Releasing debate

[Pennyorf]

I am a new Squammy but am also an avid reader of the squirrel board and have been a member for at least 12 weeks, since acquiring my babies at 5 weeks. They are now a healthy at least 17 wk old mischievous little buggers, healthy with no issues that would make them not releasable. They are sweet and friendly and as everyone knows already, they own my heart.

What make me frustrated is ALL the stories of the released squirrels coming back with some pretty major health issues.

Are we sure that release is the right thing if so many of the released squirrels come back with disease or injury?

I work in NICU with human infants and wouldn't send a baby or anyone I raised into a harmful situation that they are not equipped for.

I know the experts want release, release, release because of what they think the animal wants but what about what the animal is used too? Animals, like people adapt to their surroundings, find comfort in those surroundings and benefit greatly from being removed from harm.

If I let my happy little grey squirrels go and they got cat attacked or worse I would never forgive myself. I'm doing an exceptional job with them, love them and while being a nervous wreck am committed to them no matter how diificult they may be.

I know that I may get the hater response back from the rehabbers that rescue like 25+ squirrels a year, but I'm committed to these two forever. So be nice with your comments.

[island rehabber]

Pennyorf, I would hope that nobody here will give you anything close to a 'hater response'. That's not how we try to help people around here -- although sometimes we do get "exercised" about our opinions :D.
Yes, of course can you read accounts here about squirrels who were hurt after release, or contracted mange or other ailments and either had to be taken back in or treated and re-released. It does happen. Squirrels are prey animals; we can't change that fact. What you don't see are the hundreds of stories of squirrels released by members every year who DON'T get hurt or sick, because we don't have threads for each little success story.
For me, and I can only state how I feel about the subject because let's face it -- nobody knows what will happen, Release Day is so joyful and happy I can't imagine not releasing my squirrel kids. The looks on their faces as they realize the portal is open....the trees are there, waiting, and they can go up -- and up -- and UP! Sometimes they flip and somersault on the ground with the sheer joy of being free. I could never deny them their rightful place in the universe. :):peace

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

First off welcome to the board, and I understand what you are saying completely.
When a squirrel has touched your heart it is like nothing anyone can understand, accept those who also have been touched.
However, are you a mother? if you are you will understand, if not please listen.
When we have children and we love the unconditionally.
We want to protect them, watch them, feed them , we don't want them to ever have pain, physical or emotional.
We also never want to let them go.
Right???
But they must go ...............out into the world were they belong.
Our squirrels are very much the same.
We prepare them , nurturer them and hopefully properly perpare them to be in their world of trees.
What you have done is wonderful , but to be a true squammy, you should do what is right for them, not you.
Let them go to a rehabber who can put them with other releasables and they will all learn together the right way to be out side.
Only those who are broken in way or another and considered NoN--Releasable are kept inside, iinorder to be safe.
Your Babies will wild up, they will start to bite and they will be unhappy if you dont do this.
The choice is yours.

[astra]

Hi Pennyorf,

I completely understand your concerns, and to be honest,

the views on " to release or not to release" diverge even among rehabbers.

1) One view is the hard-core rehabbers who are all for release pretty much no matter what, who believe that all squirrels belong in the trees no matter what.
They assume that all squirrels cannot wait to be in the trees.

2)Another view is not so categorical about release.
People who hold this view do agree that most wild animals belong in the wild, including squirrels, however, it is the squirrel in question who has to decide.
When squirrels are rehabbed in large groups, there are rarely any problems - most squirrels wild up as a group and are happy to be released as a group, and rarely come back.
I am saying "rarely" because I remember reading of situations when it looked like even in a group, sometimes, there is a squirrel who does not seem all too eager about being in the wild.
But again, overall, rehabbed squirrels who are rehabbed with other buddies, do pretty well with wildling up and wanting to be outside.

