Being attacked by my Percy repeatedly....

[SquirrelLove]

My Percy has turned on me. I've set him free and he wants in and keeps climbing the screens and going from door to door trying to get in. Today he bit me in 9 spots and even jumping in a HOT shower wouldn't get him off of me. My husband came home from work to help me and to put him outside. My fingers are raw, and he bit through my skull and a thumb nail. My husband tried to block his way back in but he's going to figure it out all too soon. I went to talk to him through the screen and he started "chittering" again like he would attack if he could get to me. He wont go away, just keeps trying to get in. I'm sure he's thirsty and hungry by now.

WHAT can I do? What did I do to make him hate me? He used to demand I give him love and tummy rubs and now every time he sees me he attacks and wont let go. Even his sister squirrel Princess runs from him when he gets crazy when he sees me.

HELP!

Joanne in Jax

[SammysMom]

Oh dear! I am so sorry to hear this sad story! Is there anything that you can give him that soothes him? Or if you let him in if he asks to come in, does he attack or is he just happy to be back? Did you do a soft release or did you just take him from living inside and put him out?

[pappy1264]

Get a water bottle and squirt him. I know that sounds 'mean' but this boy sees you as his, that deck as his and he is hormonal. This can happen with any squirrel when they loose their fear of humans because we loved on them like pets. Keep that bottle with you at all times. Hopefully he will get the message. I have seen this before. Hopefully h ewill calm down and be able to come to you for food, but right now, you need to keep him away from you. I am so sorry you are going through this.

[stosh2010]

What ever the reason Percy is in Attack Mode-please protect yourself, if you BOTH get in the same room again.
Rama Rota has attacked me in the past...at time deep, bloody and Lightning Fast. So I use protection. Welders Gloves, a long sleeve jacket--and a Home-Made Wire mesh and Duct Tape helmet...every day---while we share the room.

[SquirrelLove]

He wants back in and attacks me immediately. I have a water bottle, that doesn't work. I jumped in a scalding hot shower to get him off of me today and that didn't work Tonight my husband let him in the cage to sleep because he wanted back in - the cage is in the FL room. I went up to the cage and he tried to attack me again but not my husband.

His release has been VERY VERY soft! I never just throw my babies to the wild. It's definately ME he hates . And I haven't changed anything, no new perfume, shampoo or laundry detergent, no new clothing etc. No new make up, no new haircut, NOTHING has changed except I have 2 new babies to care for.

Sigh, someone please help!

[SammysMom]

Hhhmmmmm...jealousy maybe? Two new babies when someone thinks he is still "the baby"? I didn't mean that you tossed him out, just curious because of his odd reaction.
I'm so sorry to hear that he is being so impossible. Sounds like you better get Stosh's protective gear directions!:sanp3

[JLM27]

Does he have a stash somewhere that you separated him from?

[Busysqrl]

Oh goodness, I don't have any advice other than the water thing, but I'd use a glass of water. One of my squirrels is SUPER protective of her nut stash and even if I unknowingly go near it, she will attack. It's happened twice now. So now I carry a glass of water. The second time she did it, I tossed it right in her face and that stopped her cold. Didn't hurt her one bit, but she got the message. I hope your baby settles down and returns to more normal. Does he have plenty of food and water outside?

[SquirrelLove]

I don't think it's a stash hidden that he's protecting. He attacks me anywhere I am that he can get to me. I jumped in a scalding hot shower trying to get him off of me and that didn't even work. I first tried flinging water from my hand and a bathroom faucet at him and when that didn't work I jumped in the shower clothing and all and turned on the HOT water and that didn't phase him one bit. My husband put him outside and he wont leave. He doesn't seem to know how to drink from the water bowl we have outside for the wilds, and gets really thirsty.

Today I took an extra good shower making sure I washed everywhere possible and had to have my husband's help because I'm so chewed up that it hurts just to breathe lol. My clothes I took straight from the dryer to make sure they had no other scents on them. He still tried to attack me through the cage. I'm unable to put any food in there for him if he's going to attack me. Tomorrow I'll have my husband try and put him outside again and hope that he goes off into the wild. The first time he got to go outside he stayed away for 4 days. When he came back he was beaten up but seemed okay, just wet because it was raining.

