Adult or young-adult squirrel camped out in front of my door

[CaptSaltyJack]

I'm really confused and a little worried about this guy. I've got a squirrel who has been perched RIGHT up against my front door for hours now! Earlier today, about late afternoon, I noticed him there. Now it's past 3am and I just pushed on the front door enough to make it creak, and heard a startled scuffling on the other side--he's still there!!

The door isn't warm or anything, as far as I can feel, so I don't think he's attracted to the warmth. Besides, it's just in the low 60s today, nothing major. Why isn't this squirrel out in trees doing squirrely things? Why is he camped out right up against my door like this? Is he sick or injured? Is it a female who's pregnant? I'd love to open the door and let it in, but all I need is for a squirrel to come chewing up cables in my apartment, not to mention I have nothing to feed it.

Any ideas of why this squirrel would behave this way, and what should I do? I'm worried that it's not eating, and it will starve just sitting out there. Should I call some kind of animal control service? I don't want them to "dispose" of it though, I just want to make sure there's nothing wrong with it, maybe they can relocate it.

Thanks!

[CritterMom]

Can you snap a pic? It may be a young one who has gotten confused about where "home" is - the new kids can do that.

[island rehabber]

Cap'n, you're right -- it's not normal and this little one may be hurt in some way. I would put a shallow dish of water out there, with a pinch of salt and some sugar dissolved in it. He may be very dehydrated and just needs fluids to get him alert again. Ideally, you could put a box out there and see if he would go in for shelter....then you could get a look at how he moves, his eyes, etc. A picture does speak 1000 words with these situations so, if you can, that would be great.

[CaptSaltyJack]

Looks like he took off! But I managed to get this footage before he disappeared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfhiAe9Yelw

Notice how he keeps lifting his left or right arm to his chest. Is that unusual?

[Ronda]

awwww... the "paw-tuck" thing is normal, but the poor lil guy does look young and a little lost to me

I hope he is safe and wish him luck!

[RayMan]

Maybe he was one that someone was looking after for a while and he escaped or they let him loose, so he was trying to get back or something?

Ray

[Kristal]

maybe leave him some food and water... even a box with cloth if you don't mind a squatter. They are pretty harmless ;)

The paw tuck is caution, I am pretty sure, they do it so that they have a free leg to bolt off or something ;p

I bet he smells the food in your house and is really hungry. He might be an older juvenile orphan to be so incautious.

[squillgurl]

Aw..he doesn't look very old. I don't know much at all, but maybe a spring foxer baby? Looks rather friendly too. If you are in an apartment could it be that someone there has raised and released him and he's looking for "home"? He's (or she) a real cutie.

[crazy4squirrels]

That's just a young one. It is looking for some help. Try to catch her. Squirrels do not have rabies. She is simply looking for help.

[squillgurl]

Where in the midwest are you, if you don't mind my asking? If you see this little one again and aren't terribly far, maybe I could help you. PM me if you'd like.

[Nancy in New York]

OMG my heart is breaking...I agree he is young. Perhaps somebody hand raised...I hear traffic close by too...I would get him into safety that's for sure!:)
Can you post where you are and we can look for a rehabber in your area? I wonder if he lost his mom and silblings...or he is just lost. Poor baby...:grouphug
No animal control...they will dispose of it the fastest, easiest way....:shakehead

[CaptSaltyJack]

He left for a while, but he came back. I guess he comes and goes. :D

I live in the city of Chicago. I would think there are plenty of humane animal resources here that could help, though I'm not sure what I'd tell them the problem is. It now appears he just likes hanging around my front door? It's 72 degrees out now, and he appears to not be around as much.. maybe when it's colder at night, he's taking shelter on my doorstep because he has nowhere else to go, perhaps? No idea. Despite him being apparently young, wouldn't instinct kick in and tell him to go take shelter in a tree?

[crazy4squirrels]

Please try to catch the baby. DO NOT CALL ANIMAL CONTROL. This is a little animal not a tiger. This baby is looking for help. If you can catch her and call a rehabber that would be great. This baby looks very friendly and keeps coming back because it feels safe there for some reason.

