Injured Squirrel ? hit by car?

[erin jackson]

This evening, I found an injured eastern fox squirrel. I believe it is one of the spring babies that have frequented my back yard since they were young.

I am not sure of the exact injury, but when I first walked toward it, it scrambled off but appeared to be lamed, partially dragging it's hind quarters. - there are marks on the fur that go across the right back haunch that lead me to think it may have been hit.

Right now I have it in a cat carrier lined with some old thick cloth (not towels),small bowls of water and wildlife seed and peanuts. I have warmed and changed out a few of the cloths - I have not seen any blood yet, but there are mites of some sort (alot now) on the cloth under it. Presently, I am getting ready to cover the carrier for the night and have it in the warmest room in the house.

I do not know what to do from here. It is hurt, but I can't tell if there's anything internal. it's been about 3 hours since I found him/her - have not seen it take in any fluids or the seed. have been unable to find a rehabber locally.

any help would be appreciated - i've never rescued a squirrel before.

thanks,

erin

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Thanks for taking this baby in, Erin. So far, you are doing all the right things. Keep the baby warm and quiet. You can try placing a heating pad under half of the carrier to provide some warmth, and baby can move off the warm spot if desired.

Do you need assistance in locating a rehabber to help out with arranging a vet visit?

[PBluejay2]

Yes, keep it warm and quiet and get it to a rehabber/vet as soon as possible. Don't try to handle it as it can go into shock and die simply from the shock.

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

This person is in Flint, and may be able to help you find somebody closer:

Michigan, Central region, Genesee County (Flint)..... 810-238-4017 or 810-341-1697

Carolyn Fell (director), licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
cearthlink2@earthlink.net

[island rehabber]

Any word on this little guy this morning? Hoping......(fingers crossed).....

[erin jackson]

"Chucky" is still with us this morning...he was lying atop the little water bowl I had in the carrier. While trying to get him resituated - some more observations:

movement wise, he was trying to push away and grab onto the bars of the cat carrier door, with his hind legs. I do not see any use of his front paws - and one seems curled in - not sure if protective thing due to injury. He has 2 pox marks on him.

I have not seen him eat or drink. oh - he did pee a little when I first opened the cage - probably out of fright...:(

Yes, I do need help with locating a rehabber - if this were just an orphan, I'd have no qualms about taking the care on, but with injuries, I don't know how to help him heal - or even to coax him to eat and drink.

It was kinda sad - when I left for work this morning, the other 4 fox squirrels that live in the back yard were outside waiting for food. I hate seeing one of them hurt.

[island rehabber]

Erin I hope that Carolyn Fell can help (see above)....also there is a TSB member who rehabs in Michigan -- her name is lila and her email is: wakemanl@msu.edu. (Screen name was thundersquirrel....she and her mom both rehab and they know their stuff :thumbsup.)

[erin jackson]

Erin I hope that Carolyn Fell can help (see above)....also there is a TSB member who rehabs in Michigan -- her name is lila and her email is: wakemanl@msu.edu. (Screen name was thundersquirrel....she and her mom both rehab and they know their stuff :thumbsup.)


thanks so much - I've left an email for Carolyn and will also do the same for Lila.

[Nancy in New York]

Erin,
Thank you so much for caring enough to help this little one. You are a very special person to do this. Good luck. These people are great on this board and they will pull out all stops to help you. I know first hand.:grouphug :thankyou