MOVING TO NV FROM NC IN FEBRUARY. HELP ME WITH TRAVEL ADVICE! NOT LEAVING BABY BEHIND

[Starrr]

family is moving to Reno to from Wilmington Nc 2/1/201Leaving our eastern grey squirrel is NOT AN OPTION. I have raised him and his two brothers (who were released) since they were 5 days old. He is unreleasable. Trust me we have tried. Squirrel Squirrel (his name) wants nothing to do with outside. He's my Prince. He has his own room (squirrel proof) and has only spent time in a cage if we go to the vet. He is taken on outings daily And wears his harness. He is a HUGE part of our family. my Hubby and kids adore him And he loves them too. We are planning to fly and wanted to know if anybody has flown with their squirrel? Is it an option? What are my options on getting him across the country as fast as possible without the trama of a cage. He has the run of my house when we are home. He is very loved and leaving him would be like leaving my hubby behind (probably worse) lol. Please please help!

[SammysMom]

NO WAY!!! He will be confiscated. He is an illegal pet so you MUST not even consider it. Driving is the only way for him to safely go there with you.

[Shewhosweptforest]

I would never attempt to take my squirrel on an airline :dono too easy to have her confiscated...as far as traveling by car...I've found my squirrel I've taken to the vet, Nougie, is calm in the car...I don't know if it's the movement or the "white noise" of driving ....driving is the only way I would take my Baby anywhere:thumbsup I totally understand not leaving Squirrel Squirrel behind :Love_Icon

[Starrr]

He's great in the car. He literally goes everywhere with me. My kids on the other hand 4 days in a car omg! I'd rather put hot needles in my eyes. And not sure that my car would make the 3000 mile journey. I've been trying to find out if they are illegal. I do know that flying squirrels are legal in Nevada. I'm calling the department of wildlife in the a.m. yo get a definite answer. Maybe I can get my vet to say Squirrel Squirrel is a flyer? I don't know? How do you start a train? A car train lol. Or is riding the rails an option also? Bus?

[SammysMom]

They are illegal in NV and everywhere else except Florida and I believe Arkansas. No public transportation. Maybe you can rent a car and drive it one way? To keep your little one safe, you need to drive him there.

[Nancy in New York]

They are illegal in NV and everywhere else except Florida and I believe Arkansas. No public transportation. Maybe you can rent a car and drive it one way? To keep your little one safe, you need to drive him there.

And do NOT get caught with a squirrel in the car, they are NOT suppose to cross state lines. :nono

[Starrr]

Oh great! Not what I wanted to hear. So car is my only option. Im still going to call NDOW just to make sure. But leaving him behind makes me so sick to my stomach. He has maybe spent 30 mins of his life in a cage. I highly highly doubt anybody would keep him cage free. My house looks like it was built for him. I don't think I could ever let him go. Well I'll keep y'all posted on what they say tomorrow morning.

[SammysMom]

He is illegal. Be VERY careful what you say and block your number when calling. We are telling you the answers that are true. Don't look for trouble by getting too inolved in trying to find better answers. He is NOT legal.

[Nancy in New York]

Oh great! Not what I wanted to hear. So car is my only option. Im still going to call NDOW just to make sure. But leaving him behind makes me so sick to my stomach. He has maybe spent 30 mins of his life in a cage. I highly highly doubt anybody would keep him cage free. My house looks like it was built for him. I don't think I could ever let him go. Well I'll keep y'all posted on what they say tomorrow morning.

Geez not sure about calling the authorities, since you too are in an illegal state.
Perhaps you can look on the internet, but I am sure about crossing state lines.
You just have to be careful when driving that you don't get pulled over for anything.
If he is caged for the car ride, it's only for his protection. You can also offer Rescue Remedy.
How long have you had this squirrel?

[island rehabber]

Absolutely DO NOT call authorities about this. Pet squirrels are illegal in both NC and NV. Squirrels are not supposed to be taken over state lines -- NO wildlife is.

You and the kids fly. Hubby needs to rent a car and drive with the squirrel. It's a one-time big expense and big pain in the ass, but the VERY REAL possibility that Squirrel Squirrel will end up like poor Nut from Washington state is worth ANY inconvenience. :nono

[sassysquirrel]

Yes - listen to everyone above.

Please be very careful what information you give out.

Put the kids on a plane and you make the drive:grin3
If you do move and take squirrel with you to NV - be very careful who
you tell you have a squirrel. Anyone can report it. Squirrel will be taken and euthanized. Be very very careful.

[SammysMom]

This is a baby squirrel from just last year, right? The other option would be for us to try to find someone in your area who could rehab and release Squirrel Squirrel for you.

[California Squirrel Lover]

I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER in a million years call anyone with any question of any kind, period. Then again, that's just me. I feel this way with ALL things in life, stay under the radar. I wouldn't even have to ask, if this were me, I'd have already sent my mom ahead with the kids, and hubby and I would be on the road, driving. I would not think he'd survive if confiscated, but put down, I would imagine? Such a horrible thought!!

[Starrr]

Ok not going to call. The last thing I want is him taken from me. Oh my God and euthanized! What is wrong with people? I've had him since June 17. I know its not that long but its been the best 6 1/2 mont Driving it shall be. Lol. I am VERY carefull Who sees him. He's always in my hoody In public. I did know he was illegal in Nc. So I choose wisely . Im just being open with you guys because I know this is a safe place to ask questions and reliable advice

[California Squirrel Lover]

This is a baby squirrel from just last year, right? The other option would be for us to try to find someone in your area who could rehab and release Squirrel Squirrel for you.

