Squirrel with tilted head

[wildstrawberries]

I live in Seattle and set out unsalted peanuts for the blue jays and squirrels that live around my house. I am concerned about one of the squirrels that comes by daily because she walks with her head tilted over to the right. It has been this way for about a month. I called the wildlife rehabilitation center in the area and they said that I could catch her and bring her in and they would do what they can for her. Trouble is, if they decide that she cannot survive on her own they will euthanize her. I am also loathe to cause her any stress or trauma from trapping her. She still moves quickly and does not wobble at all when she stands up to feed. I am worried however, especially as I have to move in mid-December so she won't be getting food from me anymore. I also would have a hard time transporting her as well as I do not have a vehicle so if there is a rehabber in the area.....I want to do what I can for her before I go and would like some input as to what people with experience think I should do. Thank you!

[Abacat]

:Welcome to TSB.

Without knowing the history, and without an exam, it's hard to say what's causing the head tilt. I do agree that she needs to be seen by a vet or wildlife rehabber . I know of 2 rehabbers in Portland area that are members here, but not any in Seattle. I'm pretty sure there are some other members near you...I'm going to PM one, see if they know of anyone rehabbing in your area...

I'll let you know what I come up with...

[Abacat]

Hi again,
I understand you not wanting to cause undue stress to the squirrel. This is always something that really needs to be considered and weighed against the severity of the problems seen. Yes, your fuzzy friend could be very ill, or could be okay left to fend on her own...No one really knows without examining the squirrel. If she seems to be getting around okay, no problems climbing, eating, running ...I would just let her be. But if she needs help...

I'm not sure who you've already talked to, but here's a list:
Sharon Gamba, licensed wildlife rehabilitator -squirrels (but also take in other small mammals and songbirds) 401-294-6070 (pager 581-3223) or E-mail: winsongs@aol.com

http://www.westsoundwildlife.org/

Sarvey Wildlife Care Center - Raptors, general mammals, raptor flight cages, medical. Call 360-435-4817 or E-Mail: hihanska@aol.com
North Kingstown

another whole page of listings:
http://c3seattle.com/wild.html

I would try the individual first (Sharon Gamba...looks like she specializes in squirrels) , see how she responds to your question of what would happen to the squirrel, and if it could be placed as a non-releasable if need be.

I think you are a compassionate, caring person, who just wants to help the squirrel, and for that, :thankyou I wish there were more caring people like you out there. :grouphug :bowdown

If needed, I think we could make arrangements for someone in your area to help transport the squirrel to a rehabber or facility. (Thanks M! ;))
Let me know if you need help, please keep us posted. Thanks again!

[wildstrawberries]

Hi,

Thank you so much for the info. She's been coming around for a while and although she's definitely not a pet, I am fond of her. I will do as you suggest and contact the specialist first. Hopefully she will be okay.

Best,
Jen Lockett
:thankyou

[wildstrawberries]

I'm glad this forum is available, otherwise I would not have anywhere to go for advice to help the squirrel out. Thanks for being here! I'll keep you updated...:peace

[4skwerlz]

Is her head always tilted, or only sometimes? Sometimes a squirrel that is blind in one eye will tilt their head when they are holding food, so that the good eye can focus on the food. My Henry does that, as he is blind in one eye. Wild squirrels seem to be able to survive pretty well with all sorts of problems. If she's fat and can get around okay, then she might do fine. I agree you have to think twice about interfering. Why don't you keep an eye on her and see how she does. If she loses weight or seems ill, then you could think about taking action. In the meantime, a little extra food and love goes a long way.

[Abacat]

How's your little fuzzy friend doing? Still coming around? Is this the last week before you have to move? Next Saturday is almost mid-December...

[Sciurus1]

As for Native species, you are right, that is on an individual basis that they evaluate them to see if they are releasable. Still such animals might be employed for educational purposes, IF they are natives, but there is no guarantee they will. One thing to consider is that in WA. State, and Oregon, Wildlife centers only take Native Species in for rehabilitation. IF non-native species are brought in and left, they are euthanized according to the wildlife statutes for those States.

In order to determine if the tree squirrel you have in your yard in distress is a Native or not, refer to the photos here below. The first three photos are of native speces, and teh last two of non native.


1. Western Gray Squirrel -Native Species - large bodied, tail long as body, upper slate gray, under white, cream, tail as long as body and very full, with tail hairs having white tips. Long ears compared to other bodied tree squirrels.

2. Douglas Squirrel - Native Species - small bodied pine squirrel, Olivey brown upper, with deep oregold under that turns more grayish in Winter. Tail above grayish in winter.

3. North American Red Squirrel Species - small bodied pine squirrel, under white to cream, upper red to reddish brown.

4. Eastern Gray Squirrel - non native species -large bodied tree squirrel, light gray with distinct tan or brown markings on the face, back, and tail, more grayed in the winter over all. Tail is a bit shorter than the body.

5. Eastern Fox Squirrel - non native species -large; light Golden to oregold under, and grayish brown (agouti) upper, with tail more rusty, tail hair golden tips, tail full and fox like. Ears short in comparison to other large bodied tree squirrels.

[wildstrawberries]

The squirrel is still coming by and seems to get around okay. I feed her everyday though. I am worried that the squirrel will suffer without easy food, but I have seen her digging around in the dirt and lawn, so she must be finding stuff on her own. Here is a link to some pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lockettjk/Squirrel#

I emailed the rehab specialist, but after a couple emails I sent her the pics and she has not responded. I am hoping that if she thought it was really serious she would have responded back immediately. I think the squirrel will survive just fine. There is a large green belt behind the house, so there are a lot of food sources around naturally. I just want to be sure, so I don't worry about her after I leave (on the 20th). Thanks everyone for your input and if you see anything in the photos that concerns you let me know.
:peace

[Legomom]

Try posting the photos again.....it's only showing a little box with a red x. Even when I right click & select 'show picture' nothing shows up.

Try using the manage attachments feature at the bottom of the page when you post a reply. That might work better.

[Legomom]

Never mind....you're quick!! You fixed it while I was typing. :thumbsup

[Legomom]

She/he looks pretty healthy & I think 4S is right, that's she/he is tilting to be able to see the ground/food better. It's amazing how nature adapts. :thumbsup