When do I release since winter is around the corner?

[jsteffan]

Hello, I found an orphand baby squirrel near the end of August. He was only about three weeks old at the time. It is now the middle/end of October and baby Dexter has grown into a very healthy and active, young, male, adult squirrel. I would like to start the releasing process but I'm a little afraid of doing so because winter is just around the corner. We live in Pennsylvania so even though we've had some mild winters lately, it can get very cold and snowy here durring the winter months. Also we rent a duplex and I'm not so sure our landlord would appreciate that we have a squirrel which is another reason why I would like to start the process now. Is there a sanctuary I could send him to or should I just keep him over the winter or should I start to release him here now? We live in a very nice and quiet neighborhood all though there are some trucks around here that like to race down the street and some neighborhood cats, but there are plenty of trees and other squirrels and rabbits etc. What should I do?

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

As long as you will be able to continue to provide food for the squirrel for the winter (put out nuts and grapes, etc.) I would say it is fine to release him now. You can also put up a nestbox for him so he will have a nice cozy place to stay in case he doesn't make his own nest right away. Good luck with the little tyke.

[island rehabber]

He can be released as long as there are SOME green leaves on the trees where you are.....last year, for example, the maples were green right up until Nov. 15 here in NYC, and I did release a couple of squirrels that late who did fine. In order to build a nest they need fresh green leaves, not dry ones.
You should begin acclimating this squirrel to the outdoors as soon as you can, however. If you can't put him outside in his cage for a week or so because of your landlord I would say put him by an open window and leave it open. He needs to start getting his winter coat going and he won't do that inside a heated apartment. Good luck with him!

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

I agree. You are about 3 hours west of me and right now there are still a ton of fresh leaves on the trees. You need to do some kind of release plan though.
Can you get a nice outdoor nest box and keep it in his cage to get used to and then hang it outside up in a tree with him in it when its time?
Will your landlord let you do that?
This way he knows his house and you can throw out food ad water for him...