The right approach would be to raise all squirrels with the release in mind, assuming that they will want to be released, because most of them are happy to be released.
Since there is a very high probability that a squirrel will wild up and want to be outside, it is always strongly suggested to raise them separately from domestic pets, because if a squirrel loses its fear of domestic pets, it will be its death sentence after release.
Sometimes, it is possible to restore that fear, but sometimes, it does not get restored.
That's why it is so important to keep squirrels and domestic pets separately.

Just keep an eye on a possibility that someone may turn out to be different.

3) However, when it is a singleton, the situations are not as clear-cut (that's why, whenever possible, it is strongly suggested to raise them with a buddy).

Due to the bond that is formed between the human and the squirrel, a lot of variables come into play and, sometimes, the squirrel chooses to stay indoors.
In such situations, it's the human's responsibility to listen closely to the squirrel's cues as to what the squirrel wants to do.
If the squirrel grows antsy, anxious, paces, becomes very aggressive, shows too much of a "wild" behavior, it usually means that the squirrel wants to be outside and is unhappy with the indoor life.

Sometimes, people decide to let the squirrel decide by giving it a choice through release process. In other words, they start the release process and observe the squirrel closely. If the squirrel chooses to not be released, then, it stays "home".
Some squirrels were pretty explicit about their choices by literally running home inside.

I, personally, believe that not all squirrels are excited about the wild life style, although, the majority does.
Since they are all unique individuals, there are some with a more mellow disposition who prefer their indoor life and do not want to be outside.

So, ultimately, the human has to watch their squirrel for the cues.



As for the released squirrels who come back with injuries - well, that happens.
It does not mean that the squirrel does not want to be released, or that it was wrong to release it.
You will be surprised how many released squirrels, once their injuries heal, cannot wait to get outside again - because that's what they want, no matter how many scratches they get or how many fights they get involved into.
That's part of their squirrel life.
Yes, it can be very harsh. I do not like to idealize the "wild" and "nature", but if that's what the squirrel wants - that what it should get regardless of what we might want.

But if the squirrel comes back and does not pine to be out in the wild again - that's its choice, too, and should be respected just the same, by allowing it to stay inside, imo. (and people need to realize the full responsibility of that in terms of vet care, and being in an "illegal" state).
There are quite a few squirrels on the board who chose to stay inside.

Also, squirrels with serious injuries and handicap are kept inside as they won't be able to compete and survive in the wild.

So, as you can see, when it comes to singletons and/or "unusual" ;) squirrels, ultimately, people are trying to listen to what the squirrel is trying to tell them, whether it wants to be outside or not, and honor the squirrel's choice whatever that might be.

[Pennyorf]

Collectively, if the squirrel board added up all the injuries and diseased squirrels that came home for help and compared that to successful documented and monitored releases, we would have a better picture of the success of releases.

I'm sincere with my little ones and only want to advocate the best for them and all the other rescued squirrels out there. Many members have healthy squirrels for life and are deeply committed to their health and happiness.

I'm not sure why we would compromise their health by releasing them to their unknown? That is why I asked for this debate.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Astra, I love how you spell it all out so nicely and easy to understand.:thumbsup

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

I'm a rehabber in an 'illegal to own' state. So its very different for us. I have to release - its the law. I always feel bad for folks that have these delightful squirrels as pets and someone horrid calls them in. Its stupid and sad, many squirrels choose to live with there humans. I can see both sides. I also rehab raccoons which are smarter than dogs and become extremely attached to me, but I have to say good bye. If I didn't I couldnt' be there for the next batch of babies. We all have Non-releaseables, the DNR turns a blind eye and will only pull rank if they see issues.
So as a licsensed rehabber in Illinois where all wildlife belongs to the people of Illinois. I must set all free. By law we have 120 days to get all wildlife ready for release. If they are not they must by law be euthanized. Its very different than Florida.
So I try to put what man has put wrong. I don't interfere with nature but if man has orphaned an animal (like my deer, foxes and raccoons) I try to put things right. My releases are all vaccinated, flea treated and wormed and 100% in good health. So they have a better chance than most wild animals. If the critter is not releaseable - I drive 56 miles to my vet and pay out of my own pocket for euthanasia, to end their fear and suffering.
I hope that helps with some of the 'release release release' ideas you have. We in Illinois have no choice.

