release time...before or after winter?

[annick]

i live in the NY area and winters are pretty tough here. several rehabbers have told me that squirrels will do just fine when released in fall. is this correct? two of my three squirrlies seem to be getting ready soon to be released, but my runt boy isn't yet ;) so i'm still waiting till he's a little older and then i'm gonna release all three together.

-is it ok to release prior to winter?
-will they be able to find food in winter?
-will they be able to adapt to the cold so quickly?

sooo many questions lol. i just want to make sure they will make it since i :Love_Icon and care about them so much ;)

[island rehabber]

Howdy neighbor......:wave123
Granted, it's about 10 degrees cooler at night where you are than where I am because the LI Sound keeps us warmer. However, I've released fall babies as late as first week in November, in northern Westchester, which is right next to you. They did fine. The criteria are: SOME leaves must be left on the trees to build dreys with. Maples most often keep their green leaves right up until Thanksgiving around here. The babies must have thick, winter coats that will usually show white flecks, especially on their haunches, and white tufts behnd the ears. The squirrels must have been acclimated to the outdoors for a couple of weeks before release -- you can't take them out of your living room and then put them somewhere that goes down to 45 at night -- all at once. And last but not least, the squirrels should be feisty, wary of people and pets, and able to crack a hardshell nut (walnut, hazelnut) easily without assistance.

[annick]

hehehe, instead of bothering you again with my 10 million questions i thought i'll post a new thread instead :D thank you for your reply island rehabber. as always i will follow ur advice :thankyou