Need help with release...

[Iheartskeeors]

Ive had a California Ground Squirrel since he was about 3 weeks old. He is now weaned and ready to transition for release. Is there a rehabber who can help me out with it in Northern San Diego County?

I'm a little nervous of going through our local wild life group because of lack of permits etc. on my part. This little guy was literally dying when I got him (a neighbor was feeding him cows milk for days) so I was fearful he wouldnt make it through triage given the busy baby season.

He is now 11/12 weeks old and the weather is looking pretty good for transition/releasing. He is not human or pet friendly, just went to the vet for his final check up before being kicked outdoors, and is in perfect weight/health.

I dont want to screw this up-I put a lot of heart and hours into saving him and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the actual execution of a proper soft-release.

I do have a second baby who is about a week younger, so squirrel #1 has had squirrel companionship and play but squirrel #2 is not ready for release as he is currently on meds and far too friendly at this point. I dont want to delay the process much longer because the friendly squirrel is now starting to bully the more wild one when I'm around. Since the friendly squirrel may not be releasable (he had a growth near his eye that was surgically removed, but my vet isnt sure the eye will be functional when the sutures come out) there is no sense in crossing that bridge just yet :)

My goal when I took these guys from my neighbor was to treat and release them together in my yard (I have about an acre) but now that it appears that only one is ready, Im having a ton of anxiety over the issue and afraid of screwing it up after I worked so hard to save him. I'm completely open to doing the release here at home...I just need a little guidance on the pros/cons/tips of doing a solo soft release. I guess in my head, I pictured the 2 of them frolicking off together so now that its just one, Im having the "boo-hoo-he's-going-to-be-all-alone" worries.

On another note-please pray my neighbors and their evil spawn sell their house. This is the 4th squirrel this season I have had to take away from them that they were trying to keep as a pet.

[Cecil]

Hi there! I'm also in North San Diego County and will be facing the same situation you face now with Sammie, our California Ground Squirrel.

I haven't found a lot of release guidance specific to our squirrels so I'm kind of playing it by ear. From what I've read so far the CGS is a solitary squirrel yet they do accept other squirrels that are related to them, the closer the relationship the greater the chances they will be accepted.

My plan is to build a temporary burrow by burying a cardboard box and paper towel tubes for entrances, then surrounding the burrow with a screened cage for protection from predators. As California Ground Squirrels tend to stay close to their home burrows for their entire lives I will be placing this temporary burrow close to where I found her in the hopes that that's where she may find her relatives.

Once built I'll follow the procedure that others use for releasing tree squirrels; watching them closely as they become acclimated to the outdoors, to the sounds and smells. Hopefully other squirrels will be curious about her and come by to check her out before I open the cage to allow her to venture out. Then I'll just play it by ear, we're going to allow her to make the choice as to when she's ready to go out and be wild again.

I'm hoping that we won't have need for a vet, but should that become necessary would it be okay to contact you privately for the name of your vet?

[Iheartskeeors]

Hi there! I'm also in North San Diego County and will be facing the same situation you face now with Sammie, our California Ground Squirrel.

I haven't found a lot of release guidance specific to our squirrels so I'm kind of playing it by ear. From what I've read so far the CGS is a solitary squirrel yet they do accept other squirrels that are related to them, the closer the relationship the greater the chances they will be accepted.

My plan is to build a temporary burrow by burying a cardboard box and paper towel tubes for entrances, then surrounding the burrow with a screened cage for protection from predators. As California Ground Squirrels tend to stay close to their home burrows for their entire lives I will be placing this temporary burrow close to where I found her in the hopes that that's where she may find her relatives.

Once built I'll follow the procedure that others use for releasing tree squirrels; watching them closely as they become acclimated to the outdoors, to the sounds and smells. Hopefully other squirrels will be curious about her and come by to check her out before I open the cage to allow her to venture out. Then I'll just play it by ear, we're going to allow her to make the choice as to when she's ready to go out and be wild again.

I'm hoping that we won't have need for a vet, but should that become necessary would it be okay to contact you privately for the name of your vet?


Yeah, I couldnt find too much info either. I called project wildlife today to help with the release. Ive done a good job this far, but I want an expert to help me finish the job so it wasnt all in vain!

No worries on the vet...Acacia Animal Hospital in Escondido was who Project Wildlife referred me to. :) I also know and prefer Dr. Kote in San Diego. Shes great with exotics and trust worthy with permit issues (or lack there of).

[Cecil]

How did Project Wildlife take your inquiry? Were they helpful and understanding of why you chose to care for the little guy? And did they give you any guidance that will help in the release?

So many questions, but like you we're wanting to do this right and give our little friend the best chance we can.