I have a great article I wrote for a Chicago magazine about wildlife rehab and how our rescues always end up in heartbreaks for us humans, we HAVE to say good-bye. PM me and I can send if you want to see.

PS on a happy note, I also help many folks that rehab the babies - I have many 'volunteer' rehabbers that I guide and help release if they wish. I don't judge and I love the sweeties too ( I have a toothless squirrel here) but I can say all my releases are right here in my 100 Acre Woods and I've never had any injured return or wallow around - there are so many trees here with so much food - I have a shocking amount that just look at me once and go - ungrateful little poppets! But that's my job (ok not job but my path!!)

PSS - also my non releasable boy Bear has 2 pet rats that sleep with him - he is a good boy. Hit by a car and survived such wounds. He's been with me 3 years now or more???
Here he is on his first day - now he's this huge healthy man-squirrel
160585

[astra]

Collectively, if the squirrel board added up all the injuries and diseased squirrels that came home for help and compared that to successful documented and monitored releases, we would have a better picture of the success of releases.

I'm sincere with my little ones and only want to advocate the best for them and all the other rescued squirrels out there. Many members have healthy squirrels for life and are deeply committed to their health and happiness.

I'm not sure why we would compromise their health by releasing them to their unknown? That is why I asked for this debate.
Penny, totally understand.

The problem is that it is impossible to monitor all released squirrels because wildlife centers often release up to 300 squirrels per year or more.
Some rehabbers go through 100 squirrels per year.
Crazy numbers, huh?;)
And since squirrels tend to relocate a lot, it is impossible to track them all, unless someone sponsors generously a huge research project that would monitor ALL released squirrels in ALL states by ALL wildlife centers AND individual rehabbers.
Theoretically, it could be done, but practically, most centers and rehabbers struggle to get enough fund to raise babies, let alone track them after release.

So, because of that kind of situation, we have to go by what's available to us.
And what's available, is that majority of released squirrels do not come back to stay. Some may come back with booboos and injuries, but as soon as they feel well and heal, they want nothing more than to be outside.
Those, who do not want to be outside and had "enough" of the wild, stay.

Assuming that ALL squirrels ALWAYS want to be released no matter what is just as erroneous as assuming that it will be best for them to be kept indoors no matter what. It's two extremes, you see.

That's why in such situations as yours (which, as I said before, are very similar to some other situations on the board) it's important to listen to your squirrels.
If they begin to wild up and give you other messages that they are no longer happy indoors, they need to be given a chance to try it in the wild.
And if after that they change their mind and decide to come back, that's their choice, too.

I agree, that life indoors protects them from harm, fights, predators, illnesses and who knows what else out there, but... that might not be the life they prefer, you know.
Same with people. Children grow up and leave home, begin to drive cars, jaywalk, run red lights, meet "bad" people, make friends and enemies, get ill, make wrong choices.... etc, but that's part of life and one cannot keep their children by their side all the time, making their decisions for them, protecting them from the "outside" world.
That's the same with squirrels.
I want to protect them, personally, that's why I understand your point.
But I also remind myself that if they want the "wild" life, with its dangers, but also with trees, sunlight, breeze, and freedom - that's their choice and right.

So, I guess, what I am trying to say is to keep them indoors when they want to be outside against their will is just as wrong as to push them into the wild if they want to stay indoors.

So, listen to your girls (you have two, right?).
If they remain happy, then, I guess, so it be.
But if they start wilding up and asking to be outside, then, probably, the most loving thing would be to let them go.

I know, it might be a hard decision.
But, maybe, you won't have to make it if they remain happy with their current life style.

Just be prepared if they start wildling up and when they start maturing.
They will go through some spells of really "squirrelly" behavior. You will have to observe whether it is just a temporary "hormonal" kind of thing, or if that's a permanent thing, meaning that they want to be released.