[CaptSaltyJack]

Please try to catch the baby. DO NOT CALL ANIMAL CONTROL. This is a little animal not a tiger. This baby is looking for help. If you can catch her and call a rehabber that would be great. This baby looks very friendly and keeps coming back because it feels safe there for some reason.

Relax, relax. I know better than to call animal control. And I dunno about catching her.. how? I don't feel like getting bitten! I'd really rather not do anything to make her feel threatened.

I tossed her a few macadamia nuts, she didn't seem interested.

[Nancy in New York]

I have a feeling if you just walked right out there, she would crawl right up on you...:dono
I have pm'd a member, looking for help for you...:)

[mugzeezma]

He left for a while, but he came back. I guess he comes and goes. :D

I live in the city of Chicago. I would think there are plenty of humane animal resources here that could help, though I'm not sure what I'd tell them the problem is. It now appears he just likes hanging around my front door? It's 72 degrees out now, and he appears to not be around as much.. maybe when it's colder at night, he's taking shelter on my doorstep because he has nowhere else to go, perhaps? No idea. Despite him being apparently young, wouldn't instinct kick in and tell him to go take shelter in a tree?
hey Salty
I am just west of Chitown I am going to private message you with my phone number. It will show up in your regular email with a link to private messages and we can talk. I have some resources and might even be able to come pick him up.

[Nancy in New York]

hey Salty
I am just west of Chitown I am going to private message you with my phone number. It will show up in your regular email with a link to private messages and we can talk. I have some resources and might even be able to come pick him up.
OMG this would be so wonderful for this little fella....:Love_Icon :bowdown :bowdown :Love_Icon

[CaptSaltyJack]

Deep down I kinda want to keep her (pretty sure it's a female) as a pet. Ha! I'm just too busy, and I know squirrels are high maintenance and high energy.

Call you shortly, M.

[mugzeezma]

OMG this would be so wonderful for this little fella....:Love_Icon :bowdown :bowdown :Love_Icon
OMG
A FOXER pup! I'm there!
Call me soon Capt I may be able to head out there. Depends on where you are and the ish...traffic

[mugzeezma]

I have a feeling if you just walked right out there, she would crawl right up on you...:dono
I have pm'd a member, looking for help for you...:)
Spoke with the Capt. We are going to have to play it by ear here as pup is coming and going. I asked that he put out an old teeshirt or something for her to snuggle in. OH! If he has a box the size of a milk crate she might want to hide in there. He said he could put some fruit and veggies out for her. I have a Havaheart live trap.
I have to wrangle kids in a bit but this sounds like a baby that may need some help. Maybe a head trauma?

[Nancy in New York]

Yeah, there is just something not quite right about this little one, and why that door? But honestly, I just wonder if it got seperated from mama...:dono Lucky though...I sure hope this all works out, he is just adorable.
CaptSaltyJack...do you/or a friend have anything like a cat carrier that you could put/lure the little one in? I know it's not ideal, but it may work....as long as you watch for it to not bite through....:D

[mugzeezma]

Watching and rewatching that video... a late summer baby. Look at the size of the ears and eyes. Adult Foxers have tiny neat little ears. I would say barely weaned. He/she probably lost her mom... I think I made a decision here to do what I can to go and get this pup. A bit of a hike ...

Capt...call me when you see her hanging around. I'll pull some stuff together and try to get out there before 6.

[astra]

Oh, so want for Mugzeezma to get this little one!... I so hope it happens! ... hard to tell what is going on, but to me s/he looks like someone's rehabbed/whatever, escaped and is trying to find a way back ( the way s/he is peeking through the door crack...)... poor sweet little baby foxer!

[Nancy in New York]

Watching and rewatching that video... a late summer baby. Look at the size of the ears and eyes. Adult Foxers have tiny neat little ears. I would say barely weaned. He/she probably lost her mom... I think I made a decision here to do what I can to go and get this pup. A bit of a hike ...

