Squirrel escaped out of the window!

[Olant]

Hello everyone, we were taking care of a Eurasian female red squirrel (Deserter) who is about 4 months old. We locked her in a room while we were cooking and when we entered she was gone out of the window. She managed to push it open. It is on the 4th floor (15 meters) of a glass building. On the bottom though, there is a heavy bush cover which might have cushioned her fall. However beyond this, it is not safe since nearby, separated by a grass lawn of 6 meters, there is a very busy road and sadly, a tram line too with some trees very close to the road and tramline. The trees while green are for decorations only. The weather has been horrible with rains continuously here in Strasbourg, France with some respite today. We lost her yesterday and we have not found anything dead so far (luckily). We have left nuts near the bush. There are loads of snails too. None of the nuts are touched. We have been searching continuously even at night with thermal imaging cameras. It is very difficult as the bush is wet and covers up tracks fast. Also it is not possible to look through in the bush. There are many people who take their dogs out for walks.

What should we do to ensure her safety and get her back?

[Skul]

There is a strong probability that she has left the area.
It would be nice if she returned, but, I doubt she will.

One question did cross my mind.
Do squirrels in France eat escargot?
Yes, I know it's a silly question. Just wondering.

[Olant]

Thanks for the quick reply!

But there is no water source for at least 50 meters. And there are loads of cars and bicycles. That's the thing we are most worried of. She can jump up to 2 meters easily now but she is still not afraid of people. Only two of us handle her and she was not exposed to any animals or vehicles. We do not her reactions to new objects/people. Every morning she wakes up at around 7 am and plays with us till about 1 pm before sleeping. Her play has become more courageous and aggressive. Her coat has just begun to change color to red.

Probably squirrels do eat snails but we aren't sure since her diet here was lacto-vegetarian.

We do not want her run over or hit by a vehicle nor do we want her to jump on a dog or tram in her play time. Do you know how she might have changed area? The nearest safe haven is about 500 m with trams, trucks and construction zones on the way... :(

[Jackie in Tampa]

:(

[Skul]

It does sound like you live an a hazardess area for squirrels.
We can only hope there is a population of others nearby that she can be with.
It would be nice if she returned. I doubt she will.

Thanks for the insight about the snails. Ours here often eat insects, bird eggs and baby birds.
This is especially true of flying squirrels.

[Olant]

Is there any way we can prepare for her return in case she does? And how long should we wait? Is it enough to leave a bag in the bush with her old stuff that contain her odors in?

[Skul]

In my opinion, a return is highly unlikely.
By this time, she has found others of her kind.
You can continue to put food out if you wish. It is possible she may return for a visit.

[farrelli]

If she sought out your company before, perhaps you could hang out in that general area with some of her stuff, especially around dawn and dusk? It is unlikely that she would return, but I would think that this is your best option.

Anywhere in the area where you could put up a nest box with her smell in it?

[kastillo]

I'm so sorry she escaped, I know it's heartbreaking. Is there any way you can leave her cage outside for her to go back into at night?

[Olant]

Thank you for your replies! We had noted her activity time periods (dawn, dusks and late afternoons) and we extended our search to this period plus one hour. We have left her bedding and smells out and given protection from rains and a hiding spot. We are also monitoring unusual activity by other animals in case they begin to track her.

All we can do is wait and we hope that she is alive and well. :(

[Olant]

Anywhere in the area where you could put up a nest box with her smell in it?

Building a nest box is not possible due to lack of big trees. There are some trees at the back, but when we searched there, we found crows, sparrows, pigeons and some other small birds. Trees are birch, acacia, a fruit bearing tree and some flowering trees. We don't think she went there since the window faces the road and not the back.

Maybe these pictures would give an idea of what she is facing. She probably fell from the third glass belt on the bush near the lawn. The way to those trees is to go around to the back of the building, about 20 meters or through the road and parking. The tree which you see in Fall.jpg is no longer there. :(

[Jackie in Tampa]

after viewing the pic and knowing sqs like I do...
she is either mortally wounded,
injured and hiding or found someone already...