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

PS (again) well said Astra. I had Flash that REFUSED to leave - kept coming to the door and inside the house - was in love with my Brittany Cinnamon. So he stayed. Then Ginger chewed through my screen window to get back inside and then went right past the dogs, up the stairs to the loft / office and her nest box on the book case. The others told me they wanted to go - some took more than the Illinois law days - but when spring was in the air - boy do they go goofy :crazy

[astra]

PS (again) well said Astra. I had Flash that REFUSED to leave - kept coming to the door and inside the house - was in love with my Brittany Cinnamon. So he stayed. Then Ginger chewed through my screen window to get back inside and then went right past the dogs, up the stairs to the loft / office and her nest box on the book case. :crazy
that should have been filmed or something... that's a squirrel:rotfl

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

that should have been filmed or something... that's a squirrel:rotfl

I do have videos of Flash and Cinnamon. They were trully in love. Never apart. She slept by the cage at night. Flash hung out on the sofa with her. I have video somewhere that I must share. Flash ate the poinsetta (so horrid) took 1.5 days to pass away (the vets tried to save) but there was Cinnamon refusing to leave the floor of the cage. True love!:Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

My first squirrel was raised as a pet -- the BF and I back in 2002 didn't have a clue what to do with a squirrel but we loved him like he was our own child. He released himself and stayed outdoors for months....then came back with a broken hind leg. (Most of you know this story.) He went to a rehabber who had his leg set by her vet, and she kept him for weeks. With her, he was a monster. Vicious as hell. When she gave him back to me, he was his old sweet self and I loved him so much and thought he would stay forever. He stayed a month and half....come spring he flew off my terrace again and wouldn't ever let us near anymore. We saw him outside once in awhile...we'd call him and he'd look down at us....smiling. NO WAY would he be captive anymore, even after all he'd been through. :D

[Pennyorf]

Sweet Simons mom,

Explain wilding up to me. My squirrels do bite when we play but so have all of the domesticated puppies and kittens that I've known. I raised two wonderful ferrets in the past and loved them with all my heart and they bit all the time in playful fun or just cause they wanted to. That is just what ferrets do and I understood that to be part of their trait. They are like little puppies or kittens that never grow out of their playful antics. The squirrels remind me a lot of the ferrets. Very similar except for the fact that they leap and climb everything. We have a large 10ft tall real (dead) tree on the lanai for them to climb with nest bed for them to play in when we are all out on the screened in lanai with them.

[island rehabber]

Wilding up behavior includes:

Lunging, snarling, snapping at anyone or anything that comes near their cage;

Biting at the bars of the cage;

Pacing, back-flipping, somersaulting continually. Circling constantly....

When out of the cage, the squirrel WILL bite, fast and repeatedly, without provocation. It will especially go for the hands. It may allow one person and ONLY that person to approach it or feed it or touch it, but will bite anyone else. Some squirrels go completely nasty and will indeed bite the hand that feeds them.

[Pennyorf]

Island rehabber,

At what age is this supposed to happen?

[astra]

Sweet Simons mom,

Explain wilding up to me. My squirrels do bite when we play but so have all of the domesticated puppies and kittens that I've known. I raised two wonderful ferrets in the past and loved them with all my heart and they bit all the time in playful fun or just cause they wanted to. That is just what ferrets do and I understood that to be part of their trait. They are like little puppies or kittens that never grow out of their playful antics. The squirrels remind me a lot of the ferrets. Very similar except for the fact that they leap and climb everything. We have a large 10ft tall real (dead) tree on the lanai for them to climb with nest bed for them to play in when we are all out on the screened in lanai with them.
wildling up is more than just biting..

I agree - animals bite, especially, rodents.