Capt...call me when you see her hanging around. I'll pull some stuff together and try to get out there before 6.


I knew he would take your heart...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[squillgurl]

Awesome, mugzeema! I hope you guys can get this little baby some help. Squirrely heroes all over the place :D . Good luck!!!

[mugzeezma]

I knew he would take your heart...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
stamp SUCKER on my forehead!!!!

[CaptSaltyJack]

Whoa, she's back! I don't know how long she'll stick around though.

[TinyPaws]

It looks to me that if you open your door wide enough, she would just walk right in..She seems to want to come inside...Is there a room you can contain her in until someone comes to get her?

[mugzeezma]

Whoa, she's back! I don't know how long she'll stick around though.
Pulling stuff together and waiting for my oldest to get home...I will head out in 1/2 an hour or so?
30 miles
and mapquest says 45 minutes HAHAHAHHAA!!!:crazy

[CaptSaltyJack]

It looks to me that if you open your door wide enough, she would just walk right in..She seems to want to come inside...Is there a room you can contain her in until someone comes to get her?

As much as I'd like to let her in, I don't really have a suitable room for her.

[CaptSaltyJack]

Pulling stuff together and waiting for my oldest to get home...I will head out in 1/2 an hour or so?
30 miles
and mapquest says 45 minutes HAHAHAHHAA!!!:crazy

I'll be here.. but what if my furry guest isn't? :)

[Nancy in New York]

Any kind of container? Cat crate? How about your bathroon, toilet seat down! Unplug all electrical...:dono

Have you tried going outside? I really do wonder if she would crawl right up on you...perhaps you could entertain her inside until Mugzi gets there...but only if she crawls up onto you...:D

[astra]

s/he looks too young and too lost to start "attacking" all the cables and cords. There must be something that can be used to keep her till Mugzeezma gets there - this little one has no place to spend the night safely... and might not make it through the night if stays somewhere on the ground...
Oh, so hope and pray Mugzeezma can get this little one today!

[mugzeezma]

As much as I'd like to let her in, I don't really have a suitable room for her.
I'm heading out...will call from the road...order pizza and beer ...may a long one...KIDDDDDING just kidding

[CaptSaltyJack]

I was gonna step outside to hang with her, and she ran off, went around the back. I went through the back door and saw a squirrel (pretty sure it was her) climbing into a tree. So we've ruled out the fact that maybe she is unable to get herself into a tree. :)

I suppose I could keep her in the bathroom, but.. how in the world would I get her to go in there?? She's still quite skittish and is unsure of my intentions. Plus, she's away at the moment..

[SquirrelNut]

Mugzeezma, you need a Vehicle w/ "Squirrel 911" on the side for your adventures!!

Your HEART is always in the right place!!!

[Nancy in New York]

I was gonna step outside to hang with her, and she ran off, went around the back. I went through the back door and saw a squirrel (pretty sure it was her) climbing into a tree. So we've ruled out the fact that maybe she is unable to get herself into a tree. :)

I suppose I could keep her in the bathroom, but.. how in the world would I get her to go in there?? She's still quite skittish and is unsure of my intentions. Plus, she's away at the moment..

Oh Lord...that is why I was hoping that she would crawl right up on you...then you could walk her to the bathroom...:D
Did she appear fast when you saw her going up the tree?

[CaptSaltyJack]

Oh Lord...that is why I was hoping that she would crawl right up on you...then you could walk her to the bathroom...:D
Did she appear fast when you saw her going up the tree?

Yep, like a healthy squirrel! And heck no, I think I'd flip out if she crawled onto my shoulder! You guys have more experience with squirrels than I do, I'm still concerned about it biting my finger off. ;)

[Nancy in New York]

Yep, like a healthy squirrel! And heck no, I think I'd flip out if she crawled onto my shoulder! You guys have more experience with squirrels than I do, I'm still concerned about it biting my finger off. ;)
Oh I don't blame you with being concerned. My hubby actually did have a wild squirrel crawl right up on him in the backyard about 2 years ago, a young one that must have gotten away from his mama. Actually they do tend to go to anything that looks like help when they are lost...and have also been known to approach cats and dogs.:shakehead

[SquirrelNut]

Hopefully, she will return by the time Mugzeezma arrives. I am sure she will be able to lure her!:D

[Sissy]

A woman after my own heart...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon God speed and love coming your way.

