Help needed: Hit and run

[AMoore72]

We found a squirrel that has been hit by a car it is currently 10:16pm Central Time and We found him/her around 8pm. I placed the squirrel in a plastic box with a towel to reduce further injury. However I am concerned that it needs immidiate medical attention. The poor thing is scared to death and if I could help it I would. Unfortunatly, I have no clue what to do for it. I found this site and set up an account but I am unable to post messaged. Please help as soon as possible. We are located in Northern Alabama (Decatur area).


I have contacted a couple of numbers but I am gettign nothing but VMs. I am really worried about this poor little thing. :(

[jessicalyn]

You came to the right place, stay on someone with experience will respond shortly.

[AMoore72]

Thank you! and I hope so... I am completely clueless when it comes to squirrels. :(

[jessicalyn]

Is the squirrel able to move? Important to keep it calm and warm. Is it bleeding any where you can see, ears etc. You did a great thing trying to help, in the mean time read through some post on emergency help, I believe there is a post of found an injuried squirrel,, while you wait on help..

[AMoore72]

It is able to move and pretty fast but not great... I think it is either hurt inside or a limb is hurt but I am too scared to do any major examining. I have it on my porch in a plastic container... so it should we warm enough. I just went to check on it and it is curled up looked like it was trying to sleep. It is breathing still...a little heavy which to me means it is either scared or inpain or both. I did not and have not noticed bleeding from any other part of its body other than the nose and mouth area but that has stopped.

I'll try to find that post thank you. I really want to bring it in the house so it does not get hurt my another animal ( a cat could gain access to the plastic ben) but I am worried it will make a magical recovery and go crazy in my house...

[TinyPaws]

Thank you for helping this squirrel..

If you have a heating pad, place it under 1/2 the container..If the squirrel gets too warm he will be able to move away from it...

Keep the squirrel in a quiet dark location...
Keep the container covered...

Someone will be with you shortly...

Ps...Make the container comfortable for the squirrel...use tee shirts, fleece, anything except things like towels where he would get his nails caught...

[TinyPaws]

The squirrel needs to be placed on heat to keep him from going into shock...

[AMoore72]

No we do not have a heating pad (gave it away not even two weeks ago). That is why I left him/her on the porch. It is warm outside and I though she would be more comfortbale around familiar sounds and smells we live outside of town so it is very dark and very quiet outside.

[jessicalyn]

Thank goodness help is coming... Bless you & best wishes

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Please do not leave the squirrel exposed on a porch where predators can get to it. Hopefully, you mean an enclosed porch. Raccoons can open just about any container, and can also chew through a screen.

We have a member in AL, not sure what her availability is. I'll see if I can PM her.

EDIT: Message sent. Hopefully, she will respond. Since you do not have a heating pad, you can also make a rice buddy. Take an old sock and fill it with dry, uncooked rice. Tie a knot in it to seal and heat it in the microwave for a minute.

Keep the squirrel in a quiet, dark room, free from other animals.

[AMoore72]

Ok, going to get him now and bring him in my house... :0 The rice sock thing....do I place that In the plastic container with the squirrel?

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Yes, it goes in the container with the squirrel, under the blankies. If the squirrel wants supplemental heat, it will snuggle up next to it. Of course, the sock doesn't stay warm for very long, which is why a heating pad is great.

A hot water bottle can be used for really young squirrels, but I don't recommend placing one in the container with an adult, as they could chew/claw through it, resulting in a wet squirrel, which will then get chilled. However, if you have a hot water bottle, you can try placing it beside the container as supplement heat from the outside of the container.

Be sure that it is placed so the squirrel can get off of it in case they get too warm.

[AMoore72]

Ok, the little one is safe in the house in a dark room. The rice sock worked great as soon as I placed the (2x) socks in the container he/she climbed right on top of it and snuggled up. How adorable! He/she seems to be moving around much better and there is absolutly no blood coming from its mouth or nose area anymore.

**crosses fingers and hopes for a full recovery**

Thank you so much....<3

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

OK. I'm signing off for the night. Blood from the nose/mouth can mean head injury, so your little guest needs to get checked out by a rehabber as soon as somebody returns your call.

There is the possibilty that your guest might feel well enough to explore first thing in the morning. Hopefully, you have the container secured, either inside some type of dog kennel/cat crate to prevent an escape.

Praying they are feeling better soon.

[AMoore72]

Yes, he/she is secure and Everything seems to be good or as good as possible at this point. Thank you for all of your help and support.