But wilding up is not just occasional biting.
It's a lot of things, including:
1. when they become increasing distrustful - do not let you touch them the same way, if you do - it's almost always taken with hostility, They stop trusting you and start acting very cautious towards you and on the defensive;
2. they don't just bite, but they even start attacking - as prey animals, when there is no way to escape (like in a house or cage or room - nowhere to run away, really), they - being prey animals - have to play offense and attack first to "forewarn" a potential danger or unwelcomed attention. So, they begin to attack to bite
3. they start constantly chewing cage bars, pacing in the cage
4. no longer playful with you or their toys
5. become very moody, or depressed, or very aggressive
6. don't want to have much to do with anyone, including you

If you allow them to be outside - smelling all the wild smells, hear all wild sounds and see all those wild interesting things - their wild instincts might awaken and bring about wildling up.
That's why most people strongly suggest not to bring your "indoor" squirrels outside, but instead create a very interesting life indoors for them.

Just one more thing, Penny,

even if they don't necessarily wild up like most rehab babies, be prepared that if you have other family members, your fuzzers might decide one day that they don't want to be friends with anyone except you.
So, they will either openly attack other family members, or will barely tolerate them and you will be the only person they will trust and bond with.
That's normal - that's because squirrels are one-person-animals.

[island rehabber]

Island rehabber,

At what age is this supposed to happen?
There is a 'toggle switch' effect at 14-20 weeks old, when many many squirrels suddenly wild up. Rehabbers plan for squirrels to be released and minimize physical contact with rehab babies after 11-12 wks old. If a squirrel stays sweet past that milestone, the next danger zone is puberty which hits at about 24 weeks old (6 months). Sexual activity peaks twice a year in northern climates; more frequently in warmer areas and squirrels will often become very aggressive during these times.
To keep a squirrel who wants to be free in a cage is, to me, a heinous crime. To keep a squirrel who does NOT want to be free in a cage is equally heinous. The only solution in my opinion is to change one's entire lifestyle to allow the squirrel to have the run of the house. Some here have made that change, and many sacrifices go with it. I'll let them tell us about that if they see fit. :D

[Pennyorf]

Astra,

Is there a certain age that wilding up happens? They are very trusting towards me. Hubby, not so much. I do believe that they choose "a" person.

[virgo062]

Squirels are wild animals....Wild animals belong in the wild:thumbsup
Just my opinion...I'm not a hater....My experience with juvies or adults is love the babies but when they wild up....I'm happy to let them go. Some people keep them as pets...I dont agree with that but I live by my set of rules not anyone elses...I take care of me and mine:thumbsup

[astra]

Astra,

Is there a certain age that wilding up happens? They are very trusting towards me. Hubby, not so much. I do believe that they choose "a" person.
IR beat me to it again ;) - that's about the age it happens.

Well, sounds like you are the "chosen" one :)

[virgo062]

To me there is nothing sadder than a wild animal pacing.....Its their God given right to be free if thats what they want....My job is to get them to a release point then open the cage...if you take in 1 or 2 its different than rehabbing 15 or 20 a year...you cant keep them all.. :D :D :D

[island rehabber]

Pennyorf, if you haven't already you should visit stosh2010's wonderful thread about Rama Rota, the King of Costa Rica, in TSB Success Stories. Although Rama Rota was a sweet, loving squirrel boy to both stosh2010 and Rama Mama for his first year or so, after hitting puberty he became a one-woman squirrel and poor stosh can no longer be around him without wearing a helmet he designed for that purpose. :(

[Pennyorf]

Island rehabber,

Thanks for the info. I also think keeping an animal caged is a heinous crime. I have completely change my home for their pleasure and safety. I see some pics of the cages on this website and they seem sooooo small to me. We built a 8ft tall cage for them with large tree limbs and hammocks and nest box inside. I work part time about 3-4 hrs a day 4 days a week. When I am home, they are out of their cage unless it is nap time or bed time. I have modified the lanai also for them and am always scouting for more trees to bring in.

I can't walk by either of them without them jumping on me and playing on me. They LOVE their cheek rubs and will lay in my hands for their "loving" for minutes until it is time to get busy again.:crazy

[Pennyorf]

I am very familiar with stosh and his story and respect him completely. He is a very committed and compassionate man.

