Hello!

[ambertron]

Hi, My names Amber, Im new to this site.
I came across TSB while browsing for advice on how to take care of an injured squirrel.

About four days ago a car in front of me hit an adult female squirrel, so we stopped and I got out, noticed she was bleeding a little from her nose, and her back leg was severly hurt. So I picked her up with a clean diaper [it was the only thing in the car at the time], and I brought her to the Vet. They said that the only thing the DNR would allow them to do was to euthanize hurt small wildlife. I knew that she wasnt that badly hurt because while in the car she tried crawling up under the dash, and it was only her back leg that appeared to be injured.

They gave us a small box and explained how to take care of her. Her bleeding stopped on the way home, and she layed resting for the entire night and next day. I was scared she wasnt going to make it because the Vet told us that if she doesnt pick up her head then her chances of surviving are slim.

But 2-3 days ago she picked up her head and started walking around, dragging her back leg. I called a near by wildlife rehabilitator and explained what happened, and they told me not to wrap her hurt leg. Ive put her in a larger plastic storage bin since then, have the heating pad set on low under a section of the box. She has fresh food and water. Im feeding her veggies nuts and some acorns from outside.

She seemed to be doing okay until early yesterday. She hasnt eaten or drank any water. Shes starting to hiss now, too. Since I cant read squirrels minds I have no idea whats wrong with her. This is my first time taking care of a squirrel. Please help?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome :wave123
Hello and thank you for protecting her!
First she is a wild squirrel and they are not accustomed to people.Also I think pain is associated with fear and hissing. The heat was a great idea. :bowdown I would keep the container away from all noise, children and pets. Dark and covered is comforting for the sq. We recommend t shirts or fleece, no towels...their nails snag.
Can you post a pic? We can tell you how.
Are you sure it is an adult? How are her teeth? Has she cracked sunflower seeds or nuts?
Sorry for all the questions, it will help us to determine what to do for her:grouphug Have you seen her pee or poop?
Some one will be here shortly:grouphug

[Bravo]

Thanks for posting, and for taking the time to look after this squirrel.

It can be challenging to care for a wild animal, they need special care and attention, and they are naturally fearful of humans. Severa people here are qualified to assist you. :thumbsup

[ambertron]

I have the container in my spare bedroom away from my cat, she seemed to be very curious about what it was when I brought her home. Its quiet where I live, only a cat, no children. I'll have to take out the towel I have in there, I had no idea. :dono
The Vet told me she was an adult. They also said that they cannot tell if she is pregnant or not. I havent been able to check out her teeth. She cracks seeds fine though. And she poop and pees a lot more then I thought I squirrel would. =P.

[Bravo]

I've moved this thread to Non-Life Threatening Help Needed. :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

I've moved this thread to Non-Life Threatening Help Needed. :)
Thanks Bravo!
Have you a way to post pics?
We all know cats love sqs, thanks for keeping them seperate!
Hmmm, pregnant, can you see her nipples? Does she look preg to you?
I am going to try to get some rehabbers numbers together...what part of MI are you in ? North east? by any cities that we may know?
Thanks,.... I know more questions.

[ambertron]

I'll post a few in a few minutes.
I havent looked to see if her nipples are showing. And I dont know if her tummy is big because of sweeling or because shw may be pregnant.
I live near Kalamazoo [West of Grand Rapids]

Sorry if the pictures are small, I took them with my webcam.

[Jackie in Tampa]

KALAMAZOO AMSBURY, KAREN KALAMAZOO, MI 49004 269-760-8569 MAMMALS AND BIRDS SPECIALIZES IN BIRDS
KALAMAZOO BUTLER, SHARRON VICKSBURG, MI 49097 269-649-2028 MAMMALS AND BIRDS SPECIALIZES IN RAPTORS, MAMMALS & TURTLES.
KALAMAZOO HARRISON, SARA KALAMAZOO, MI 49009 269-372-9080 MAMMALS DOES REHABILITATE REPTILES.
KALAMAZOO HILTON, MARY E. KALAMAZOO, MI 49008 269-375-4857 SMALL MAMALS & NON-MIGRATORY BIRDS SPECIALIZING IN WOODCHUCKS AND OPOSSUMS
KALAMAZOO KING, LORI D. KALAMAZOO, MI 49004 269-383-5934 MAMMALS ONLY
KALAMAZOO STEWART,
Are any of these close to you?
She will probably need meds.
I take it that it is NOT a legal state? I am not sure.

