this out for myself. In my former home in the woods, I would watch an extended family of deer every day. The mothers would bring their new fawns to race across our lawn. One adolescent male would take naps under our picnic table. One magic late afternoon, the whole family gathered in the far lawn....everyone lying and resting, enjoying the late sun slanting across their backs, the young ones playing, two older siblings laying back to back and grooming one another's necks, and the older deer taking turns standing guard. That night, some hunters came through....no need to tell the rest. If you find the answer to this dilemma, I would love to know what it is.

My gut feeling is you will see Rodney again.

EDIT: Of course, having said all that, I just walked out to get a breath of air before bed, and there was Binky, a wild baby bunny who, like all the critters around us, seem to become tame at the drop of a hat. Of course I had to go to the kitchen to get him a "cookie" which he loves so much, and scold him to watch out for owls.

[tatcat]

:wave123 sir rodney i just read thru your thread...what a sad story, but as others have said, they may be exploring..keep us posted..i love the pics..:grouphug

[secretsmom]

Even though you gave Rodney the chance to be free, he is the one who took it. I have a hunch he would not have gone anywhere if he did not feel secure in doing so. Animals are pretty keen as you already know! I understand how overwhelming your emptiness feels right now. Sending good thoughts your way :grouphug

[Apple Corps]

So how long has Rodney been missing - 10 days??

Where generally in California do you live - mountains, coast, north , south.

AC

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 Sorry to hear he is MIA...hope he's home soon!
I have to agree with others, as males get older, they travel further.
I released Bart over 4 years ago, he now comes almost daily. There have been times when we didn't see him for a month. We were also very worried. Once he was gone for over 4 months. We had given up, and SURPRISE! BART!:Love_Icon
Yours sounds like a beautiful sweet story. I hope he comes home soon.:grouphug Good Luck...jit

[Sir Rodney]

You are all so wonderful, thank you.

4skwerlz: You've been so kind. Thank you. It is a struggle to balance intervention and restraint -- when a choice is available. Your story about the deer is heartbreaking. Humans have so upset the natural world (in just my lifetime!) that I'm feeling that the pendulum must swing strongly toward intervention in many cases just to save what's left of our biodiversity; and leave utterly alone those areas that can be safely left alone. Squirrels and deer are not endangered, but they make life magical. It feels sterile and unhealthy to live without wild animals. Their health is also ours.

I feel like we are a continuum, all woven of the same thread. All of us here would be the ones who, in the fables and folktales, would understand the speech of animals, the ones that the little creatures come to help when in need. It feels reciprocal.

Apple Corps: Thank you so much for your concern. This is day 11 for Rodney. We're in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains in Southern California. We're a few houses away from a preserve.

One wrinkle in the mystery: a new neighbor moved in, a renter, with 2 old dogs and a reasonably elderly cat. I wouldn't expect they would be great hunters, but it is a recent change. Cats and small dogs don't last long here due to the coyotes. We used to see bobcats and deer, but they've vanished in recent years.

[Apple Corps]

Sir Rodney - being next to a preserve might simply have your lil fuzzer out free in the trees. Even fuzzers that have been house squirrels for years will "take off" for the wilds and not be seen for ages.

This morning - don't know why - Baby and Twins have both shown up this morning - so it is not unheard of for them to be gone for weeks and weeks - we think the worst - and then one day :jump :jump

We moved to the Central Valley from Glendale - so we know your general area. In Glendale we had deer on our roof, rattlesnakes on the patio, coyotes, owls, etc. How "careful" is Sir Rodney when around cats, dogs, hawks, etc. ?

[Sir Rodney]

Jackie: Thank you so much for giving us hope! We had given up and were walking around with little dark clouds over our heads. Worse is the feeling that I had failed him and the futile wish to turn back the clock.

Apple Corps: Thank you also for your kind infusion of hope. The herd of little bouncing smilies well expresses the feeling we would have should he come home!

Sir Rodney is shy around people other than those he knows and loves, which is good. Since I had to raise him, I couldn't teach him about hawks. Shortly after we released him, I found him on the wall with 4 hawks within 10 feet of him all looking quite interested. I grabbed him and ran inside. He's had two sets of hawk wounds on his back -- two large puncture wounds about an inch or so apart -- from two other occasions in his youth. He had to go to the rehabber twice. Since then, however, none. I assumed he had gotten the idea about hawks. I'm concerned that, if he was a bit lame, he could have been easier to grab. I had read somewhere that the hawks usually go after the young ones because the older ones are too heavy to carry away. However, he was a bit leaner due to the mating season (which has seemed interminable).

We don't have too many outdoor dogs and cats in the 'hood due to the coyotes. We occasionally see a cat and shoo it away. They usually don't last long if their humans aren't careful about them. We every now and then get coyotes in midday, cruising down the middle of the street like they're neighborhood dogs. Nocturnal coyotes seem to have adjusted to human schedules and their pets. All that to say that I haven't seen Rodney in the vicinity of cats or dogs. Usually, all the local squirrels chitter and scold like mad anytime an interloper comes around.

Oh my little boy! I hope he lives, like Frodo!

[skye]

Hello there and :Welcome
aww I feel so sad for you I will pray your little guy will show up soon. Thanks for the pics very nice what a cute little guy.:)

[Apple Corps]

It is a joy beyond what most hard assed people could even imagine - but also a burden of worry to carry everyday.

Sweet & Sour / Yin & Yang / ?????