[island rehabber]

Island rehabber,

Thanks for the info. I also think keeping an animal caged is a heinous crime. I have completely change my home for their pleasure and safety. I see some pics of the cages on this website and they seem sooooo small to me. We built a 8ft tall cage for them with large tree limbs and hammocks and nest box inside. I work part time about 3-4 hrs a day 4 days a week. When I am home, they are out of their cage unless it is nap time or bed time. I have modified the lanai also for them and am always scouting for more trees to bring in.

I can't walk by either of them without them jumping on me and playing on me. They LOVE their cheek rubs and will lay in my hands for their "loving" for minutes until it is time to get busy again.:crazy

They sound like happy babies! :thumbsup May it always be so. :)

[Pennyorf]

Virgo,

I have never seen this "pacing" behavior that you mentioned. My squirrels run around chasing each other, play like puppies or kittens do, then groom each other. Then will go to their hammock or next box and snuggle while sleeping.:flash3

[virgo062]

Virgo,

I have never seen this "pacing" behavior that you mentioned. My squirrels run around chasing each other, play like puppies or kittens do, then groom each other. Then will go to their hammock or next box and snuggle while sleeping.:flash3

Hopefully you wont see it...12 weeks is still a little young....They are still playful and adorable...I did have three that wilded up at 12 weeks...Each squirrel is different...I really enjoy watching my released squirrels in the trees....I dont judge anyone I just do whats best for me:thumbsup

[Pennyorf]

Virgo,

I have had them for 12 wks. They are 17 wks old.

[Milo's Mom]

Virgo,

I have had them for 12 wks. They are 17 wks old.

This past Spring and Summer I had the pleasure of raising The Fuzzy Five (true siblings) up until I put them in the release cage, they were in my dining room and I could hold and love on any and all of them. They were approx 18 weeks old (I think) when they went out to the release cage. They were in the release cage for 5-6 weeks I think...sometimes still greeting me with kisses when I delivered food. However, when that portal door opened I suddenly became nothing but the Nut Fairy. No more lovins for Mom...they had the trees and my 5 beautiful loving fun little fuzzy babies were now big wild squirrels.

Not all squirrels wild up at the same time and some never do; however, what we need to remember is that the choice is not ours to make.

[Pennyorf]

Milo's mom,

Do you still see them? Do they interact well with other squirrels besides their siblings? I am so curious about that. Will they get along with wild squirrels? Thanks for your insight.

[Scooterzmom]

Hi Pennyorf,

I completely understand your concerns, and to be honest,

the views on " to release or not to release" diverge even among rehabbers.

1) One view is the hard-core rehabbers who are all for release pretty much no matter what, who believe that all squirrels belong in the trees no matter what.
They assume that all squirrels cannot wait to be in the trees.

2)Another view is not so categorical about release.
People who hold this view do agree that most wild animals belong in the wild, including squirrels, however, it is the squirrel in question who has to decide.
When squirrels are rehabbed in large groups, there are rarely any problems - most squirrels wild up as a group and are happy to be released as a group, and rarely come back.
I am saying "rarely" because I remember reading of situations when it looked like even in a group, sometimes, there is a squirrel who does not seem all too eager about being in the wild.
But again, overall, rehabbed squirrels who are rehabbed with other buddies, do pretty well with wildling up and wanting to be outside.

The right approach would be to raise all squirrels with the release in mind, assuming that they will want to be released, because most of them are happy to be released.
Since there is a very high probability that a squirrel will wild up and want to be outside, it is always strongly suggested to raise them separately from domestic pets, because if a squirrel loses its fear of domestic pets, it will be its death sentence after release.
Sometimes, it is possible to restore that fear, but sometimes, it does not get restored.
That's why it is so important to keep squirrels and domestic pets separately.

Just keep an eye on a possibility that someone may turn out to be different.

