Should i release or not?

[jonpon3]

I posted a thread (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17053) earlier about taking care of two little abandoned albinos. Sadly, the one I was worried about didn't survive the first night (he might have had some trauma), but the other one is doing really well!

I've started calling him "Albie", and he's been well hydrated, eating formula regularly, and enjoys playing on and around our couch. Our plan was to feed and care for him until he was old enough to make it on his own in the wild.

But then i started talking to my neighbor the other day, and he said that albinos are frequently targeted for easy prey... and he says he's already seen a couple hawks in our neighborhood snapping up squirrels. My question is: Albie is such a unique and beautiful creature... would I be doing him a disservice to let him go knowing that he may be easy prey? Or should i just 'roll the dice' and let him go (when he's old enough, of course) and let nature decide that?

Here's a few pictures of him for all of you photophiles :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3494019620_1904b5a7e6.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3494020170_812dddca75.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3494017416_81c8026310.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3494016938_1ae5196522_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3493197091_0db36f073e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3494012446_917c2423f1_b.jpg

[merman]

OMG!!
I cannot find words to say! A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E !!
:Love_Icon

:wave123

[FallensMommie]

He's beautiful...squirrels will decide if they want a free life in the trees as when they wild up there will be no decision to make on your end :grouphug

If you want to try and keep him and make him happy and safe within the home....socialize away....play away...snuggle away etc....this may offer you a better chance that he will choose to stay but it's not a guarantee.

Either way I wish you luck and you have done a fantastic job....he is very healthy looking and I know behind all that cuteness is a mischievous squirrel :poke :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

Hello and yes she is gorgeous! I am so jealous!
I recently met a guy here in Tampa {he is now a member at TSB} that had rescued an albino...he tried to release the sq but while in pre release cage the sq started showing skin tumors from the sun. After $8K in vet bills, {NOT A WEALTHY MEMBER}, Chris decided to contact Busch Gardens. The specialist vets at Busch, recommended a protected life and now have Chris's little whitey! He is treated as royalty and not viewed by the public. He has been provided a cushioned life...wow what a happy ending huh?
I love this story.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16824

I am not interjecting any opinions, as I haven't a clue, just wanted to share this amazing story!:wave123
Good Luck you lucky sq daddy!:D

[jonpon3]

wow, Jackie... thanks for the story.
It definitely gives me something to think about.


And you're right, Fallens....
I know how squirrels work. I'm sure Albie will make it clear if he wants to be released. :rotfl

[Reddliz]

OMG geez.....that is the cutest little albino squirrel I've ever seen. awwwwww he is so precious.


Like was said before he will let you know if he wants to leave, but I too would be seriously worried about hawks. That is the reason why Kola is a pet, hawks are relentless once they know where a squirrel lives. I have three in my yard that circle around sometimes when Kola is outside in his sunshine cage.....of course they can't get to him but they somehow know he is there. He has learned to forget about them and enjoy his sunshine but I watch them closely.

This is just my opinion but, I say if you can get him to the busch gardens to live with whitey, then do it.....if he could live his life in the luxury of care takers and zoo like settings that would be the best for him.

BUT, I do understand the love for a squirrel and if you just can't bare to give him up get him on the squirrel diet, train him to go on a harness now while he is a baby and give him spectrum lighting, sunshine and fresh veggies......along with lots of love and affection to make him sweet.....cause he WILL try to become independent, they all do.

Other than that prepare to not only give up your heart but also your wallet.

now give that beautiful baby a big O kissy from me & Kola.....he is sooooo adorable :Love_Icon

[Al's mom]

he is beautiful, but he may choose to live the wild life, how old do you think he is? If he gets wild I would say let him go, but I know how hard that is!

[lillythesquirrel]

I just had to say how BEAUTIFUL Albie is!! Good luck with him!! As a previous poster said, they generally let you know if they want to be released! I have raised and released four fox squirrels, but I have one cat squirrel and 1 fox squirrel that are now my pets because they chose to want to stay with me! I love them and miss the ones I released, but I know they are happier.