I bet she ran up someones leg...this is a normal reaction with young babies...and your little one is people friendly...
time to post flyers with her picture..
post them on that building and any poles in the area... I am thinking she has been found.
I would sit outside today and watch for her... ask the regulars if they have heard of anyone finding her...
a butterfly net would be my tool of choice while I was outside...
if she is still out there , she is frightened and will not be in control of her thoughts... she'll be scared to wishy washy
she will be so tense she may make bad judgements...go get her..
good luck

[Olant]

Thanks, we have begun asking people and checked with all animal vets nearby. So far nothing. :(

One question: Are red squirrels active at midnight in nature?

[TubeDriver]

:(

[farrelli]

I don't know about reds, but I have seen squirrel nest cams in nature and every other squirrel I've seen wakes up several times during the night, cleans themselves, tends to the babies, whatever. Especially in the winter when there are LONG nights, they'd be hard pressed to sleep all the way though. Also, there are some squirrels on here which seem to prefer nocturnal living, but they're odd.

[Olant]

Thanks again, we will keep this in mind.

In case anyone has any more ideas, tips or experiences that might help, please let us know. It has been raining almost non-stop with very few respites and not a lot of hope for weather improvement in the near future.

We would be most grateful for all suggestions.

[Olant]

Someone had seen her about 2 days ago on the protective grill of the staircase! It means that 1) she survived the fall or 2) she knows climbing this building!
The staircase is on the safer side of the building, but near by the nests of the crows...

[farrelli]

Any chance you could mount a nest box under or by the stairs with some of her stuff in it?

[Olant]

Yet another family has seen Deserter yesterday night at 2300. :) She was about 100-200 meters away. We are going to work this weekend to track her and see to her safety. tinfoil

People have been very kind, very generous and have refused to take money or gifts. :thankyou

One more question: If we correct, she went into residential areas instead of the main road. There are many gardens with a few pines. She is about 4 months old. Do you guys she can live there on her own rationally? Does this also mean that she is afraid of vehicles & noise? People haven't seen any other squirrels there.

[stepnstone]

Although all squirrels possess natural instincts they learn from watching the behavior of other's of their species.
This is one of the main reasons the process of a soft release is so important for a "captive" squirrel.
If found, she needs to be relocated into an area where there are other's of her species.

Of course she would naturally be afraid of vehicles and strange noise,
unfortunately being afraid does not elevate the dangers.

I really pray you are able to find and get this baby into a safer environment.

[skippy]

Stay safe Deserter.
Don't give up on finding her.
I'm not.
Good Luck and please let us know when she's back with you.

[Olant]

No luck or update today. :( We were up almost all night looking in gardens and handing pamphlets. One update we got for Friday is that one squirrel was chased by a crow and the squirrel ran up a tree in the backside. But since we know she was seen Friday late night, we hope she wasn't injured. Is there any specific manner we can track her? So far it is only following reports by others.

[Unikorngrrl]

Did you try putting out favorite foods in the areas you were told he was spotted? Sometimes foods can attract them. Good Luck!

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Could she have landed on a balcony below you and someone has her???
I would start knocking on doors...

[Olant]

We have put out her favorite nuts around the neighborhood and we are tracking them. Only one is missing and it is around the same place she was last seen. We have put some more out but nothing else has happened. No other information has been obtained. We are still going out every few hours and increasing our search area.

If only our Deserter was like this, we wouldn't even have closed our windows:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=5DZTY10FRVE
http://9gag.com/gag/5399855?ref=fb.s

Maybe we should have given Nutella. :(

[Olant]

Latest update: she was seen late afternoon a day before yesterday inside a current construction of a new house. We are always a day late. :/

Also the nuts seem to mysteriously disappear between 08 and 09 in the morning. Maybe it is her or a prankster or some other animal.

