Garbanzo
05-30-2011, 11:38 AM
Hello, my name is Emil and I live in Chicago. About a month ago I found a baby squirrel in my backyard. He had all his fur and could walk, but not run or climb. My neighbors have big dogs that have been known to kill small animals given the chance.
Being an animal lover my natural instinct was to scoop up the squirrel, bring him in, and call my vet's office. The woman who answered the phone happened to be a rehabilitator and told me to put him back in the yard and see if the mother would come for him.
Well, she didn't. So, I took him in and the woman I had spoken to earlier gave the baby squirrel a flea bath and said she had too many orphans already on hand. So, I volunteered to raise him.
Today, the orphaned squirrel is bigger and eating solid foods. When I'm home he is free to run around the apartment. He's getting better each day at climbing and jumping.
So, now what? I don't think I feel confident about releasing him in the city, what with all the dogs, cats, and traffic.
I would really appreciate advice from you experts. Is releasing him in a forest preserve a better idea? Should I seek out a refuge in Illinois and take him there?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Emil
Being an animal lover my natural instinct was to scoop up the squirrel, bring him in, and call my vet's office. The woman who answered the phone happened to be a rehabilitator and told me to put him back in the yard and see if the mother would come for him.
Well, she didn't. So, I took him in and the woman I had spoken to earlier gave the baby squirrel a flea bath and said she had too many orphans already on hand. So, I volunteered to raise him.
Today, the orphaned squirrel is bigger and eating solid foods. When I'm home he is free to run around the apartment. He's getting better each day at climbing and jumping.
So, now what? I don't think I feel confident about releasing him in the city, what with all the dogs, cats, and traffic.
I would really appreciate advice from you experts. Is releasing him in a forest preserve a better idea? Should I seek out a refuge in Illinois and take him there?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Emil