[Buddy'sMom]

:wave123 and :Welcome

I sent an email to squirrellena, a TSB member who is a rehabber in "southeast Michigan." I don't know if she is close enough to help, or perhaps has contacts in your area. Looking at MapQuest, it doesn't look to be tooooo far away.

Michigan has pretty strict rules about injured wildlife, but if she is able to recover enough to be released, wildlife rehabbers are permitted to do that. They do not need to euthanize immediately, just because a squirrel is injured. As long as they show progress toward recovery. It's too bad that the vet doesn't have a rehabber contact to use in such cases.

Thank you for caring for this injured little one. :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

For safety sake, hers and yours, do not give her to anyone or take her anyplace before calling and asking what their proceedures are. :grouphug
Do we have any members in Michigan?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 and :Welcome

I sent an email to squirrellena, a TSB member who is a rehabber in "southeast Michigan." I don't know if she is close enough to help, or perhaps has contacts in your area. Looking at MapQuest, it doesn't look to be tooooo far away.

Michigan has pretty strict rules about injured wildlife, but if she is able to recover enough to be released, wildlife rehabbers are permitted to do that. They do not need to euthanize immediately, just because a squirrel is injured. As long as they show progress toward recovery. It's too bad that the vet doesn't have a rehabber contact to use in such cases.

Thank you for caring for this injured little one. :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
:wave123 Thanks BsMOM!

[ambertron]

Thank you. I wrote down the numbers.
I have actually called Mary Hilton, but shes sick with the stomach flu.
And I called Sharron a few days ago I believe, and her husband advised me not to wrap the leg.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Is that a foxer...well she is beautiful!
But can we see her leg and belly? I know, now I am asking alot! sigh....

[Jackie in Tampa]

I have been told that wrappig is not worth the effort sometimes, they chew it off and a wild sq is a dilly to deal with!
OK, if I could wish...I would wish for her some antibiotics! Baytril...can you find some...yours or your neighbors cats been to the vet lately? We need it in any form you can get...we can help you dose etc...ck around and get a list of fresh meds that are within reach and well let you know if they will work...I know this is a shot in the dark, but she needs something! Good Luck and hang in there>:grouphug
Thanks too:bowdown

[Sciurus1]

I know of one, PM ME you mail box is full.

[ambertron]

Actually my cat has not gotten to the Vet.
Is there a way I could get any antibiotics without resorting to that?
[lack of money for a veterinary bill.]
I have a few pictures up. Not any of her belly because I kept trying pick her up and she nibbled a little bit. Its difficult with a webcam, too. Hold the sq, hold the webcam, and click the mouse. x].
But I have some of her leg, and the side of her if that helps.

The first two are of her leg. The other three are of her side.

I dont know how she got that bald spot, its been there since we picked her up.

[Sciurus1]

HI, I just sent out a call for information on a Vet in your area. If you can't afford to care for her, it is best we look for someone who can. I will get back here as soon as I hear anything from this member.

[ambertron]

Okay. I'd rather her be in the hands of someone who can afford to take care of her. Plus, Im a first timer and not qualified to know what is exactly wrong with her.
thank you for helping. =].

[Sciurus1]

I cannot promise we will find anyone, but we sure are going to give it our best try. In the meantime continue to follow the counsel of care our rehabbers here share with you. Thank you for caring and doing what you have.

[Sciurus1]

I have sent out emails and PMs to a number of members, now waiting to hear back. Please keep our rehabbers up to date on what is going on with the squirrel in the meantime.