[AMoore72]

Well, it is now 1:55 A.M. and I have secured the little furry guest in my house with a couple warm rice sock and a hot water bottle on the outside of the container (both warmers are on one side of the container so that my guest can move if he gets to warm). Snacks and a small amount of water is also available in one corner.

I am hoping to see at least some recovery tomorrow and hopeully someone will call me who knows what they are doing. Until then I promise to keep this little guy/girl as safe and comfortable as possible.

I am still so upset that someone could hit an animal (no matter how small) and just leave it in the road to die!:soapbox

/sigh Oh, well...he/she is in somewhat good hands now. I may not know what I am doing but I will do the best I possible can to get this little one back in the trees where he/she belongs.:)

Good night (or should I say morning...lol). Thanks to everyone who so gaciously helped out while I was completely stressing about this poor little guy/girl.

[Ultra Peepi]

:Welcome You did a wonderful thing helping this little one! I wish you guys the best of luck and pray help is available to you soon!:grouphug

[island rehabber]

I just sent private messages to two of our Alabama rehabbers, so between atlantasquirrelgirl's efforts and mine you should have some local help soon. When squirrelly wakes up this morning, you might want to offer her some Pedialyte (fruit flavored usually goes over well), or make your own hydration using

1 qt warm water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
apple juice or other flavoring for taste

Make sure she can't get out of her container, and keep pets and kids away from her. Good luck -- we'll be standing by!

[Nancy in New York]

You did a wonderful thing picking up this baby...Good Luck with him, hope that you get some help soon...Bless You!!!:grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

I also pmed a rehabber...
thank you AMoore:bowdown

[AMoore72]

Well it is 9:07am CST, I have not heard back from anyone as of yet. I know a few of you on here have contacted people and I have called and let VM to every possible phone number I could last night. It is Sunday...so maybe that is why I am not getting any responses back. :(

I think "peanut" needs some medical attention. He/she is still alive (breathing) and moving but mainly in circles and seems to be hurting in the mouth area but it could be his/her whole head. :dono

I probably need to get some fluids in him/her...but I am scared! lol... I keep envisioning this thing coming to full life and attacking me as soon as I try this? I would prefer to NOT get bitten or mauled in anyway. Any suggestions? I really do want to help it...but I am not sure what the best way is for me to go about feeding it and if it is hurt in the mouth area (the mouth and nose area looks completely fine...no damage or anything from the outside) it might get super pissed at me....:thinking

Any suggestions are welcome.

[island rehabber]

Continually circling in one direction is usually indicative of head trauma. You are wise to be cautious of an adult squirrel. What i would do is put some gloves on -- the heaviest ones you have, when you are reaching into the container to put water or food in. Move slowly, and speak softly to the squirrel. Startling a prey animal is usually what gets them biting....but when squirrels are seriously hurt they are often very calm like this one.

[Nancy in New York]

IR is right. Perhaps you could also get some Rescue Remedy, it's sold in health food stores. You can put a little on his ears and the pads of his feet, and that will help him stay calm...you can't "overdose" him either, so perhaps you would feel better giving him some of that....:dono

[AMoore72]

This may not be a full adult squirrel...It could be an adolencent (teenager) I have seen larger squirrels than this one.. but it is definitly not a baby.

Ok, I am searching for thick gloves and going to attempt to give him/her some fluids. *scared. Will update soon.

[Nancy in New York]

This may not be a full adult squirrel...It could be an adolencent (teenager) I have seen larger squirrels than this one.. but it is definitly not a baby.

Ok, I am searching for thick gloves and going to attempt to give him/her some fluids. *scared. Will update soon.

Good luck, just go slow and talk softly to her...try not to be afraid, ususally these squirrels know that you are trying to help them...if you could cover her eyes with a piece of cloth just draped over while you are trying the syringe to give her water, that may calm her too. Then just tap the syringe to her mouth, she may start lapping it from the syringe...Good luck...:grouphug
Can you get a picture?

[AMoore72]

Called my mom and she has a heating pad and some fruit flavored Pedialyte so I am going to go pick that stuff up and search for some thick gloves. Poor little thing is all curled up with its tail wrapped around its head sleeping in the corner of the container...

Yes, I will take a picture before I attempt the liquid feeding. He is so adorable. Just as a note... he/she has not once attempted to bite me... I have touched him/her and picked them up with a shirt and towel on multiple occasions. He/she makes it known that they do NOT like me picking him/her up but like I said has not attempted to bite...so maybe the feeding will go smoothly...