[TinyPaws]

Any news?

[mugzeezma]

Well what we have here is a very healthy silly little baby.
When I got there he/she was no where to be found. We walked towards the back court yard and who do you think came running down the tree? A very lovely healthy juvenile Foxer. He/she scampered to a tree on the other side of the side walk and climbed up and down that tree watching us with great fascination tail flicking bright eyed and fluffy tailed. I set the trap at the bottom of the tree and she approached it with great caution. He/she really wanted to get at those peanuts in there! Of course being a city neighborhood there were people walking their dogs up and down the sidewalk and cars going by. He/she ran up to safety every time. Finally I started telling people to walk on the other side of the street telling them there was a squirrel in distress (NOT).
Sooo this little pup finally come down the tree towards the trap oh so frustrated He/she could not get at the treats, digging and snuffling. We stood back and watched. He/she never went in. Instead this bodacious little toot ran right up the sidewalk at us and stopped and stared at us as if to say WTH!!! The pup then ran up the tree nest to us. I held out a peanut against the tree in my hand and wouldn't you know pup came down the tree and stared in my face not more than 6" away.
My assessment is that this baby just needs to finish building it's nest and finding it's niche in this big huge world. This baby looks happy and full. It may have just been weaned.
I have noticed a trend in these older babies showing up here and at the center. This must be a very vulnerable age for squirrlies.
I asked the good Capt to set a box out on the porch with a rag in it.
Let's all see what type of nest boxes we can find for him to order and send him some HHBs or rat block. He's agreeable to having an out door 'pet' :D
Of course if any problem arise he has my number.
All's well that ends well and Bon Voyage Capt!!!

[Nancy in New York]

Unbelievable...so this is just a healthy, happy, little fox squirrel in need of a nest box? This is just so unusual that he would go to the door and sit and it almost seems like he wants to come in.....and and and.......:)
Well, you are one terrific woman to make that trip to access that little baby...:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown .
Honestly, I have never seen anything so pathetic as seeing that little one at the door...almost like he is dying to get in....:dono And now you are telling me we have been played!!!! :soapbox I'm thrilled that he is fine...hope he is smart and stays out of the street...:) and away from people...:Love_Icon

[mugzeezma]

Unbelievable...so this is just a healthy, happy, little fox squirrel in need of a nest box? This is just so unusual that he would go to the door and sit and it almost seems like he wants to come in.....and and and.......:)
Well, you are one terrific woman to make that trip to access that little baby...:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown .
Honestly, I have never seen anything so pathetic as seeing that little one at the door...almost like he is dying to get in....:dono And now you are telling me we have been played!!!! :soapbox I'm thrilled that he is fine...hope he is smart and stays out of the street...:) and away from people...:Love_Icon

YUP! We's been made fools of!!!:D

Nancy you had to see this little stinker in action. There is no way I can feel right about capturing and moving a healthy animal. The stress alone...this is a wild baby. It's life should be lived where it was born.
It's opinion only but I have seen how bold and unafraid youngsters of ALL species are. This youngster was cold and felt a warm place to hide was on the Capt's porch. It may have smelled something yummy too.
Truly I would have loved to bring it home but wilds are best left wild.

[Nancy in New York]

YUP! We's been made fools of!!!:D

Nancy you had to see this little stinker in action. There is no way I can feel right about capturing and moving a healthy animal. The stress alone...this is a wild baby. It's life should be lived where it was born.
It's opinion only but I have seen how bold and unafraid youngsters of ALL species are. This youngster was cold and felt a warm place to hide was on the Capt's porch. It may have smelled something yummy too.
Truly I would have loved to bring it home but wilds are best left wild.