[TubeDriver]

Good luck! At least she is still around and healthy.

[Olant]

Thanks for your kind support and quick advice! :thankyou

One thing, we had left uncracked hazelnuts. The nuts have gone and in the midst of about 10 trees on grass, we haven't found any broken shells. At home, she left broken shells all around with a characteristic hole, generally in a heart shape. However, there used to be only one or two that we gave, while now, we left up to 8 nuts. Can anyone give some information on how squirrels behave in nature regarding these nuts?

[Unikorngrrl]

Thanks for your kind support and quick advice! :thankyou

One thing, we had left uncracked hazelnuts. The nuts have gone and in the midst of about 10 trees on grass, we haven't found any broken shells. At home, she left broken shells all around with a characteristic hole, generally in a heart shape. However, there used to be only one or two that we gave, while now, we left up to 8 nuts. Can anyone give some information on how squirrels behave in nature regarding these nuts?
They hide them for later!! They'll stash nuts in all sorts of little places!

[Olant]

We should have explained our question more clearly. :) Do squirrels eat nuts in the same place or all around (like in the room) in the wild? This is because we have found NO broken shells. We stayed up from 7-9 and no animal was seen. When we checked again at around 11, the nuts were gone! :/

We observed from a distance of 10-15 meters with binoculars. It seems that whatever took those nuts waits for us to leave before stealing those nuts.

[Jackie in Tampa]

We should have explained our question more clearly. :) Do squirrels eat nuts in the same place or all around (like in the room) in the wild? This is because we have found NO broken shells. We stayed up from 7-9 and no animal was seen. When we checked again at around 11, the nuts were gone! :/

We observed from a distance of 10-15 meters with binoculars. It seems that whatever took those nuts waits for us to leave before stealing those nuts.sneaky squirrel!:nono
sending good vibes... so glad you are still looking!:grouphug

[MollyBear361]

Although it's frustrating, at least you know she is still around. I hope you find her.... :grouphug

[Skul]

We should have explained our question more clearly. :) Do squirrels eat nuts in the same place or all around (like in the room) in the wild? This is because we have found NO broken shells. We stayed up from 7-9 and no animal was seen. When we checked again at around 11, the nuts were gone! :/

We observed from a distance of 10-15 meters with binoculars. It seems that whatever took those nuts waits for us to leave before stealing those nuts.
Most of the time, they will take them someplace else, or hide them for later.
They usually will seek out a safe place to eat.

[Monipenny]

If the squirrel is really used to you and you have handled him/her enough, try sitting outside where the trees are in late afternoon-early evening when squirrels usually come out to eat, maybe (s)he will come right up to you, have some food on hand and a pet carrier to put him/her in if you get him/her.

[BigNibbler]

Hi, I just stumbled on your post. I apologize if in my haste, someone said this already. BUT YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY PUT UP SOME REWARD POSTERS!
If you have pictures of her, print some snapshots... like 5x7 prints and tape them to your sign. You need about 20 signs! Seriously.
I would offer a $200 dollar reward.

I am not saying this from my own experience, BUT I know someone who has been very successful in getting his squirrel back this way. ... several times :)).

I do not think that sitting outside, so to be seen, will work.
Your squirrel's perspective is different from yours.
She knows you from indoors in a certain place.
Outside, you may seem massive, and wild to her! It will scare her off.

Another suggestion, would be to place one or more video cameras in position, to record who is taking the nuts in that hour. If you can run a wire or transmit the video to an indoor monitor, great. Then you can immediately try to spot her as she goes on her way. If not, you can at least see, who it is, and what direction she came /went from.

If it is the same time, chances are those directions will be the same the next day.
You could also create a trail. Do not leave nuts in shells.
Leave small pieces of nuts.
Like a quarter or an eighth of a nut. It is best that this be on concrete. If it is in grass she will never see it.
You may want to put out some runner, or plastic.
To put the foods on.
But that will add another day as it will take a day or two for her to get comfortable with that new thing on the lawn.