When I update again I will try to add a picture. :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

Called my mom and she has a heating pad and some fruit flavored Pedialyte so I am going to go pick that stuff up and search for some thick gloves. Poor little thing is all curled up with its tail wrapped around its head sleeping in the corner of the container...

Yes, I will take a picture before I attempt the liquid feeding. He is so adorable. Just as a note... he/she has not once attempted to bite me... I have touched him/her and picked them up with a shirt and towel on multiple occasions. He/she makes it known that they do NOT like me picking him/her up but like I said has not attempted to bite...so maybe the feeding will go smoothly...

When I update again I will try to add a picture. :)pick up some yogurt and veggie baby food, some raw pecan halves or almonds/walnuts...while you are out...
avacodo, apple sauce, molasses....
use tshirts not towels, nails catch...
Thank you thank youi so much...:bowdown :Love_Icon :grouphug

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

One other piece of input, rehabbers don't necessarily take Sunday off, so you could still hear from somebody today that can help treat your guest. The circling is not a great sign, and he/she should get a shot of Dex ASAP.

Thank you for all your are doing for this little one.

[AMoore72]

Pedialyte endevour was successful! However, I was not sure how much to give "peanut," When I first put it to his/her mouth she grabbed it with her front feet and started drinking. I was using a medicine syringe we got from walgreen for my kids to use to take thier medicine. Peanut consumed about 5ml of the Pedialyte and then acted as though he/she did not want anymore and tried to go back to sleep. So I just let her be...and I will try to give her more in a few hours. No aggression what so ever was displayed. But I am going to keep my gaurd up to be safe.

Here are a few pic of Peanut:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/bella212001/SquirrelJune2010002.jpg

Peanut in comparison to my hand (I have normal size hands for a 29 year old woman. :)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/bella212001/SquirrelJune2010005.jpg

[AlabamaRehabber]

Hi all,

l am new to 'posting', l have received a message about the hit and run baby (thank you for contacting me Ashley). She is in our general area. l have given her a number to the hotline where another rehabber should get in touch with her who is closer. l don't know if l am allowed to put contact information on here, but l can leave my cell phone with The Squirrel Board, and l do not mind if l am called at 'off hours' l make myself available 24/7, sometimes these guys don't have enough time until morning. l do any species of squirrels with the pinkie flyers being my speciality. Thank you all for giving her such good advice and helping her out.

[AMoore72]

One other piece of input, rehabbers don't necessarily take Sunday off, so you could still hear from somebody today that can help treat your guest. The circling is not a great sign, and he/she should get a shot of Dex ASAP.

Thank you for all your are doing for this little one.


:sad I Know...He/she needs something and I know the circling is not good. but I what can I do but wait? :cry I talked to someone yesterday that was a rehabber but as soon as I told her it was a Squirrel she just gave me the number that everyone else has been giving me and no one answers it. I am waiting...and we shall see. Do squirrels walk in circles when they are trying to get comfortbale too? kind of like dogs spinning before they lay down? because it kind of looks like that. I know that is probably wishful thinking...but the thought of this little thing not making it is breaking my heart.

What is Dex and it there anyway of getting that myself? I know people who raise dogs and cattle and stuff. I will do everything in my power to help this little one the only problem is I have NO clue what I am doing.

[AMoore72]

Hi all,

l am new to 'posting', l have received a message about the hit and run baby (thank you for contacting me Ashley). She is in our general area. l have given her a number to the hotline where another rehabber should get in touch with her who is closer. l don't know if l am allowed to put contact information on here, but l can leave my cell phone with The Squirrel Board, and l do not mind if l am called at 'off hours' l make myself available 24/7, sometimes these guys don't have enough time until morning. l do any species of squirrels with the pinkie flyers being my speciality. Thank you all for giving her such good advice and helping her out.


YAY! Finally found some one to takecare of this precious little thing. Thank you so much AlabamaRehabber! We heading your way now.

[island rehabber]

:wahooAlabamaRehabber, we LOVE you! :Love_Icon:thankyou:Love_Icon:thankyou


oh yeah, and :Welcome to The Squirrel Board. Nothing like jumping in head first, huh? :rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

[Nancy in New York]

Hi all,

l am new to 'posting', l have received a message about the hit and run baby (thank you for contacting me Ashley). She is in our general area. l have given her a number to the hotline where another rehabber should get in touch with her who is closer. l don't know if l am allowed to put contact information on here, but l can leave my cell phone with The Squirrel Board, and l do not mind if l am called at 'off hours' l make myself available 24/7, sometimes these guys don't have enough time until morning. l do any species of squirrels with the pinkie flyers being my speciality. Thank you all for giving her such good advice and helping her out.


:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown Please keep us posted...You are amazing....:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Milo's Mom]

Welcome AlabamaRehabber! Thanks for caring and helping this little one and future little ones. Have any news on how "peanut" is doing?

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Great news. Good luck with this little one. Definately a juvenile.

BTW, Dex is Dexamethasone, an injectible steriod used in head/spinal trauma, but is usually only effective if given within the first 24-48 hours.

Please keep us posted.

[mpetys]

I am catching up and just read this thread. I'm so glad that AMoore72 was able to get help here and with AlabamaRehabber. Hope to get updates to see how he/she does.

Thank you AMoore72 for helping this little one out and thanks to AlabamaRehabber for being there.

Michele in Tampa

[TinyPaws]

I so glad the little one is getting to a rehabber....Please keep us up to date on Peanuts progress...

:Welcome AlabamaRehabber.....:thankyou for caring for this little one...

[astra]

Hi all,

l am new to 'posting', l have received a message about the hit and run baby (thank you for contacting me Ashley). She is in our general area. l have given her a number to the hotline where another rehabber should get in touch with her who is closer. l don't know if l am allowed to put contact information on here, but l can leave my cell phone with The Squirrel Board, and l do not mind if l am called at 'off hours' l make myself available 24/7, sometimes these guys don't have enough time until morning. l do any species of squirrels with the pinkie flyers being my speciality. Thank you all for giving her such good advice and helping her out.
:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :Welcome :thankyou ...:thankyou

[jessicalyn]

So glad she found help, I am no rehabber so when I saw her post I was looking to see who is on and pm people.. I am so thankful she picked the little peanut up... Keep us posted:)

[AMoore72]

Peanut was safely delivered to the rehabber. It may take a little while for her to evaluate Peanuts condition. However, the rehabber did confirm that peanut is a juvenile female.

The rehabber and I exchanged contact information and I have fulll faith in her ability to do what is needed. I definetly made the right choice taking peanut to her...what a all around wonderful person! :thumbsup

I will keep everyone updated as I know more. It was hard for me to leave peanut there but like I said I want what is best for her and I don't think there is a rehabber I could have felt more comfortable with. :wahoo

Please keep peanut in your thoughts as we wait out these few day, until we know how bad her condition is.

I am seriously thinking about learning how to be a rehabber. Thanks to our little Peanut. mjs

[Nancy in New York]

Peanut was safely delivered to the rehabber. It may take a little while for her to evaluate Peanuts condition. However, the rehabber did confirm that peanut is a juvenile female.

The rehabber and I exchanged contact information and I have fulll faith in her ability to do what is needed. I definetly made the right choice taking peanut to her...what a all around wonderful person! :thumbsup

I will keep everyone updated as I know more. It was hard for me to leave peanut there but like I said I want what is best for her and I don't think there is a rehabber I could have felt more comfortable with. :wahoo

Please keep peanut in your thoughts as we wait out these few day, until we know how bad her condition is.

I am seriously thinking about learning how to be a rehabber. Thanks to our little Peanut. mjs

Thank you so much for coming back on, to let us know about your baby.:grouphug I will be sending many prayers your way for a happy outcome...and on top of everything, she has taken your heart so much, that you may become a rehabber...:alright.gif :alright.gif

[CritterMom]

:thumbsup You would be amazed how many start down that road with just such an encounter. I keep telling people that squirrels are magic!

[Milo's Mom]

They are most definitely magic! I too, have started gathering information of what is involved in become a licensed rehabber. I got the love, the drive, and I think I have the space (land) necessary. All because of my little Milo!!

[Squirrely in Alabama]

I am just getting home and saw everyone's message regarding the Hit and Run. I am sorry I was not here to help! Who took the baby? To Milo's mother I can tell you what it takes to be a rehabber. PM me and we can chat. I am glad this turned out okay. Just unloaded "The Arc", one adult Fox Squirrel (also hit by a car), three baby raccoons, three dogs and a cat!

[Mrs. Byrd]

I'm so glad you found help! I was emailing people like crazy!! :rotfl thankfully it helped! i hope ya'll keep us updated on little "peanut" and let us folks know whats going on :thumbsup

[AMoore72]

I will keep everyone updated as I know more. Peanut has been with the rehabber for only 10 hours I think... and I am driving myself crazy...worrying about her, i know she is in great hands...So it is just a flaw in me (that little fuzzy girl stole my heart). :(

I am making myself wait at least 24 hours before I call or send her an e-mail to find out how Peanut is doing. I know that sounds crazy...but I just want to know how she is doing every second.

