can a house squirrel who gets out, get lost and not be able to find their way home?

[wa evergreen]

My squirrel who has never been outside, save two one hour jaunts, got out while I was gone. Going on three days now. I froze out the stupid roommates and left the door open all freezing day he left, and since then have left garage door cracked. It is located just beside his exit door. The garage is also where he had his main nest. I keep hoping to go out there and see his little face and hands pop out in a big morning stretch. (Wipes a tear..moving on) I have gone out at least morning, early afternoon and evening walking a block each direction from my house. Looking like a crazy loon to be sure. Walking, calling 'marvel...marvel' stopping to look and call at each tree. But I feel absolutely certain if he could hear the sound of my voice, he would at very very minimum show himself. He always always would. Even when he was in bed and likely sleeping. And he was a sound sleeper. He would always come out if I was gone more than a few hours. I raised him since about two weeks. He free roamed in my house. About six months old. We live in Western washington where we are in a cold snap of guessing 20's at night maybe up to low 50's in sunlight mid day. There are patches of trees all around in every direction.
Okay that's The background, here is the question .
could he have wandered too far from home and not know how to get back?
Lol and the ultimate and probably impossible to answer query...how long is reasonable to continue to actively search?

[stosh2010]

Oh My....sad event for sure. I live in Costa Rica and 8 months after release one of mine just showed up. But pre winter in Washington-is a whole different set of issues. Be sure to keep several small food plates around--outside--with a "measured amount" of food...so you can tell if any critter ate from it. Is he 6 months old ? He can find shelter, but if not exposed to the weather prior, he would not have developed his thicker winter fur.
Walking the area is a good idea. Calling and then quietly scanning the trees for any movement. Move slowly as not to miss a potential sighting. Bring binoculars.
You both are in my prayers---
Please keep us informed DAILY-- as others may have better suggestions--and each time you post here-it appears at the top of the TSB screeen... Post often !!

[stepnstone]

There is a chance he could have gotten run off but seriously doubt he is lost. More likely he is exploring his freedom.
How long you search is up to you but I wouldn't give up on his returning once he's enjoyed a bit of freedom, many do.

[Nancy in New York]

Are you keeping the garage door opened still?
Does he have a cage or a nest box that you can put out for him and periodically check?
Are you calling him?

edit: OK I see that you are calling for him.
IF anyone asks, do NOT say you are calling a squirrel. Say you lost your cat.
If he is too people friendly, I hope he does not jump on any person. :eek

Oh trust me, they do NOT typically show themselves when you are calling. I have done that
myself only to be watched from 25 feet above my head, and I swear
she was laughing at me. :shakehead

[HRT4SQRLS]

Is there some type of sound that he associates with treats ... nuts? If they associate the sound of the nut can or the crinkle of the bag, it will usually get their attention.

I have a friendly release. I go outside ... call her name ... and bang two pecans together and she comes soaring through the trees and stops when she's on my shoulder. Some days I can call until the cows come home and she ignores me. :shakehead

How is the tree canopy? Don't you have a lot of evergreens? That's important for sheltering from predators. I hope your baby returns soon. :grouphug Don't give up!!

[wa evergreen]

UPDATE HE CAME HOME...just like I hoped he would. Came into garage door I left open for him, and scratched at back door like when he would do when door was shut. I am so thrilled. Thank you for your support. :)
New question? I am under the impression it is in his best interest to stay a house squirrel. If that is not correct someone please let me know, how I should release him safely. I want him to stay right here with me but want what best for him more. Thanks again




My squirrel who has never been outside, save two one hour jaunts, got out while I was gone. Going on three days now. I froze out the stupid roommates and left the door open all freezing day he left, and since then have left garage door cracked. It is located just beside his exit door. The garage is also where he had his main nest. I keep hoping to go out there and see his little face and hands pop out in a big morning stretch. (Wipes a tear..moving on) I have gone out at least morning, early afternoon and evening walking a block each direction from my house. Looking like a crazy loon to be sure. Walking, calling 'marvel...marvel' stopping to look and call at each tree. But I feel absolutely certain if he could hear the sound of my voice, he would at very very minimum show himself. He always always would. Even when he was in bed and likely sleeping. And he was a sound sleeper. He would always come out if I was gone more than a few hours. I raised him since about two weeks. He free roamed in my house. About six months old. We live in Western washington where we are in a cold snap of guessing 20's at night maybe up to low 50's in sunlight mid day. There are patches of trees all around in every direction.
Okay that's The background, here is the question .
could he have wandered too far from home and not know how to get back?
Lol and the ultimate and probably impossible to answer query...how long is reasonable to continue to actively search?

[HRT4SQRLS]

:shine:shine:goofwe:goofwe:fireworks:fireworks:flu ff1
Wonderful news!!! I'm so happy for you! :grin2
If this is a healthy squirrel, release is the best option as they really don't make great pets. There are exceptions, of course. :tilt

You don't have to make that decision now because it is too late in the year to release in your area. You will need to over winter your baby for the best chance for survival. It is much too cold, no food stashes and limited foraging experience. He should be released in the spring if you are going to release him.

When someone mentioned that he shouldn't go outside, there were referring to non-releases and those too young to survive on their own. The reason is because of what you just experienced. Sometimes they never return. Release is a process. He should be released in a soft release which entails being in a predator proof release cage until he is comfortable outside. Sounds like he already has a head start on that. :tilt

I'm very happy for you. :thumbsup

[Spanky]

I am very happy for you that your buddy came back home! :thumbsup

If they are healthy, you should consider releasing them, but there is a process to that as others have commented. If you are lucky they will visit you frequently and at the same time cause you sleepless nights worrying about them when they don't show up. But you already have had that experience! I believe they are happier in the trees where they were meant to be! But if any of my squirrels ever needed help I would be there for them.. and they do come to us when the need help!

[stosh2010]

Ya Hooooooooo !!!!
The Prodigal Son....returns.
Prayers answered ( Quite Quickly ---I Must Say)

It's now time to post some pics of MARVEL.

I can post them--HERE-- if you wish to e-mail to me:
stosh@jpcfl.com

[stepnstone]

UPDATE HE CAME HOME...

Fantastic!! :dance

[grampyngramy]

:thumbsup so glad to hear. :dance