Finally you could place a trap or two, in the path indicated by those directions hinted at in the video. It is VITAL, that the trap work the first time!
They are not the most high tech. Lot of linkage and friction parts, mean that often they fail in one of three ways. They can close on their own, or when the SQ explores it externally by climbing on the top. It can fail to close, because the SQ did not press with gusto on the trip plate and the hook was set too far back, so that it never released. Finally , it could fail, in that the door closing is a wee bit slow, due to friction from poor frame alignment.

I recommend you use a tiny bit of canola oil, NOT MACHINE OIL ! which may scare her off, but some oil that smells like food.
Lube all the moving parts. Experiment with tripping it. Study the mechanism and understand how it works.
I am just saying, cause I have seen many posts over the years, about them not getting trapped.
I never had a trap.

In the last two years, I won three in raffles and found one in the trash. All work. But each has its quirks.
In the last year I have used them a bit and now I understand why the casual user has problems.
ALSO, whenever I place a trap, I always position a camera so that I can see inside on a monitor immediately if some gets caught!
You can be the hero immediately rescuing any wrong party that gets trapped.
You never know when you may need to trap that one, for its own good.. for treatment, so its best that the experience, not be too negative.

Wishing you luck. Please tell us what happens. Hope you are reunited soon.

BigNibbler.

[SammysMom]

:goodpost :goodpost :goodpost
Hi, I just stumbled on your post. I apologize if in my haste, someone said this already. BUT YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY PUT UP SOME REWARD POSTERS!
If you have pictures of her, print some snapshots... like 5x7 prints and tape them to your sign. You need about 20 signs! Seriously.
I would offer a $200 dollar reward.

I am not saying this from my own experience, BUT I know someone who has been very successful in getting his squirrel back this way. ... several times :)).

I do not think that sitting outside, so to be seen, will work.
Your squirrel's perspective is different from yours.
She knows you from indoors in a certain place.
Outside, you may seem massive, and wild to her! It will scare her off.

Another suggestion, would be to place one or more video cameras in position, to record who is taking the nuts in that hour. If you can run a wire or transmit the video to an indoor monitor, great. Then you can immediately try to spot her as she goes on her way. If not, you can at least see, who it is, and what direction she came /went from.

If it is the same time, chances are those directions will be the same the next day.
You could also create a trail. Do not leave nuts in shells.
Leave small pieces of nuts.
Like a quarter or an eighth of a nut. It is best that this be on concrete. If it is in grass she will never see it.
You may want to put out some runner, or plastic.
To put the foods on.
But that will add another day as it will take a day or two for her to get comfortable with that new thing on the lawn.


Finally you could place a trap or two, in the path indicated by those directions hinted at in the video. It is VITAL, that the trap work the first time!
They are not the most high tech. Lot of linkage and friction parts, mean that often they fail in one of three ways. They can close on their own, or when the SQ explores it externally by climbing on the top. It can fail to close, because the SQ did not press with gusto on the trip plate and the hook was set too far back, so that it never released. Finally , it could fail, in that the door closing is a wee bit slow, due to friction from poor frame alignment.

I recommend you use a tiny bit of canola oil, NOT MACHINE OIL ! which may scare her off, but some oil that smells like food.
Lube all the moving parts. Experiment with tripping it. Study the mechanism and understand how it works.
I am just saying, cause I have seen many posts over the years, about them not getting trapped.
I never had a trap.

In the last two years, I won three in raffles and found one in the trash. All work. But each has its quirks.
In the last year I have used them a bit and now I understand why the casual user has problems.
ALSO, whenever I place a trap, I always position a camera so that I can see inside on a monitor immediately if some gets caught!
You can be the hero immediately rescuing any wrong party that gets trapped.
You never know when you may need to trap that one, for its own good.. for treatment, so its best that the experience, not be too negative.

Wishing you luck. Please tell us what happens. Hope you are reunited soon.

BigNibbler.