I'll keep checking back for any advice anyone wants to give. I do miss my cuddle buddy. I took his sister into the house and she went into the sofa today lol, and I had to go to the airport to pick up my adult son so had to let her stay where she was, I can't even pull the cushion out with my hands this chewed up right now. She was a good girl while we were gone, got into some peanuts is all but she knows she can have those. I think she's asleep for the night inside the sofa now lol!

[pappy1264]

This is a very dangerous situation. You may have to have your husband take him away from your home (quite a bit aways) so he will not be able to come back. I know I will probably get heat for saying this, but you cannot live this way. Aside from you, has he tried to go after anyone else? Do you have any deep woods near you that you can bring him to? He will learn to get water. You need to think of your safety, even if I know it is going to break your heart to have to do this. This is extreme behaviour and the fact he is going after you like this. Were you his solitary caretaker until this happened?

[SammysMom]

I am also concerned about him choosing someone else to pick on. That would be very dangerous for him too! It seems like he might have to go to someone else for a second soft release. He needs some reprogramming if you ask me. (which you certainly did not...lol):grouphug

[SquirrelLove]

There is a woods behind where my husband works and he was going to take him there. He's attacked my husband too, and is now trying to attack anyone that comes close. I was his solitary care taker and we used to snuggle on the sofa and watch tv together. He loved it. Then all of a sudden for NO apparent reason *to me* he started with this behavior.

I think we'll have to give him to Anne Miller - she said she has an outdoor release cage than can be used for him. Either that or drop him off in the wood by where my hubby works.

Thank you everyone!

[stepnstone]

There is a woods behind where my husband works and he was going to take him there. He's attacked my husband too, and is now trying to attack anyone that comes close. I was his solitary care taker and we used to snuggle on the sofa and watch tv together. He loved it. Then all of a sudden for NO apparent reason *to me* he started with this behavior.

I think we'll have to give him to Anne Miller - she said she has an outdoor release cage than can be used for him. Either that or drop him off in the wood by where my hubby works.
Thank you everyone!

I would opt for Annie and the release cage,:thumbsup another program release where he can "de-program" sounds better to me. Besides, if he's around your husband's work space there is still an association.

[Tara]

There is a woods behind where my husband works and he was going to take him there. He's attacked my husband too, and is now trying to attack anyone that comes close. I was his solitary care taker and we used to snuggle on the sofa and watch tv together. He loved it. Then all of a sudden for NO apparent reason *to me* he started with this behavior.

I think we'll have to give him to Anne Miller - she said she has an outdoor release cage than can be used for him. Either that or drop him off in the wood by where my hubby works.

Thank you everyone!

I'm so sorry! I would definately have someone take him back through the release stage before setting him loose again. He may jump on a non squirrel lover that would really hurt or kill him. :( That would be awful. Good luck!

[momma2boo]

I am concerned that Percy thinks YOUR home is HIS home and being a territorial squirrel he is going to fight for it. I am afraid you will need to trap him and relocate him to an area where he will not come across humans. I had to do this many years ago with Boo's brother. He attacked me in my own yard. A local rehabber told me she would help me relocate him to a 5 acre area where humans would not be found. It worked ... no more biting me and freedom for him. Bring his nest box and anchor it up in a tree. Give him a stash in his box and take off.

[SammysMom]

This thread is just so sad! Definitely go with the second chance at release cage plan. You didn't come this far with him to have it end badly for all of you. You have done all that you can and he has just had some mental "crossed wires". Just remember it really is just some instinct/domestication combo that isn't anyone's fault. I am sure that given the chance, he can come through this to live a wonderful life!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[momma2boo]

This thread is just so sad! Definitely go with the second chance at release cage plan. You didn't come this far with him to have it end badly for all of you. You have done all that you can and he has just had some mental "crossed wires". Just remember it really is just some instinct/domestication combo that isn't anyone's fault. I am sure that given the chance, he can come through this to live a wonderful life!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

I would really hate to see Anne bitten. She is on blood thinners and does not need a squirrel with his wires crossed. If he is used to being outside then I would still look to release him on a preserve or conservation. These bites can be extremely harmful. I had my nerves severed in my thumb. Thankfully they regenerated and I can feel my thumb again, but I was lucky.