Oh, I couldn't agree more...I would have done the exact same thing. His mama and siblings may still be there, and even if they're not, as you said there was nothing wrong with him. There was no need to stress him out and transplant him into new surroundings...He found his home, and now it's up to CaptSaltyJack to supply food, fleece, medical care, homes,(one in the front and one in the back) and a college education. Once a squirrel chooses you, it's out of anyone's control...almost like being meemed...:rotfl
Hope you explained that to the nice gentleman when you left....:rotfl :rotfl

[mugzeezma]

Oh, I couldn't agree more...I would have done the exact same thing. His mama and siblings may still be there, and even if they're not, as you said there was nothing wrong with him. There was no need to stress him out and transplant him into new surroundings...He found his home, and now it's up to CaptSaltyJack to supply food, fleece, medical care, homes,(one in the front and one in the back) and a college education. Once a squirrel chooses you, it's out of anyone's control...almost like being meemed...:rotfl
Hope you explained that to the nice gentleman when you left....:rotfl :rotfl
Uh, No, I called him up fretting and said I'll be back tomorrow if the little booger keeps camping on the porch...

and made him promise to look after lil he/she

I'm SHAMELESS!!!!:shakehead
i'm gonna worry

[Nancy in New York]

Uh, No, I called him up fretting and said I'll be back tomorrow if the little booger keeps camping on the porch...

and made him promise to look after lil he/she

I'm SHAMELESS!!!!:shakehead
i'm gonna worry


You know what would work...if you moved in there for a couple of weeks and kept an eye on the little one. I know that you are torn...relocate, or keep there? It still is not normal for a little one to be hanging around a door...I just hope that she doesn't go up to any strangers...little stinker...:grouphug :grouphug

[mugzeezma]

You know what would work...if you moved in there for a couple of weeks and kept an eye on the little one. I know that you are torn...relocate, or keep there? It still is not normal for a little one to be hanging around a door...I just hope that she doesn't go up to any strangers...little stinker...:grouphug :grouphug
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
WHAT???? and leave 3 kids 2 dogs a ferret a Degu and all those dirty dishes and laundry????
Oh
I would have to pack my squirrels...
they like to sleep in the hood of my jacket so no problemo!

Funny thing is he/she didn't approach anyone else that came by :thinking

HE WAS CHOSEN!!!

[island rehabber]

God help the skipper....he's one of us now.....:shakehead :D

[squirrelfriend]

Maybe he is a squirlscout?:D

[island rehabber]

:jump:jump

[squirrelfriend]

Since he was camped out there could that be considered pressure sales? He's not leaving until you buy some?:D

[mugzeezma]

Since he was camped out there could that be considered pressure sales? He's not leaving until you buy some?:D
No chance of getting the cookies with chocolate or nuts em tho...they never make it past quality control!!!

[CaptSaltyJack]

Hey folks :)

There's been no sign of the little munchkin at all yesterday evening till today. I'm wondering if maybe she was just temporarily ill or something, and wanted a hide-out (as animals do when they're sick), and now she's fine so she's out and about doing squirrel stuff. I take a peek out my front door once in a while, and there's no sign of her.

[Nancy in New York]

Well, I am going to say that is a good thing........I think.:thinking
OK now I'm worried.....where is she and why hasn't she come back?:dono :rotfl :dono

[mugzeezma]

Well, I am going to say that is a good thing........I think.:thinking
OK now I'm worried.....where is she and why hasn't she come back?:dono :rotfl :dono
I'm hoping it's a good thing...
Unusual behavior? Maybe, she looked pretty healthy
Capt if you get a chance go out back there and see if she's still hangin 'round.
If she appears tonight i may come out again. The temps are dropping this weekend. If nothing else I can drop of some munchies for her.
Do you still have my number? Feel free to call or test if she appears.

[tazzy]

How did this turn out? I am dying to find out if Mugzeema got the little guy!!!!!:multi

[mugzeezma]

How did this turn out? I am dying to find out if Mugzeema got the little guy!!!!!:multi
NOPE!
The Capt is out of town this weekend. I'm not trapping a perfectly healthy animal. I don't have a permit and it's simply not ethical. *