Sick Squirrel?

[Danushka]

:jump

Hi everyone. I'm new to the Squirrel Board but have a question about a squirrel in my backyard. I have two feeders and I noticed yesterday what looks like a small (baby?) squirrel around the bottom of the tree. He/she looked like one eye was slightly closed, maybe got hurt? He/she is eating ok, but seems to go for the food that is dropped on the ground, rather than the food that is in the squirrel feeder (same food). Doesn't seem to be as "aware" as the other squirrels that come around. Could it be an ill squirrel or is this normal? As you can see, I don't know much about squirrels. Thanks for any help.

[smoknbunny]

Hi!
It is hard to say without knowing more and seeing the squirrel. Is there any way to get a picture?

[FallensMommie]

Definitely get picture for better analysing the situation.

Is it a baby like should be in the nest young? Is the one eye open due to it's age and maybe the eyes are just opening? Is it young enough that momma squirrel is still needed and if so do you see a momma squirrel or did something happen to the momma squirrel?

A picture would definitely be useful!

[Danushka]

I will try to get a picture, but I cannot find the squirrel now. I don't know if it's laying somewhere higher in the tree that I can't see but it's gone. It didn't look like a baby squirrel that still needed it's mother, maybe just a small squirrel. It was hanging around yesterday and this morning and if I see it again, I will try to get a pic of the side where the eye is slightly shut.

[FallensMommie]

Awwww....poor squirrely I hope the squirrel is alright.

During the day they retreat to the trees, so maybe later this evening when feeding time it will be back, so you can get a picture for us.

[TexanSquirrel]

:Welcome I hope he's alright!

[Danushka]

I just wanted to let everyone know who responded that I think the baby? small? squirrel is ok. He left for about a day and I was worried about what happened but I believe he is back. Both eyes look ok from what I can see (he scurries away when I try to get too close) and he's definitely eating. I'm hoping it's the same squirrel but I'm pretty sure it is because he has a way of eating that is so slow and delicate, for a squirrel !!! Thanks.

[GoldenEyes]

Danushka, :Welcome to TSB and thank you for the update on the squirrel! I'm glad that squirrel is all right.