[Legomom]

Here's a few more to check out:

Michigan, Central region (Bay City)..... 517-893-8987
Sandy Miner, Wildlife Support Team
Specialty: specialize in birds of prey; flight cage construction

Michigan, Central region, Genesee County (Flint)..... 810-238-4017 or 810-341-1697
Carolyn Fell (director), licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
cearthlink2@earthlink.net
Wildlife Species: all animals accepted except skunks or bats

Maybe if you look through this list, you'll find someone nearby?
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/rehabilitators/michigan-rehabilitators.html

REMEMBER: Don't give any personal details or the squirrel until you know what their procedure will be, care or euthanize.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:dono did she find help yet?

[Sciurus1]

Still waiting on two I have contacted, to see if either of them can help.

[island rehabber]

Did anyone try thundersquirrel? I know she's not on TSB much anymore but she and her mom sure are great Michigan rehabbers.....

[Sciurus1]

NO, I heard of that member, but though they were no longer here with us, and I see no email address listed.

[island rehabber]

OK I just emailed thundersquirrel and sent her the link to this thread.....

[Sciurus1]

I just got a PM from one that I contacted. Amber, I will send you their phone number by PM.

[Sciurus1]

:multi Ella has volunteered to take her, and get her to her Vet. :bowdown

[Legomom]

:thankyou Ella :thankyou :bowdown

[Buddy'sMom]

OK I just emailed thundersquirrel and sent her the link to this thread.....
I sent an email to her Mom earlier. TS is probably at school and not available. But, good thinking to send her an email -- she probably checks it more than her mom does.

But now see that a rehabber has been found. VERY good news!! Best of luck for a speedy recoveryfor this little one!

[Sciurus1]

Still good to have a back up should that be needed.

[ambertron]

Thank you, everybody, for your help. Emma and I have spoken, and are speaking of arrangements. I will still try to contact other rehabilitators.

[ambertron]

Ella and I have made permanent arrangements.
She has assured me that the sq will be in good hands.
Again, I thank everybody for their help.

[island rehabber]

Great news, amberton and ella! Please keep us posted -- we're all praying for this little squirrel. :thumbsup

[ambertron]

I do have one more question, though.
Is there anything I can do for her pain right now?
Its going to be 2 1/2 days before Ella and I meet up, and with her favoring her leg I know she must be in pain.

[Tomo]

Unless you can convince the vet that saw her to sell you some metacam or other pain meds, perhaps you could try some Bach's Rescue Remedy (found in most vitamin shops and health food stores) to make her more relaxed. You could also make her a sock buddy - a tube sock filled 2/3 with raw rice and tied up on the end. Then warm (must not be hot, just warm) the sock in the microwave and let her sleep with it. It may alleviate some of the aches she must have. Perhaps some of the other rehabbers have ideas that may help her through this trying time.

Keeping you and her in our prayers. :grouphug :grouphug

[Sciurus1]

ARNICA is a homeopathic remedy you can get at the health food store. it works well on issue of tissue trauma. I used it for my own pet in place of Metacam, a pain med, and it worked pretty good. Disolve one tablet is pure water, and put about 1 tsp of it in her drinking water.

[ambertron]

Thank you both. I just dont want her to be in pain these last few days shes staying with me.

[ella]

hey amber its Ella, if i could give you gas money is there someone who you could get to meet me in St Johns before Thursday. I just would like to get her to my Vet as soon as possible. not trying to push you was just wondering...Ella:grouphug heres some Hugs for you

[thundersquirrel]

hey amberton,

i'm a rehabber in michigan, as well as my mother. i'm sorry we didn't get to you sooner- so glad you found a qualified rehabber though! adult injured squirrels are tough cases, thank you so much for seeing this through.

and on a broader note to ALL members, i still check the board occasionally, and will respond to PMs or emails about michigan wildlife issues.

sorry for the huge slogan, but i want it to be known, hehe. :D :D :D

[Sciurus1]

I forgot to mention to dissolve the small tablet of Arnica in just about one tablespoon of water. Take then about a 1/2 tsp to put in a small water bowl, since you do not have a bottle.