I plan on taking the rehabber some pecans from the two trees which we have in our yard...so hopefully I will get to see Peanut soon. :Love_Icon


I am worried sick about her... I just hope she is not damaged beyond recovery.

[jessicalyn]

I know how amazing is it that a squirrel can steal a piece of your heart in a second.. You did a amazing job:thumbsup Think positive & the offering of nuts is a great idea... Let us know how peanut is doing... Take Care..:)

[Nancy in New York]

I will keep everyone updated as I know more. Peanut has been with the rehabber for only 10 hours I think... and I am driving myself crazy...worrying about her, i know she is in great hands...So it is just a flaw in me (that little fuzzy girl stole my heart). :(

I am making myself wait at least 24 hours before I call or send her an e-mail to find out how Peanut is doing. I know that sounds crazy...but I just want to know how she is doing every second.

I plan on taking the rehabber some pecans from the two trees which we have in our yard...so hopefully I will get to see Peanut soon. :Love_Icon


I am worried sick about her... I just hope she is not damaged beyond recovery.

Oh...you are hooked if you can't stop thinking about her...you will never look at another little squirrel the same way...since meeting Peanut...:grouphug :grouphug

[AMoore72]

Just recieved some photos from the rehabber!!!! YAY Just thought I would share! This is Day three after "Peanut's" accident.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/bella212001/SquirrelJune2010008.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/bella212001/SquirrelJune2010007.jpg

You can see how banged up her poor little mouth area is in this one. :(
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/bella212001/SquirrelJune2010006.jpg

The other side
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/bella212001/SquirrelJune2010012.jpg

She is still hanging in there! :alright.gif Not eating any solids but with a sore mouth who can blame her... but she is eating very well with the syringe (15 ccs this morning). I can only hope that each day keeps getting better. :)

[Squirrely in Alabama]

I saw her today and she is in the best hands possible. I am giving AlabamaRehabber some meds to help "peanut". You did the right thing, this lady is amazing!!!!!:jump :jump :jump :jump

[island rehabber]

Go B.A.R.T !!!! ('Bama Advance Rescue Team! )

We already have one for Florida......:poke :D

[AMoore72]

Squirrely...I must admit, I am a little jealous. ;p Hopefully, I will be able to go see peanut sometime this week. Thank you for Helping out! That is so wonderful!
Yes, I must agree AlabamaRehabber is definitly and amazing lady! She completly inspired me and I was in total awe at what an amazing thing she and her family are doing for our little furry friends in need.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I saw her today and she is in the best hands possible. I am giving AlabamaRehabber some meds to help "peanut". You did the right thing, this lady is amazing!!!!!:jump :jump :jump :jump:bowdown

:wave123 good to see you, I was worried when I didn't hear back!:thankyou

so glad lil' peanut is in great hands!

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Hopefully, that jaw issue does not render her a maloclussion problem. She would then be non-releasable, but seems to have a personality that would be OK with that.

Is she eating baby food?

[AMoore72]

Atlanta squirrelgirl I hope she fully recovers from her injuries and is able to be release back in our yard. If not, I am preparing myself either way. I plan to give her the best possible life either way (even if that means mixing some of the most god aweful (but squirrel healthy) things into my health master blender so that it can be provided through a syringe for the next 20 years. lol :sanp3 If that is the case my husband will probably never consume another smoothie made in that blender. (If he knows) :rotfl

Either way she will be happy as possible and loved. :Love_Icon

[momma2boo]

Hopefully, that jaw issue does not render her a maloclussion problem. She would then be non-releasable, but seems to have a personality that would be OK with that.

Is she eating baby food?

If Peanut ends up a NR then maybe AMoore will have her first squirrel who will welcome the others once she has become a rehabber.

What an amazing story ... I am pulling for Peanut.

CritterMom is 100% right ... squirrels possess magic. Once you encounter one you are hooked. They are more addicting than caffeine or nicotine (I know ... I have experienced both and am fully aware of the withdraw symptoms from them).

Julie

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

I think all rehabbers got started when our lives suddenly intersected with the life of one of these little creatures in need. I really feel sorry for anybody who has never been blessed with the opportunity to get to know a squirrel. They have such little personalities, and you never look at one of these little animals as mindless creatures again. It's definately a life altering event.