There's got to be a better way than possibly putting Anne in harms way. I know I am speaking out of place but blood thinners and attack squirrels are a bad combo. :dono

[stosh2010]

The feelings of losing his companionship and friendly interaction must be devestating.
I felt that way and a little betrayed for a day or so, and then I remembered that my Rama Rota was a wild animal with natural instincts -not a domesticated critter like a dog.
I only ask that you PROTECT YOURSELF...and hopefully Soft Release in a Neutral (unpopulated) Location.The biting will not suddenly end. Any one close is a potential target.
Sorry for your pain and your loss of your fuzzy friend.

[SammysMom]

Maybe someone besides Anne would be willing? I surely don't want to see anyone hurt but the potential for him attacking a stranger and being hurt himself seems very real. I do NOT want to cause any anxiety so I will back off, but I feel very sad for all involved.

[momma2boo]

Maybe someone besides Anne would be willing? I surely don't want to see anyone hurt but the potential for him attacking a stranger and being hurt himself seems very real. I do NOT want to cause any anxiety so I will back off, but I feel very sad for all involved.


That is why I said to release him in an area where people do not visit. I am sure there are state preservation areas where he would be safe and free ... best of both worlds. I am just concerned for any human who may come in contact with this guy.

No anxiety here ... just have a little experience since I had a squirrel who had his wires crossed and this was the advice of a rehabber. It is only a suggestion ... it worked for me and thought it would work for Joanne.:peace

[SquirrelLove]

All good advice. I kind of have to agree with Momma2Boo because I know Anne just got back from the hospital and Chas had to go to the E.R. on Friday for something. So neither are in the best of shape and I know Percy wouldn't take to them. I don't have people over so Percy is not used to strangers and I fear he would attack the first chance he got. Anne offered but I haven't accepted yet because I want to make an informed choice where it's best for all involved, Percy, me and my family and any other humans. My yard and the surrounding area is very wooded. However because he knows his way around my property as he is allowed out during the day he always comes right back and waits to be let in, climbing the screens and chewing on them. I'm hoping that in time he will decide not to come back, but to make a nest in a tree. I have a cage on the deck that is open with a nesting box and a basket in there for him to sleep in and tomorrow I'm going to get another water bottle to hang in it and just leave it open so he can come and go to that cage as he pleases. Hopefully that will help ease his transition. Maybe he wont ask to come into the FL room or the house if he has something all of his own out there. He is bonded to his sister and she to him, and they miss the other when one isn't there. So maybe if I do it slowly he will leave eventually. I don't live where there is a ton of people, just one neighbor beside me, one across and one behind. But that's enough people to worry about. At least one on the side has raised a squirrel and they love squirrels. They know about him biting, hopefully they don't try to feed him from the hand. I have a released that goes over to their house and eats out of their hands and he's a boy too. I would hate for them to not know who is who and get bitten. It's not just a bite, it's a full on attack. I have 9 different puncture wounds and deep slashes in just one hand. I thought I only had 8 but after I was able to wash away the blood I found another one. The other hand has 3, and my arm has 2, and my head has 2. There was so much blood on the floor that it looked like a murder had taken place here. And that's not counting all the blood that went down the drain when I was in the shower! And I have to try and get blood from my finger for my blood sugar, OUCH! Nothing like poking your already raw fingers to check your blood sugar.
Sigh....

[SquirrelLove]

PS, I live in Jacksonville FL if anyone out there is willing to take him and do another soft release for him in a place that is far enough away that he wont come back.

[momma2boo]

Joanne ... I am so sorry for the bites you are tending to. I feel your pain and I am so sorry. Please take care of yourself. If all else fails take his nest box (with him blocked in it) and put it up on a tree NOT near your house and leave. Protect yourself. You did all you could for him. You've raised him and loved him ... time to set that bad *ss free.

[SquirrelLove]

... time to set that bad *ss free. Lol, yes it is definitely time to set him free!

[stosh2010]

Here's a Little Scary Squirrel Trivia...
For those of us ( that means MOST) who have had a close encounter with those ORANGE Chompers...it makes Perfect Sense.

..A squirrel's bite can exceed 7000 psi. For comparison, a human's bite is around 150 psi. Thus, a squirrels bite is about 50 times as strong as a human's. Though I don't know what force is required to break a human finger bone, I suspect it's not that much. Don't stick your fingers in squirrels' mouths.