[TubeDriver]

Very interesting advice nibbler! Posters are so obvious that I completely overlooked it.

[stosh2010]

Hoping for a Good News report --soon.
Ques: Is it legal in your area to own a squirrel? If not posters might draw unwanted attention of Animal Control people... who might confiscate Deserter and euthanise--after you re-capture..because the poster has your contact info---

[BigNibbler]

Stosh, I am aware of that, but most likely it won't be noticed by concerned authorities - i mean a cop is not going to worry about someone having a squirrel. I mean, this has been done in NYC, where it is illegal.

No doubt you are caring for the squirrel, to help out someone who might be licensed. Just guessing. Maybe that rehabber was in the throes of babies week, and could not have a large NR around. Sometimes mistakes happen. Maybe the rehabber wants it back, after it got out from his cage while visiting you.

Maybe you can use a temporary or throw away cell phone for the ad.
Or maybe the rehabber's phone number.
You may not want prank calls, which you probably will get?
So its a good idea to use a secondary number, if it is the rehabber placing the ad.
Just some ideas.

[Olant]

Thanks BigNibbler and others for wonderful tips and posts. Today morning we saw crows stealing the unbroken shells. Not Deserter. This, we saw from INSIDE the building. It's been over one week since she was seen last at a construction site. We have set an reward of 100€ for just proper information.

Tomorrow we will print about 250 wallet sized pics with "Lost" in French on the bottom of the pic and contact and reward information on the back so people can save them in their wallets. And we will leave them in post boxes too.

We aren't using traps because we still can't determine her location. Hopefully we will get information soon.

Thanks everyone for your support, advice and hopes! We haven't given up hope yet!

[skippy]

Sending you good thoughts and best of luck in finding your little one.

[TubeDriver]

Sending you good thoughts and best of luck in finding your little one.


^^^^This

[Unikorngrrl]

Stosh, I am aware of that, but most likely it won't be noticed by concerned authorities - i mean a cop is not going to worry about someone having a squirrel. I mean, this has been done in NYC, where it is illegal.

No doubt you are caring for the squirrel, to help out someone who might be licensed. Just guessing. Maybe that rehabber was in the throes of babies week, and could not have a large NR around. Sometimes mistakes happen. Maybe the rehabber wants it back, after it got out from his cage while visiting you.

Maybe you can use a temporary or throw away cell phone for the ad.
Or maybe the rehabber's phone number.
You may not want prank calls, which you probably will get?
So its a good idea to use a secondary number, if it is the rehabber placing the ad.
Just some ideas.

I agree with BigNibbler. Most lay people don't even realize that it's illegal to keep a squirrel. They are highly unlikely to report it, especially if they want the $$$! Even if they do, you were "babysitting" for your rehabber ;) Good luck, still checking in on you!!! :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[stosh2010]

HOPING for GOOD NEWS......

[Olant]

We had put wallet sized pics with information on the back as shown. We got one voicemail message where a person asked us to call back but sadly he did not leave his number. :( Does anyone know a way, we can find his contact number? The phone operator is Ortel Mobile France and they haven't helped us at all. :/

We are still looking for her though.

[BigNibbler]

You are a very wonderful person. My heart goes out to you. And the Beautiful squirrel.

I am afraid it is not possible to trace a number that came in with Caller ID block. Unless you go to the police. They might be able to.

There is a good chance it was a prank. If it was serious, the person would want the money and would call back.
You should change your outgoing message to clearly remind the person to speak slowly and clear and loud and to repeat the area code and phone number twice.
Also you should reject calls with caller ID block, if your phone provider allows this.

I been meaning to say one thing, that I do not think was mentioned, Squirrels tend to go UP. Their natural tendency is to go up. That is a tree squirrel is it?
I mean I only know Eastern Grays. So forgive me. But whenever the Squirrel is in unfamiliar territory, it will tend to go up if possible and it could climb the building you showed.. not the glass but the concrete is no problem. So it might have gone up to the roof! Just a thought.

