Attacked (Me not a squirrel)

[firerunner]

In April I had 9 squirrels plus 6 birds as well as the normal stuff and a baby squirrel came in (april 4 about two weeks old) . Someone I know was interested in raising him, since I had my hands full and said yes and guided her, telling her that this baby would need released.

Fast forward to this week and she brings him over. I had her start to separate from him a month ago, not spend so much time with him, put his cage outside etc. so when he came here he would be prepared for a few weeks in our fish house. I settle him in the fish house with his cage (open so he can access it anytime he wants) as well as his toys hammock feeding dish etc.

That was wednesday

Today I go out, and I hand him a peanut and next thing I know he is literally attacking me. Two bites on my finger, a couple of bites on my shoulder and lots of scratches. Imagine my surprise!

Has this happened to any one else?

Why do you think this happened?

Most importantly will he be releaseable in a few weeks?

It is not his fault but I am a little afraid to go back into the fish house LOL He got me pretty good.

Thoughts?

[megatronisabeast]

It sounds like he was used to the other person and since you aren't that person he attacked you to let you know not to bother him. I think he will be releasable, I doubt he will go around attacking people.

[Spanky]

My wife and I (mostly my wife!) had a similar experience just a couple months ago. This baby was about 8 weeks +/- when she came here and had a very rough start. After being outside for almost 2 weeks (but still returning to the RC), she attacked KT... once. I was prepared to relocate her and release her far away from here and humans but we decided to do a very cautious "wait and see" period. But another incident would be intolerable, especially with grand kids that come and visit. To date Daisy has never attacked another person and while I still see Daisy occasionally (she seems to be doing well), I have wild "yard squirrels" that are more friendly to us that Daisy.

(I tease KT that she must remind Daisy of the lady down Atalanta way that sprayed bleach on her and poured boiled water over her! (I did mention Daisy had a very rough start in the world!)).

Here is the thread about Daisy's attack on KT:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?50694-Daisy-showing-agression

[UDoWhat]

I think it seems like an over stimulated food aggression episode. He may be a little confused with the changes in location and caregivers too. I would not hand him peanuts or any food anymore. He may think you are taking the food not giving it to him. It could happen again but I think it is the food aggression that caused him to react that way. Just place the food in his enclosure with no hand contact so he doesn't associated you or any other person with food handouts. Hopefully, when released he won't be so aggressive about food. Take care of those bites and scratches. They can be painful .... I know.

[pappy1264]

Did I read this correct...you have his cage in a fish house (assuming that is a building of some sort) but his cage is open? He may have stashes inside there and is protecting them. I would not have his loose inside. He should be in a pre-release cage outside, given some time to adjust to the outdoors, local wildlife, etc, then released from there. I may be incorrect in my understanding of the situation, but if he is loose inside the fish house, that is the problem, he sees it as 'his'.

[Nancy in New York]

I believe this is what firerunner is referring to as the fish house.
Yeah, I know...........everyone will be knocking on her door for release.
I'm already in line. :rolf

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-gsm4Tgf/0/L/i-gsm4Tgf-L.jpg (https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/Backyard-wilflife/n-kzhsL/i-gsm4Tgf/A)