SPIKE IS READY TO GO FREE I THINK!

[k8kelly]

HI all! Well a year and a half after raising my squirrel and many attempts of setting him free- he is finally showing interest in being in the wild-his ventures outside have become longer and longer and he is showing signs of agression for the first time when we put him in his cage? we live in southern california- so there are green leaves in the trees and we can provide him with food if need be- I was wondering if it would be harmful for him to be free if he has been hand-reared since 6 weeks? He has been outside but always come back in? Can I release him?

[Sciurus1]

:Welcome
You say the squirrel comes back in; am I right then to assume he is presently being housed inside in a cage? If so, this is what in part is causing him to return, for he hasn't sufficiently detached himself from you as yet. Providing him with an outside pre-release cage, with a nestbox in it, so he can become acclimated to living out of doors, along with feeding him foods that naturally grow in the area, will help considerably to wild him up, and complete his transition back to the wild. There is the option of having a rehabber help with this last step, if you cannot provide a release cage for him. I am not a licensed rehabber, but I am knowledgeable about squirrels, as well as being in your general vacinity. If you want some help, feel free to contact me by private message.