Two babies in Oregon needing rehab.

[OregonDweller]

Hello everyone. I am new here and I was just searching for a rehabilitator for two babies that were found by my aunt. However I read about how if the squirrel is not native to the area it was found in, it will be killed. Now I do NOT want that to happen and I am pretty sure these babies ARE native to my area, but I wanted to make double sure before I contact wildlife rehabs. I believe they are just common ground squirrels. Anyone know if these guys are native here in Oregon? https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/267351_3221995848416_1637041787_n.jpg

[island rehabber]

That looks like a fox squirrel baby to me (Sciurus niger)....but if he's got spots on his back he may indeed be a ground squirrel. I'm not sure whether foxers are OK with Oregon's ridiculous...(oops, did I say that? :D) native species laws...they probably are, because I think it's the Eastern greys everyone wants out of there.

[pappy1264]

Can you get a full body pic? That looks like a fox squirrel. Ground squirrels ears are usually much smaller. Ok, ground squirrels are VERY HARD to release safely. The problem is, unlike tree squirrels, they form communals, and they DO NOT let outsiders in. They will kill an outsider. Were they found in your area or were they found somewhere else?

[CritterMom]

Looks like a foxer to me and I think they are persona non grata in OR - I believe the only acceptable are the Douglas and Western Grays... I could be wrong but make certain before you take them to a center of any kind - you don't want that sweet baby killed because he is the wrong breed...

[Jackie in Tampa]

I have Pmed two members from oregon , maybe they can help with species advise and safe center locations.

[wheezer]

I am afraid that whether a fox or eastern grey, Oregon does not like them:soapbox :soapbox Where I live (southern Oregon) I have never seen an eastern grey, they are mostly up north but I have seen one foxer. I see her every once in a while downtown of all places!! I keep thinking I am seeing things, they are very rare here!

[wheezer]

P.S. There are some very good "underground" rehabbers up north for them...DON'T take to Audubon!

[island rehabber]

:bowdown:thankyouwheezer!

[winky2]

Yep, Audubon will euthanize your baby Eastern Fox Squirrel. I'm an underground rehabber in Oregon. If you can bring him to me I will raise him with another orphaned baby his age and release him back into the wild. Just send me an email with your phone number. syzygyonh2o@yahoo.com

[winky2]

Just noticed you already have two. You can raise them yourself if you have the time. You'll have all the information you need right here. I can help you along the way with supplies. Do you have a place near your home where you can release them?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wott :thankyou :thankyou

[OregonDweller]

Thank you all SO much for the help. The babies have made it through their first night in my care! I was a bit worried they wouldn't stay warm enough. Even though its almost too warm inside for me, they still felt a bit cool to the touch. And of course I didn't have a heating pad handy (thats just my luck!) and all the stores close early in this small town. I put a bottle of hot water in there for them to snuggle up to though. And changed the water often to keep it warm. I had been watching to see if they were able to potty on their own and after two feedings and no sign of urine or poo, I just decided they must need to be stimulated. Which worked out just fine. Now I just need to decide if I can give them the best home or not. I emailed the local Oregon rehabber off of the list I found but they have yet to reply, and from what you all have said I doubt he would rehab them considering they probably arent native. So trash that idea! I will gladly either keep them or find an underground rehabber here to ensure they are WELL cared for. I will try to get a quick picture of their whole bodies to show you all. They came from my aunts yard in Gresham OR for those of you who had asked.

[OregonDweller]

Winky2 I will be sending you an email here shortly. And here are some more photo's. I hope someone is able to help me identify them. Id like to know if they are able to be released eventually or if they would be better off in a human home.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/300_3223958257475_1623219179_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/298486_3223953777363_1219445837_n.jpg

[winky2]

Yep, those are Eastern Fox Squirrels (non-native to Oregon). They're pretty easy to raise at this age (as long as you can follow the dietary guidelines) and release. I strongly believe that squirrels are MUCH happier in the wild where they can do fun squirrel things all day long. You would have to keep them through the winter in a large outdoor enclosure with a nest box and lots branches to climb on (once they're older), feed them native foods, and release them in the spring. They don't look as chubby as they should be at this age. Did they go some time without their mom? How yellow was the urine? What are you feeding them?

[OregonDweller]

Thank you for helping me identify them winky2. I was told they went a day or two without mom. I am feeding them puppy formula and their urine looks fine, not too yellow :) They are eating really well so I have faith that they will fatten up nicely and be healthy. I live in an apartment so an outside enclosure isnt something I can do. So I am going to have to find them someone who can rehabilitate them so that they can live in the wild.

[OregonDweller]

I am really trying to find these two a suitable home that will rehabilitate them, so if anyone is in the Gresham/Portland area and can help me out, please send me an email at doxiemomma87@yahoo.com