SammysMom, awesome option as well!! Anything to keep this little one SAFE AND ALIVE!!

[Shewhosweptforest]

Ok not going to call. The last thing I want is him taken from me. Oh my God and euthanized! What is wrong with people? I've had him since June 17. I know its not that long but its been the best 6 1/2 mont Driving it shall be. Lol. I am VERY carefull Who sees him. He's always in my hoody In public. I did know he was illegal in Nc. So I choose wisely . Im just being open with you guys because I know this is a safe place to ask questions and reliable advice


:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Starrr]

He is one of three last year yes. The others were released but he has problems with his rear end ( not mad) my vet said he had a break in his spine. He is very mobile just not fast. He would be dead asap. He can maybe trot that's his fastest gate. He does great when warm out but the cold bothers him

[sassysquirrel]

If he is only 6 1/2 months old - he is still young enough to be released. Maybe a experienced rehabber could help. Something to think about - What if he "wilds up" after the move and then needs to be released.

Can a NC squirrel be released in NV and survive?

Maybe some other more experienced members can help with some more suggestions.

[Starrr]

Please trust me that if he could make it in the wild I would much rather him be there having his own squirrel family. When the others were with him he was beat up all day long and had to be separated. We tried a soft release and he got around other squirrels and they beat him up also. They know he's not right. He will sometimes drag his rear end. But there's not much I can do except keep him safe. That was my goal to save their lives. That's what I'm doing. I don't know if he will "wild up" but we've been thru so much already we will cross that bridge if/when it comes.

[Shewhosweptforest]

I think if he's happy with you and goes everywhere and wears a harness...he's fine...sure maybe you could try and "make" him wild up :dono but if you keep treating him the same way you always have he will be fine:thumbsup I mean things could change but I think that would be unlikely. You are all he knows and he is happy :Love_Icon

Plus with his physical disability he really "can't" be released.

[TubeDriver]

Absolutely DO NOT call authorities about this. Pet squirrels are illegal in both NC and NV. Squirrels are not supposed to be taken over state lines -- NO wildlife is.

You and the kids fly. Hubby needs to rent a car and drive with the squirrel. It's a one-time big expense and big pain in the ass, but the VERY REAL possibility that Squirrel Squirrel will end up like poor Nut from Washington state is worth ANY inconvenience. :nono


:goodpost. This is all true. Please be very careful about calling the authorities, do not call from your home or cell phone.

[Nancy in New York]

Even if he does wild up, if he is compromised in his back area, and slow, he is not
a good candidate for release, unless by some miracle that gets better.

[Duckman]

You can't fly him there because it is illegal to transport non-native species from one state to another. Even it he was legal in NV, he wasn't born there, and you have to cross many states where he is not legal. If you get caught, he will be put down. No if's and's or but's! You're only options are to either drive and keep his cage hidden, or leave him with someone in NC. Personally, I am hoping you drive (you can always drive out and the kids can come with the other parent via plane!), but PLEASE make sure you have him hidden. One speeding ticket or pull to the curb will mean his death. Also, do not enter Arizona or California. They have roadside inspection stations just inside the border, on all roads, to inspect for produce and animals, which are not allowed in the state. He will be gone in an instant and would have a better chance being released just before you cross the border (in the wide open desert, which is almost nil!). Research this out and make sure you have a complete plan and cover all bases! I will be praying for you!

[sassysquirrel]

Sorry did not realize he was injuried and has difficulties moving.

Not a canidate for release unless as Nancy says a miracle.

[ab3286]

My non-release travel with me all the time. I have a tall cage with a hammock that makes it more comfortable. Have a blanket handy in case you get pulled over. It stops all the questions.

[farrelli]

He's on a proper diet with rodent blocks as the primary food, right? The dragging rear end bothers me.

[JoeysKeeper]

Starr, I just wanted to point out that I made the trip from Louisiana to Oregon with all four of my pets. It was 3,600 miles all together (I took the longer route to stop at the Grand Canyon and such). I stopped at Motel 6s along the way because they are cheap and accept animals. The hotel access is all outside so I didn't have a problem with anyone seeing. The animals were all fine. I took Joey's cage and made it half the size to fit in my car for the trip - then just got him a new one when I arrived in OR. I'm just pointing this out because it can be done. I'm 23 and drove by myself with all four pets all the way. The plane just isn't an option since they aren't legal. But on the bright side - you could make it a fun trip!

[kcassidy]

I too traveled across most of the country with a squirrel when I moved from NY to AZ. I kept my squirrel in a cat carrier and on the front seat next to me. I had 2 Boxers, 3 Cats a Mouse and a Squirrel, horse went ahead of me with a professional shipper. I snuck him in and out of hotels and I too stayed in the hotels that had outside/direct access to my room. In AZ you have to go thru border patrol, I had paperwork for all the cats/dogs and no one even looked, I was able to stuff the cat carrier in the back of my trailer with all my furniture so no one noticed.

Just like everyone else said, you are not legally allowed to cross state lines with wildlife, so have a plan if you have to go thru any border patrols.

Glad you are keeping your baby and not abandoning him!

Good luck with your drive and the move to a new place, what a difference, NC to NV, wow.

[Bunnybread30]

state law does not apply to flying.

All airspace is under FEDERAL law, not state law.

[stosh2010]

Starr wrote: ( Jan 2014)
I have raised him and his two brothers (who were released) since they were 5 days old. He is unreleasable. Trust me we have tried. Squirrel Squirrel (his name) wants nothing to do with outside. He's my Prince.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and a Year has PASSED>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

How is Squirrel-Squirrel ????