Will Separated Siblings Recognize Each Other In The Wild?

[skeebo]

I found a 6 - 8 week old baby, and have had him for about two weeks. Assuming his siblings and/or mother are still alive, will he recognize them once he gets launched this Spring? I recently retired, and watched several families of baby squirrels "hatch" and they were just like little kittens playing with each other, only much more agile. I'm playing with him a lot, and bought him a toy flying squirrel which he enjoys chewing on, but am wondering if he will play with siblings if reunited.

[Anne]

If you have ever had a litter of kittens and divided them up to new homes, it's like that with squirrels. They probably will not remember each other-Momma's have been known to drive away older young to safeguard a newer litter.

[CritterMom]

That said, they also form relationships with unrelated squirrels, and the grays will often jam as many as they can into nest boxes and holes at night to sleep - everyone unrelated, just taking advantage of body heat. So while he may not necessarily recognize them as siblings, he may wind up playing with and hanging with one or more of them.