Ready for release??

[gingchamp]

Just wondering what the appropriate age (in months) for a gray squirrels release is. ?????

[UDoWhat]

Just wondering what the appropriate age (in months) for a gray squirrels release is. ?????
It is not always about age. That being said, many release between 4-7 months or so. It just depends how ready your squirrel is. Can he/she break open a walnut without help? Can he jump some distance from branch to branch ? Is he pacing back and forth in front of the enclousure door? Is he hard to handle now? Those are just a few questions I would look to answer.

Marty, Licensed Maryland Master Wildlife Rehabilitator

[mugzeezma]

It is not always about age. That being said, many release between 4-7 months or so. It just depends how ready your squirrel is. Can he/she break open a walnut without help? Can he jump some distance from branch to branch ? Is he pacing back and forth in front of the enclousure door? Is he hard to handle now? Those are just a few questions I would look to answer.

Marty, Licensed Maryland Master Wildlife Rehabilitator

All excellent indicators :thumbsup

I had littermates where the female was released last fall @ 5 mts and the male was released this spring @ 10 mts. She was pacing the release cage and beating on anyone that came near her. He just wanted to go back into his nest box. He was overwintered.

[gingchamp]

he's definetly pacing and frantically chewing the bars of his enclosure. i think he needs more practice at opening a walnut though.