[ambertron]

Its okay TS, everybody was more than willing to help me find somebody who could take her. Ella and I are meeting up tomorrow and the sq will be very well taken care of. =].

[Nancy in New York]

Thank you to ambertron for taking in this little guy and helping make sure he is comfortable and safe. It's people like you that put a smile on my face, lucky little squirrel to have you.:Love_Icon
Another example of members pulling together for a little fuzzer. I am still in awe at what wonderful people there are in one spot.:thankyou :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[ella]

I just wanted to let every one know, i will be picking up Foxy from amber this morning. Had a hard time finding some one to go with me , but i finally did. Its a 2hour or more drive, but i will get her. Wish us well...Ty Pam:grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

:bowdown let us know if you need anything! good luck!
be careful and keep us posted!:grouphug
I just wanted to let every one know, i will be picking up Foxy from amber this morning. Had a hard time finding some one to go with me , but i finally did. Its a 2hour or more drive, but i will get her. Wish us well...Ty Pam:grouphug

[island rehabber]

:thumbsupBeautiful work, guys.... prayers & good energies going out to little Foxy!
Hi thundersquirrel -- see, we never ever forget about you :D :grouphug:grouphug

[ambertron]

Ella and I are meeting up in about two hours.
The little sq will be in good hands and on her way to recovery.
=].

[Sciurus1]

Thank you so much Ella!!!! Let us know when you got her, and how it goes at the Vet.

:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

:bowdown :bowdown
Two great sq lovers! Thanks!

[Sciurus1]

Thank you Amber for your help in rescueing this squirrel, and for helping with the transportation!!

[ella]

I feel like a failure now, but Foxy ran off into the trees, seemed to be fine moved like lightning. Amber gave her the chance to rest , which she must have done. Amber had her in a box, lifted top and she ran like the dickens, we could not catch her she was in the trees like NOW. She appeared to be at least 3 to 4 yrs old. There is 20 acres of trees were she can go. we tryed to talk her out of tree, no way she wanted us to get her.I left some food at bottom of tree for her. I beleive she will be fine, she was using her leg pretty well. She did not want us to bother her. I am sorry , but in my heart she wanted to get back to nature, I know God will keep her safe. Thank you Amber for giving her back her strength, for a week it helped her. She had beautiful eyes and they were bright, and she just wanted back to the trees.. May god Bless her...Pam:Love_Icon

[ella]

Thank you all TSB is the greatest. I gave Amber $20 for gas. And Ty Amber You did a good thing, God Bless You...Pam:grouphug

[ambertron]

Thank you for everything, even though the sq had her mind made up. I hope she doesnt go back toward the road, as she did get a second chance after that. Im still worried about her leg, but hopefully it does heal with time. And thank you pam for the 20, I wouldnt have been able to make it home without it.

:thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

Good luck to you, Foxy -- be careful out there! :grouphug :grouphug

:thankyou :thankyou ambertron and ella for going out of your way to try to help this squirrel. Sometimes they just have their own ideas :shakehead , and since she could sprint and climb, it appears her leg must be well on its way to healing. It quite amazes me how quickly they heal sometimes from injuries that would keep us down and out for much longer. The few days of rest Amber provided was definitely what she needed, and a safe place to hole up -- with meal services, no less.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[flyer_1]

Hello Amber I am sure you will enjoy this site everybody is so nice.:Welcome

[squrlsong]

Hi. I'm new to TSB, but I'm a rehabber in SE Michigan. FYI - Michigan is an illegal state - a person must possess a rehab permit through the DNR to care for injured wildlife.
I'm so glad to hear that she ran off quickly. Wild animals do have a way of protecting themselves when injured, and can make pretty miraculous recoveries!