[SquirrelLove]

Wow, interesting tidbit there! I sure felt all that PSI in the many bites I have on me. He's outside right now enjoying the day. I'm hoping he doesn't come back tonight...

[pappy1264]

A preserve would be the best place, somewhere he is not likely to run into ANY humans. Although not common, I have heard of extremes like this before. I am sorry things have turned this way, but deep in the woods, away from you (and being able to find his way back or even anyone else's house) is best. He shows up on someone else back screens, it will not be a good thing.

[SquirrelLove]

Percy went outside all day yesterday and didn't come back last night. I was hoping perhaps he decided finally to be wild. But today he came back, found his secret opening into the Florida room and is hungrily awaiting the rest of my fingers. I stepped out and he started for me with evil intent. I jumped back in the house and he went crazy, chewing on anything he could get to. I waited for him to fall asleep and gave him a plate of food, but now I can't get to his sister the girl (princess) to give her any food! She's out in the cage - the cage is shut and she seen me put the plate down - she knows what her food plate looks like and loves feeding times. Eating is her favorite thing and I can't get food to her. Thank goodness her water bottle still has water! It's like 100 out there in the FL room!

[Tara]

Percy went outside all day yesterday and didn't come back last night. I was hoping perhaps he decided finally to be wild. But today he came back, found his secret opening into the Florida room and is hungrily awaiting the rest of my fingers. I stepped out and he started for me with evil intent. I jumped back in the house and he went crazy, chewing on anything he could get to. I waited for him to fall asleep and gave him a plate of food, but now I can't get to his sister the girl (princess) to give her any food! She's out in the cage - the cage is shut and she seen me put the plate down - she knows what her food plate looks like and loves feeding times. Eating is her favorite thing and I can't get food to her. Thank goodness her water bottle still has water! It's like 100 out there in the FL room!

OH NO! I hope you get this figured out. I know your heart has to be broken by Percy turning on you. I haven't been around a squirrel quite that aggressive before, so I don't have any real sound advice to offer. I'm so sorry. And poor Princess! Maybe you should make a suit like Rama's dad?:dono Best of luck.

My Little Girl has had babies in the house and bites me several times a day. I am lucky enough though that she doesn't bite really hard, just a lot. Don't get me wrong...I look like I've been through a shredder..but it's more scratches and scrapes with the teeth and nails than it is those actual "pop" puncture wounds. I hate that sound and those bites hurt for days!

[SquirrelLove]

How exciting that your girl had babies! I'm sorry she's aggressive toward you, I'm glad she isn't shredding you with her teeth. I think if Percy had gotten just 2 more bites on my thumb then the thumb would have been cut in half. It was really serious and he means business that's for sure. What is so weird is that he was SUCH a cuddle boy for a YEAR and a HALF! Then WHAM out of nowhere he hates me. I'm going to go peek and see if he's waiting for me still.
Take care and have fun with the babies!

[Tara]

Just wondering...how long has Percy been so aggressive? There's a part of me that hopes it will pass. Is there anything really thick that you could put on and go in there to feed Princess? Something he couldn't get through? I would continue to be nice to Percy though, as hard as it is...because they say squirrels will hold a grudge! hahaha

LG has her days. I've learned with her that if I have any type of food in my hand when approaching her she doesn't bite me. She comes at me like she's going to chew my limbs off..but stops and smells the food in my hand and either takes it or turns around and goes back to whatever she was doing. LOL! There were several days where I was actually scared to death of her though! She still has her moments...She LOVES to crawl under my shirt and bite my sides...and she will attack my elbows too! If I grab her and hold her lying back, she still lets me rub her and give kisses and lifts up her arms for me to rub! Crazy girl! I'm waiting for the day she pierces my lip...I need to have a ring ready for that one! hahaha! jk...

[SquirrelLove]

He's only been aggressive for about 2 weeks. I just got back in from the FL room and had my 22 yr old son talk to him. My son got fairly close and he was fine. As soon as I opened my mouth and said hello to him he started going crazy and chewing on all in sight. So it's definitely me he's hating for some reason. When I took the plate of food out I rubbed the plate all over my body so it would have my scent on it so he'd know where the food comes from lol!

I'm still being nice to the little ****, although I'm sure he can sense my fear.