You have done all you can do. This has been a true test of your character. Any future squirrel you have will be extremely blessed to be in your care, and I am sure you will bolt those windows tight, use tape, crazy glue, magnets, and metal screws, to make sure.
I do not think birds got her.
I do not think she was hit by a vehicle. I think she went up, and maybe jumped from there, or saw where the green stuff was and found her way there.
Or maybe as others said, she adopted someone else... only cause she could not find you.

I love being wrong so, hang in there and maybe you will get a real call. I think it will take a while, a week.
I did not suggest you specify that you wanted her alive.
Figure you would like to know one way or the other, any info someone has.
If you get bad news, the question will be how you want to rewards the person....

Meanwhile, picture her happy with a loving new human. It won't lessen the likelihood of her being located, and it will help you think and function better.
BN

[farrelli]

Did your phone company say that the ID was blocked? If it wasn't and the person just didn't leave their number, the phone company should be able to tell you. I'd just really press them. Or maybe your account can even let you look at all incoming calls online. Mine does. I go to a webpage and can see all activity, ingoing and outgoing.

[BigNibbler]

Good thinking. I assumed it was blocked.

[Olant]

We called the operator and they couldn't help us, because of a technical problem. :/

Now the GOOD news!
:D :wahoo :jump :crazy :multi :wott mjs
We saw it an hour ago. We tried to call her but she was happily jumping in the trees (pine, birch and a few others which are as tall as 20 meters). We also met the guy who called, he was feeding her in his balcony. Really nice man!

Each call we got was authentic and genuine. Not a single prank call and none for money. People are really nice, gentle and concerned about animals here.

We now have 3 options - 1) build a nest box in that garden with that man 2) trap her to release her in the forest 3) call animal control (Service for protection of animals, SPA in France) to ask them to trap her.

[Olant]

One question - is there something we can construct that only she can access for food and not other birds?

[BigNibbler]

WONDERFUL NEWS! Persistence paid off!
Nuts inside shells, will not attract birds.
Almonds are my favorite, as they have a high calcium - phosphorus ratio.
They are easy for squirrels to crack.

But you should put something with far greater odor. like peanut butter.
The worry about birds should be that they would eat your food and not leave it for her. But if the food was correctly placed within a trap, birds could not reach it. I would not be worried that the birds would be drawn to where she is, by the food to find her.

It seems she is moving quite a bit. You may have to broaden your sign area.

If a person was feeding her, she might return to that person. Obviously you will stay in touch with all your contacts and try to get them to pass the word and develop new leads!!!
How many persons were feeding her...how recently ?

Reviewing your map, she will either stay in that large tree or green patch you saw her, or move to the next areas of green.. depending on if she is chased , feels safe, needs more food.
I would immediately put ups signs three blocks in those directions, and place a trap at each tree. If possible.
Is this public areas, or private property ?

I would not get animal control involved, without every confidence that they would return her to me.

Is your goal to release her, or is she a pet ?
Putting up a nest box is not likely to help, others may find it first. Even birds.
If you want her back, I would see about renting a bunch of traps from some trapping pest control company, Or buy a bunch. and place them strategically .
Please re-read my earlier advice on traps.

This story - and I truly hope for a happy ending, sounds like it could be made into a great children's book!

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

If this isn't dedication....I don't know what is!!!

[newsquirrelmommy]

Wow great news:D

[MollyBear361]

amazing persistence!!!

[SammysMom]

:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[stepnstone]

Has she been captured yet?
Any updates? :dono

[Olant]

Hello all! It's 2 months since our red squirrel Deserter was lost. We had put a live trap for 2 weeks in a garden with large trees. It is relatively large and peaceful area where she was sighted (around 500m x 500m). We couldn't capture her but we were a little less worried because of the area and people said she seems happy there.