3) However, when it is a singleton, the situations are not as clear-cut (that's why, whenever possible, it is strongly suggested to raise them with a buddy).

Due to the bond that is formed between the human and the squirrel, a lot of variables come into play and, sometimes, the squirrel chooses to stay indoors.
In such situations, it's the human's responsibility to listen closely to the squirrel's cues as to what the squirrel wants to do.
If the squirrel grows antsy, anxious, paces, becomes very aggressive, shows too much of a "wild" behavior, it usually means that the squirrel wants to be outside and is unhappy with the indoor life.

Sometimes, people decide to let the squirrel decide by giving it a choice through release process. In other words, they start the release process and observe the squirrel closely. If the squirrel chooses to not be released, then, it stays "home".
Some squirrels were pretty explicit about their choices by literally running home inside.

I, personally, believe that not all squirrels are excited about the wild life style, although, the majority does.
Since they are all unique individuals, there are some with a more mellow disposition who prefer their indoor life and do not want to be outside.

So, ultimately, the human has to watch their squirrel for the cues.



As for the released squirrels who come back with injuries - well, that happens.
It does not mean that the squirrel does not want to be released, or that it was wrong to release it.
You will be surprised how many released squirrels, once their injuries heal, cannot wait to get outside again - because that's what they want, no matter how many scratches they get or how many fights they get involved into.
That's part of their squirrel life.
Yes, it can be very harsh. I do not like to idealize the "wild" and "nature", but if that's what the squirrel wants - that what it should get regardless of what we might want.

But if the squirrel comes back and does not pine to be out in the wild again - that's its choice, too, and should be respected just the same, by allowing it to stay inside, imo. (and people need to realize the full responsibility of that in terms of vet care, and being in an "illegal" state).
There are quite a few squirrels on the board who chose to stay inside.

Also, squirrels with serious injuries and handicap are kept inside as they won't be able to compete and survive in the wild.

So, as you can see, when it comes to singletons and/or "unusual" ;) squirrels, ultimately, people are trying to listen to what the squirrel is trying to tell them, whether it wants to be outside or not, and honor the squirrel's choice whatever that might be.

:thumbsup :goodpost :thumbsup
As one who has released some squirrels and has kept one - who sadly passed away at the age of 2.3 - and now has another (as well as 2 who will hopefully be released this spring), I totally agree. The ones that I have released did want to go, did show signs of wilding up and would have been really miserable in captivity. They couldn't WAIT to be free.

However, Scooter, and now Hami, never displayed any sign at all of wanting to be outside. In fact Hami even ignores the ones he sees right outside the patio door in front of his nose while he's in the dinette - and Scooter reacted the same way in our old home. He'll walk the window ledge and not even glance outside, he'd rather sniff around for tiny flies or bugs he may find there. I truly believe that squirrels are much more like us than many would think. Some - yes, most in the case of squirrels - crave the freedom, the adventure, taking risks... while others are much more timid and would rather play it safe, or simply live it cushy and those are probably the easiest preys for predators. The ones who contribute to the statistics of high casualties in the 1st year of life among squirrels. Some, if given the chance, would rather have both of course - i.e. if given the opportunity they'd come and go at will between the trees and their human's home. And many here have been lucky enough to see that some of their released babies do this.

I was watching the ones outside today, in the freezing rain, trying in vain to dig up the food they had buried and running frantic in search of any food. I saw one so desperate that when he saw me through the patio doors came right up to me and took a nut from my hand, even tried to get inside even though my cat was there. I had never fed him before, and no, I didn't let him inside because of my dog and cat and having no cage for him. I'm thinking that some of them may feel that this hard life is all worth it because they're free but I can't help but wonder about that poor guy who came right up to my door. I wonder if given a choice, provided he had been raised in captivity that is, if he might not have been one of those who would choose NOT to be free.

All in all, I agree with astra: each squirrel is different and it's up to us to be very much in tune with what each one is trying to tell us. We have to put our own feelings aside and really watch in order to do that... and I believe it's what any good parent would do.