[Tara]

How's Percy today? I've been thinking about ya! :)

[SquirrelLove]

Percy is ROTTEN today! He didn't come home last night but yesterday sat in the FL room waiting for me all day. He's back again today, and I didn't know he was out there and he chased me back into the house and he's gnawing at the door trying to get inside the house. My phone doesn't work in the house and I'd like to go out to make a phone call grrrr! I'm honestly thinking of having him put to sleep at this point. The nerve in my right thumb was severed, what if next time he gets my neck or plucks an eye out?

HELP! (lol)

[JLM27]

My advice is to get some welders gloves and put them on and deal with him firmly, but not nastily. If you can throw a towel over him you can wrap him tight in it like a burrito so you can have an eye to eye conversation. Is he jealous of other squirrels that you have? They DO get and hold grudges.

How about putting him back in a confined cage until he settles down? Running from him is not working, so you will now have to assert yourself. Remember, you outweigh him about 150 to 1. Yes he is faster, but you are grabbier.

[SquirrelLove]

I'm SO afraid of him! He has bitten so hard and so many times. I don't heal due to diabetes, and my thumbs are in horrible condition. I can try to get him in a cage, in the house. My son just scared him out of the FL room and I was able to get food and water to Princess, and bring her in for her own safety. I found some boxing gloves - don't have Welder's gloves so I'll try the boxing gloves to cover my hands if I see him out there again, and wear a robe and a leather coat.

[SammysMom]

OMG...there is nothing at all funny about what is going on with Percy. That said, I just had hysterics envisioning you trying to go out in a robe, leather jacket and boxing gloves!:jump I am crying I am laughing so hard.
Please be careful and maybe someone could loan you welding gloves because I'm not sure punching Percy with boxing gloves is going to help the situation.:sanp3

[momma2boo]

Joanne,

This has become a fairly serious problem. You cannot continue to be bitten. He obviously has it out for you.

You must trap him. Do you have a "Hav-a-hart" trap? If not, maybe someone here does and would loan it to you.

Trap him and release him (hang a nesting box up on the tree and leave him a stash of nuts).

Be sure you release him in a remote area where there aren't homes or parks. I thought euthanasia was the only option for Boo's bully of a brother too but the rehabber told me he could be released. You might want your son doing the actual releasing him from the trap. Also, be sure he is well covered (Jeans, welding gloves, hat, long sleeve thick shirt) just in case.

Good luck.

[SquirrelLove]

Our biggest problem is we keep thinking he'll go and be wild in the back yard / area in a few weeks. We hate to see him suffer or go hungry all alone out there. So we keep hoping that if we ignore him - or should I say the rest of us ignore him and me not even go outside then maybe he'll go away but still enjoy the peanuts, purina squirrel chow and other goodies we give the wilds.

I don't have a safe trap, but hubby can probably get him out or in a cage.

[momma2boo]

Our biggest problem is we keep thinking he'll go and be wild in the back yard / area in a few weeks. We hate to see him suffer or go hungry all alone out there. So we keep hoping that if we ignore him - or should I say the rest of us ignore him and me not even go outside then maybe he'll go away but still enjoy the peanuts, purina squirrel chow and other goodies we give the wilds.

I don't have a safe trap, but hubby can probably get him out or in a cage.

Joanne ... he has wild squirrel instincts so he will not starve or be lonely. As humans we project our own fears and emotions on our animals. He will be fine, I assure you.

In a perfect world he would be a kind squirrel who releases beautifully and comes back to say "Hi Mom :wave123 Thanks for loving and raising me. I am eternally grateful!".

Unfortunately this in NOT a perfect world. Percy has wilded up and become mean. It is not uncommon although it hurts no matter its commonality.

I wouldn't continue to mess with something that obviously WANTS to be completely free of humans. The best thing for him is to release him in a remote part of the woods where he will NEVER run in to humans again. By doing this you will save his life and possibly future squirrels. If he bites a human there will be a witch hunt for these precious critters. People will get the wrong impression and think squirrels are evil when in fact even Percy is not evil ... he is wild.

Please give it some serious thought. You raised him to be free ... and you did a magnificant job. Now, let him go be free Momma!