2 days ago, she was seen in a shopping complex (http://vimeo.com/71085133). People reported that she later ran out towards a canal without a shallow bed. That means she left a relatively peaceful place after 2 months, crossed a really big and busy road and entered a relatively crowded mall. We are very afraid because we don't know why she chose the worst direction (not the cemetery or other parks), and that she might fall in the water. Google maps for the mall: https://maps.google.fr/maps?saddr=21+Rue+Saint-Urbain,+Strasbourg&daddr=Quai+Jeanne+Helbling&hl=en&ll=48.572703,7.758515&spn=0.003273,0.008122&sll=48.57276,7.757989&sspn=0.003273,0.008122&geocode=Ff0j5QIddWt2ACmT6dDyBsmWRzEaVNmx_er83g%3BF b4t5QId62F2AA&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=pr&z=17 (A is that garden and B is in that mall called Rivetoile)

Can someone tell, given this behavior and 5 months of age, her chances? Any tips about this behavior would also help.

Thanks!

[stosh2010]

Don't have any advice...but I'm thrilled that she is getting along OK....it seems.

[BigNibbler]

I had been thinking of you, and hoping that you might have been re-united. Your love is so strong. I wish you would think of writing a story, or book about your bond with this squirrel, because you both are most special, and most humans could learn a lot from your heart.
And as I recall, your mind is quite sharp too!

Regarding why she left?
Maybe she was chased?
Maybe birds raided her nest, over powering her.
Bird can visit, as a couple while she is out foraging, and not let her back.

Maybe it got soiled.
Maybe food shortage.
Maybe she is following a pheromone scent.

At least you have some small comfort that she is still alive and able to fend for herself.

Please keep the updates coming.
May your next one be better!

[Olant]

Thanks for the responses! We are worried she might fall (or jump) into the water. Also there are big birds like storks and swans which attack otter sized mammals and even some dogs. She is about 5 months old.

[Olant]

There is more news guys! We got a call two days ago that there is a red squirrel seen in a garden situated inside a park. We went there yesterday morning and we saw a female squirrel. She came down to us and took nuts from our hands (and hid them in the ground around) but did not approach other people. She seemed jumpy and so we are not sure if it is indeed her. There are two points we need to clarify:
1) She looked a bit different. The hair on her ears was not visible anymore. Is this normal considering that winter is coming?
2) Her coat colour had turned a fiery red while before she had a more brownish coat. We did see a slight brown coat at the lower back and the end of the tail. How does the coat colour change for red Eurasian squirrels?
3) She had a habit (when she was with us) of keeping her back legs on the wall or wood and then stretch forward with front legs to take the nuts. She did the same in the park. Is this a normal habit/instinct in red Eurasian squirrels or a very specific habit?

We will try to take some pictures and then post them. Maybe we would be able to tell whether this really is Deserter or not.

#Edit: Her age and size appear to be correct with that of Deserter. One more change that we noticed is that her coat is not as shiny. We will take some yoghurt, some milk powder and nuts to provide her calcium and some food for the coming winter.

[stosh2010]

Great News--a SIGHTING

Diet change--- Environment /Weather change-- Age progression---All these factors will change appearance a little.

My guys go thru molting which will make fur go from shiny to dull for a time.
Also on all of my 6 squirrels--the coloration on thier heads changes continuously--I call it their CROWNS...
If she came to you and not others--there is a good chance she is Deserter... Hoping !!!!!!!!!!!

[TubeDriver]

If she came to you and not others--there is a good chance she is Deserter... Hoping !!!!!!!!!!!


I agree^^^^^^^

[bonniel]

had a little red 4 months approx. she slid out of my hands and up a tree while vacationing with rv. i was terrified as we weren't even close to home.
i just stood by the tree as she roamed the area. then a got her favorite snack and all the while calling her to come, trying to remain calm and confident.
would you believe she jumped right into my hands. i know i was very lucky, and our situations are different.
my point of posting is to make yourself as available as you are able. and always have a snack.
i pray you get lucky as i did. my heart goes out to you♥
bonniel