[Pennyorf]

Scooters mom,

My two won't waste their time by windows and when on the screened lanai could care less with what is going on outside unless they hear a noise they don't like, then they will run to their safe tree which is also inside our lanai and "alert" bark and whistle. Sooo cute with their tails a waggin. If I talk to them, they will calm down. They also try to hide or bury their nuts on me, in my hair or clothing. They are soooo freaking cute. I and they love it when I rub their bellies or their cheeks. I tell Bella, the girl squirrel (I have brother and sister) that she has the prettiest belly in all the squirrel world. She seems to really appreciate the compliment and will lay on her back in my hands for her belly rubs until her brother (Brodi) will come up and fight for attention. He gets jealous but is always busier than her so his loving is based on his timeframe. She is always ready for the loving.:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Pennyorf]

I just wanted to clarify that my squirrels are Florida grey squirrels. I know that different species may act differently.

[Pennyorf]

Bella's "alerts" will sound exactly like a firework being released.

[Milo's Mom]

Milo's mom,

Do you still see them? Do they interact well with other squirrels besides their siblings? I am so curious about that. Will they get along with wild squirrels? Thanks for your insight.

The Fuzzy Five were Snickers, Cody, Bandit, Gabby, & Zoey.

I saw Snickers for maybe 2 or 3 days after I opened the portal...at one point he was living in my neighbors apple tree.

Cody was my little Romeo...he was such a little love bug. I saw him for several weeks after release, but then not for a little more than a week, then he came home for breakfast one morning hopping on three legs...he had a dislocated knee. I scooped him up, put him in the release cage to evaluate him and feed him. Determined he needed meds and rest so I brought him into the house after I set up the cage with all of the stuff Cody and his siblings grew up with. (took me about 45 minutes) Gave him meds, love, quiet, endless amounts of food and water...he recovered and by the end of week 2, he went back out to the release cage for a week, then he was free again. I saw Cody for 2 or 3 days after re-releasing him, but have not since; however, I am fairly confident that he is living in my opposite neighbors HUGE pine tree, directly behind the row of English Walnut Trees...he always was a smart cookie!

Bandit...took nuts from my hand this morning and lives in the box we hung for him. I see him twice a day nearly everyday.

Gabby lived with Bandit up until 3 weeks ago...a wild squirrel chased them out of their home for about a week when we had a really cold snap. We made and hung another nest box as soon as we realized what happened. As I said above, Bandit is home, but Gabby has not come back yet. HOWEVER, it is mating season here right now...you should see all of the "stuff" going on in the trees in my yard :shakehead and it is also the middle of the winter...most of the time our squirrels move from their homes in the leafless trees to an evergreen of some sort. Out of all the trees I have on my property only 6 of them are evergreen. A few yards over is a small evergreen forest and also across the street from me...I fully expect to see Gabby in the Spring.

Zoey...Little Zoey and Cody were buddies and she was visibly upset when Cody was hurt and in the house (I offered to bring her in but she did not want any parts of that). I saw Cody and Zoey together after he was re-released and I am sure they are together.

Long answer to your question...sorry. But I wanted you to understand how much I see them and what the interaction is like. Actually if you do a search for "The Fuzzy Five" you can read all about them in their thread, pictures and videos included.

When they were first released and still following Mommy through the yard when she was outside I did see them playing with some of the young wilds. There were a couple scuffles, but that is to be expected, and no one was bloodied or injured.

It was sad for me to see them go, BUT seeing them out in the trees being happier than I ever saw them made it all worth it. Knowing that I raised 5 healthy beautiful happy squirrels that had a bit of a rough start in life and successfully released them (took over 700 pictures of them too) and now I get to watch them out living the life they were meant to live is enough for me.


Yes, I worry about them...I'm sure my Mom worries about me too...if and when they get a bit snarky with me while taking a nut...I simply remind them of their manners and that I pottied them and if I need to take them over my knee, I will without hesitation...:rotfl Suddenly the politeness returns.