[SquirrelLove]

OMG...there is nothing at all funny about what is going on with Percy. That said, I just had hysterics envisioning you trying to go out in a robe, leather jacket and boxing gloves!:jump I am crying I am laughing so hard.
Please be careful and maybe someone could loan you welding gloves because I'm not sure punching Percy with boxing gloves is going to help the situation.:sanp3

I have to admit that the scene that would play out in my head is quite funny too! I'm a rather large woman (FAT is the real word I'm looking for lol) with a fuzzy pink robe, bright red boxing gloves, leather jacket on top of the robe oh and a red hoodie over the robe so I have a little something guarding my ears. I do have a taser gun (My son does anyway) but I don't want to kill him with the taser as I don't know how much would kill him or the strength of this taser, I've never used it and don't want to.

Here's a bit of funny. I had brought his sister inside to keep her safe and forgot I did. I went to my computer and took too long on it so she SILENTLY wandered into my room and I had no idea she was in here, UNTIL she jumped on my back and gave me a heart attack! My first thought was PERCY HAS FOUND ME! Yesterday a similar thing happened. I was sitting at the computer and the 8 week old babies figured out how to open their cage, and I didn't know they were out and about and THEY jumped on me too! OMG, I'm getting much older before my time! These freak outs have to stop lol!

[stosh2010]

Our biggest problem is we keep thinking he'll go and be wild in the back yard / area in a few weeks. We hate to see him suffer or go hungry all alone out there. So we keep hoping that if we ignore him - or should I say the rest of us ignore him and me not even go outside then maybe he'll go away but still enjoy the peanuts, purina squirrel chow and other goodies we give the wilds.

I don't have a safe trap, but hubby can probably get him out or in a cage.
I can't speak for Percy...but Rama got aggressive in MAY and still he will jump me with BITING in his Heart. I don't think -with Percy--it will go away in a few weeks.
The welding gloves are the only kind that will protect your hands. Rama bites them and I can feel his strength but not any pain.They are over 12 inches long and go up over your wrists. Good protection and still allow you to grab him with out hurting him.( Boxing Gloves-useless) Your face must be protected-completely. Any opening and Percy will find it. Face bites are painful and very scary. When I first made my helmet it was open at the bottom...and Rama found the "gap" and tried to climb inside with my face. I just got him out in time. I then added a few inches to make the helmet touch my chest .
PLEASE be careful... If you don't take care of YOU...you can't help other squirrels.
Because My arms got several bites I usually wear a jacket..Lately I go without that.( after 3 months)
Because I stay prepared and protected, I can continue to share the house with the KING. He doesn't attack me any more , but when he climbs on me,I am covered up.
I do envy the TSB folk with older & mellow squirrels...but nature makes no promises

[SammysMom]

SqL I am so glad that you knew I was not being mean or uncaring. I truly feel for your situation and hope it can be resolved in a way that you are no longer in fear and that you feel good about it. He is obviously being a huge jerk, but I know that you love him anyway. Be sure to take good care and don't let him hurt you. As a diabetic you know that it is the most important thing!
I really would love to see a pic of the "boxing glove ensemble":jump

[Ronda]

Joanne ... he has wild squirrel instincts so he will not starve or be lonely. As humans we project our own fears and emotions on our animals. He will be fine, I assure you.

In a perfect world he would be a kind squirrel who releases beautifully and comes back to say "Hi Mom :wave123 Thanks for loving and raising me. I am eternally grateful!".

Unfortunately this in NOT a perfect world. Percy has wilded up and become mean. It is not uncommon although it hurts no matter its commonality.

I wouldn't continue to mess with something that obviously WANTS to be completely free of humans. The best thing for him is to release him in a remote part of the woods where he will NEVER run in to humans again. By doing this you will save his life and possibly future squirrels. If he bites a human there will be a witch hunt for these precious critters. People will get the wrong impression and think squirrels are evil when in fact even Percy is not evil ... he is wild.

Please give it some serious thought. You raised him to be free ... and you did a magnificant job. Now, let him go be free Momma!
:goodpost
Srsly....this would be best for the precious little terrorist - if the one who loved and raised him is considering PTS or tasering him...he REALLY needs to be trapped and released far away. Are there any secluded woods that you could take a day trip to, to drop him off? M2B is right... he will do great out on his own,..in fact he will probably be King Squirrel in his territory...he has defense tactics down pat! Take care of yourself....you have been through a lot:grouphug